A Multi-Stakeholder Lunar Registry of Objects and Activities for International Transparency and Collaboration

Paper number

IAC-23,D3,3,2,x79683

Author

Ms. Rachel Williams, Open Lunar Foundation, United States

Year

2023

Abstract

The Moon is set to experience a surge in human activity with over 100 missions planned by 2030 from state and private actors, making coordination and transparency critical to mitigate emerging threats and challenges to the developing lunar environment. Currently, there is no single source of trusted information to coordinate and monitor lunar activity. To address this issue, a multistakeholder Registry of Lunar Objects and Activities is proposed, which would act as an apolitical and trusted platform for Lunar actors to maintain consistent mission situation information and promote information sharing among stakeholders. 
This paper will analyze the impact of geopolitical competition on international cooperation and governance frameworks situating the need, opportunities and challenges for a Lunar Registry. It then outlines the specific barriers, incentives, and opportunities for the proposed Registry, and offers policy and governance methodology, institutional design options, and framework for implementation. Throughout an applied history and comparative approach is utilized to draw upon and analyze historical precedents and contextually similar contemporary approaches which can inform the development of the registry. The leveraging of cooperative multi stakeholder design is advocated as central to a Lunar registry's success regarding engagement and utilization.

A registry will set a baseline for information sharing and aid the development of cooperative normative behaviors, promote clear understanding of past, current and future activities between actors, and enable appropriate coordination to reduce risk. It will also promote transparency around Lunar activity as a key component of Lunar exploration and empower the public to engage with the development of the Lunar economy and environment. The whitepaper stresses the importance of starting work on the registry now, prior to the commencement of significant lunar activity, to help ensure cooperative aims and behaviors, enshrined in current agreements, are normalized from the start.
 
The whitepaper offers a comprehensive analysis of the risks and opportunities for a Lunar Registry, providing a framework for implementation that takes into account historical context and the complexities of international cooperation in space governance while providing an illustrative example of how a registry could function for the benefit of all space stakeholders.

Abstract document

IAC-23,D3,3,2,x79683.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-23,D3,3,2,x79683.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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