“space traffic management” for the prevention of weaponization of outer space

Paper number

IAC-08.E8.2.11

Author

Prof. Setsuko Aoki, Keio University, Japan

Year

2008

Abstract

Majority of participating states at the Conference on Disarmament (CD) have long expressed the concern of the increasing military use of outer space which could be categorized as “weaponization” of outer space. An ASAT experiment conducted by China in January 2007 has certainly increased the concern. Yet, since the setting-up of the CD, no proposals to address “weaponization” of outer space has been endorsed for the further discussion, and, today, it seems most difficult to even re-establish the ad hoc Committee on Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS). Space security seems in danger without the effective action to be taken by global community. 
  Entering into 21st century, the notion of “space traffic management” (STM) has become prevalent in securing safety use of outer space. STM has been introduced as a broad concept, including the space debris mitigation measures, frequencies and slot management, the notification system of space launching, and the clarification of the relationship between “state of registry” and “launching state(s).”  Examples of the recent events which demonstrate the focused attention paid to the STM would include: the Chairman of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) wrote, in June 2007, in his report that STM may be one of the future agenda items; and Portugal submitted a proposal on behalf of the EU that contains the notion of the STM as an important element in a potential Code of Conduct at the first Committee of the UN in the 2007 session (A/62/114 add.1). 
  Pursue of the STM could be a proxy of the stagnant arms control efforts at the CD?  My tentative conclusion is positive if the following conditions are to be met: (a) emphasis is to be placed upon the safety, not security itself; (b) definition of “space weapons”, “ASAT” and “weaponization” would be avoided; (c) soft law framework is to be chosen such as code of conduct, or guidelines; (d) such code of conduct (or guidelines) would be supported by the space law and arms control experts, as well as a certain number of governments; (e) appropriate monitoring measures on the action taken in outer space would be constructed along with the settlement of disputes clauses; (f) draft code of conduct (or guidelines) is to be adopted and carried out by the like-minded states outside the CD as a first step.  Elements to be included in a future code of conduct would be enumerated in my paper.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E8.2.11.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E8.2.11.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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