In space, if you win, I win: The path to harnessing mutual benefit from civil space activities

Paper number

IAC-22,E3,IPB,9,x72417

Author

Mr. Scott Schneider, Australia

Year

2022

Abstract

This paper examines the impacts and the potential benefits of the space economy on end users. The opportunities presented by civil space activities are discussed in the context of how states, organisations, individuals, families and communities may access those opportunities. Discussion considers the goals of certain multinational treaties and the circumstances of societies within the states parties to or the states targeted by those treaties. The paper also considers the context and outcomes thus far of UN Resolution 51/122 and whether the goals and metrics are appropriate for determining whether the most benefit has been, or will be, awarded to “all states” including, in particular “developing countries”.
To analyse the significance of these frameworks, the paper takes determines whether the needs expressed by states and international frameworks are in common with the needs evident to or expressed by individuals and communities. The paper concludes it is of little value to quantify and monitor the “benefit” of space activities on a state level. Rather, benefits must be measured against the positive impacts upon and expressed by individuals, families and communities. The well being of such society-level target groups illustrates the mutual benefit which space activities enable, ranging from the service provider on one side and the end user, and beyond, on the other.
To this end, the paper proposes that states, if to continuing to lead in the expenditure and international governance of space activities, continue to promote international cooperation on the one hand and, on the other, promote the removal of barriers to accessing the benefits of the space economy with a wider perspective. Such barriers are not necessarily trade related but relate to political or environmental circumstances which block benefits of space activities reaching people most in need.

Abstract document

IAC-22,E3,IPB,9,x72417.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)