Terrorism in Space. Examining the Issues and Mitigating the Risks.
- Paper number
IAC-17,E3,4,10,x39493
- Author
Dr. Nikki Coleman, UNSW Australia, Australia
- Coauthor
Dr. Stephen Coleman, UNSW Australia, Australia
- Year
2017
- Abstract
Technological advances over the past 50 years have made much of society dependent on a safe and secure space environment. Daily communications, GPS systems, economic systems and transactions have all become largely dependent on reliable satellite systems. At the same time the cost of creating and maintaining satellite technologies has decreased to the stage where it is no longer only the “rich” countries of the world who are able to invest in research in to these new technologies. This dramatic increase in space capabilities across the globe has enabled new countries to take control of their technological future in relation to space research. The combination of the increasing reliance of individuals and states on satellite technology, combined with the decreasing cost of placing assets into orbit, has dramatically increased the possibility state or non-state terrorist groups utilising space as an area of operations. This paper discusses some of the ethical issues raised by potential terrorist attacks on state and commercial assets in space, and some of the measures that may be used to mitigate these risks.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-17,E3,4,10,x39493.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.