Space And Security: Canada’s Evolving Two-track Approach To The Use Of Outer Space
- Paper number
IAC-07-E3.2.04
- Author
Dr. Thomas Gillon, Government of Canada, Canada
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Over the past 15 years Canada has become increasingly active in space. This paper will examine the two-track approach is evolving in Canada focusing on two key areas – the use of space systems for national economic, environmental and security interests, and the advocacy of a space security regime that will serve Canada’s interests by mitigating risks to Canadian space assets. With its vast territory, including extensive coastal waters, the Arctic archipelago and millions of square kilometers of territory, it has become clear that the best way to conduct gather information about Canada is with a mix of airborne and space-based platforms. Radarsat 2 and its follow-on, the SAR constellation mission of three radar satellites will contribute greatly to Canada’s knowledge of its territory and to its security. Several Government departments as well as the private sector have active programs to develop and exploit space capabilities. There is no doubt that Canada will be dependent on space assets and with dependence comes vulnerability. A state does not need hundreds of assets in orbit to be vulnerable. A state that relies on only a few such systems is, perhaps, more vulnerable given the lack of redundancy. Few countries can afford even the most rudimentary space-based defensive capabilities. While non-offensive defence options exist such as hardening and shielding of satellites, they are no guarantee against threats to space systems. Anti-satellite weapons pose the most dramatic threat but the likelihood of their use is low. A greater risk to space assets, Canada’s among them, is the unregulated use of space by all space faring nations and the creation of debris that can disable or destroy a nation’s space systems. All of these risks must be addressed. Reducing vulnerability is in Canada’s interest. The Canadian approach to ensuring our continued ability to access and use space has been to work multilaterally to establish a common understanding of space security defined as the secure and sustainable access to and use of space, and freedom from space-based threats. Such an approach is ultimately democratic as the benefits accrue to all who use space, not just Canada. It is also consistent with Canada’s long history as a middle power and an honest broker in international affairs. Space security is important but it is acknowledged in Canada that such a goal can only be achieved incrementally. By focusing on practical steps such as orbital debris mitigation, rules of the road and transparency and confidence building measures, Canada hopes to contribute to the development of a philosophical and achievable approach to space security. Efforts to reduce the vulnerability of Canada’s space assets, and those of other nations, multilaterally, while exploiting those assets to support the economic, environmental and security interests of the country mark the two tracks of Canada’s approach to space security.
- Abstract document