In the ever-evolving and competitive space environment, countries need to adopt a more holistic approach to space governance. The convergence of commercial interests, technological advancements, and national security needs in space presents new challenges.
The recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine has highlighted the dual use of space technologies for both civilian and military purposes. Earth observation satellites, once used for environmental monitoring, are now being utilized for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering by both sides in the conflict.
This shift emphasizes the importance of protecting and strengthening space-based capabilities. Countries worldwide are recognizing this need, with France’s AsterX military exercise being a recent example of efforts to enhance space capabilities and safeguard assets.
The European push for space regulation
Despite the increasing activities in space, regulations in this domain remain limited. Regional powers like the EU are now advocating for legislation to protect sovereign access to space through a dual-track approach focusing on safety and security concerns.
The EU is reevaluating its stance on space as a military domain, with the 2023 Space Strategy for Security and Defence highlighting the bloc’s reliance on space in this context. The European Defence Industrial Strategy also includes key projects like Space Domain Awareness to be completed by 2035.
Simultaneously, the EU is promoting safe and sustainable use of orbital resources through Space Traffic Management and the European Space Agency’s Zero Debris Charter.
However, there is a need to better connect space safety with overall security to address challenges like orbital congestion effectively.
Adjusting space defence strategies
The orbital environment has drastically changed with the emergence of the New Space industry, leading to a significant increase in satellites and debris. Orbital congestion poses risks of collisions and threats to space systems, including defence. Debris from adversarial attacks and potential nuclear space weapons also contribute to the fragility of the orbital environment.
Current strategies often fail to address the full range of threats to space assets under a unified strategy, making it challenging to mitigate risks effectively.
EU-Nato collaboration
Future laws and strategies should offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges to sovereign access to space. The EU, with the ability to set binding requirements, can promote more sustainable behaviors in space. The upcoming proposal for a European Union Space Law (EUSL) should acknowledge the interplay between space safety and security.
Enhancing cooperation through military exercises and information-sharing with partners like NATO is crucial for reinforcing common security and addressing safety risks in military operations.
