The second space age, from to today, looks remarkably different. Now, more satellites are operated by private companies than militaries, and more space launches and new satellites come from countries other than the United States and Russia.
More players in space—particularly more unpredictable players—means more opportunities for aggressive behavior, like developing anti-satellite technologies or hacking satellite communications. And if their nuclear programs on Earth are any guide , they could pose serious threats if left unchecked.
Efforts have been made to create a modern-day space rulebook, but so far none have gained traction. In , when Russia and China both proposed norms of behavior, the United States refused to sign on.
Now we should start talking about how to avoid that war. To prevent conflict in the upper atmosphere, all potential adversaries—the United States, China, North Korea, Iran, Russia, the EU—need to align, and agree on norms of behavior. They need rules. Skip to content Site Navigation The Atlantic. Popular Latest. Trial Try full digital access and see why over 1 million readers subscribe to the FT. For 4 weeks receive unlimited Premium digital access to the FT's trusted, award-winning business news.
Digital Be informed with the essential news and opinion. Delivery to your home or office Monday to Saturday FT Weekend paper — a stimulating blend of news and lifestyle features ePaper access — the digital replica of the printed newspaper. Team or Enterprise Premium FT. Pay based on use. The meeting focused on several issues, including satellite data usage for natural disasters, space debris, and climate change in relation to space. Also, delegates from Canada in conjunction with the Space Security Index issued a presentation discussing current trends in the militarization of space, specifically in terms of reconnaissance, surveillance, navigations, and intelligence operations.
It was adopted on 26 October by a vote of in favor, none against, and two abstentions. Australia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan welcomed and supported the draft treaty submitted by Russia and China in The Russian delegation reiterated the need to move toward the implementation for the draft treaty.
On 1 April the United Kingdom launched its new Space Agency, designed to provide a single voice on space issues for the United Kingdom as well as coordinate, develop and promote space activities within the United Kingdom. On 26 November the European Union held the Seventh Space Council, which called for the creation of a comprehensive space strategy for the EU and discussed best practices in order to implement the Galileo and Global Monitoring for Environment and Security projects.
This resolution had previously been blocked by the United States, which had voted against it since With Israel maintaining its abstention from previous years and the United States switching its vote to an abstention some progress was able to be made. For the first time in a decade, the CD reached agreement on a program of work. On 20 February, the United States shot down a failed spy satellite that was carrying approximately a half-ton of hydrazine rocket fuel, a toxic chemical.
Many countries criticized this act because the satellite was shot down using a three stage, Standard Missile-3, whose primary purpose is for use as an interceptor for the U. On 11 January, the Chinese fired a missile to shoot down one of its own ageing weather satellites.
This raised fears in the United States concerning a potential space race. Japan also strongly condemned the test, declaring concern over its national security and the possibility of an arms race in space. Despite condemning the test, the United States continued to pursue several space and missile defense projects, many of which have dual-use capabilities.
Russia again introduced a resolution for transparency and confidence building measures for activities in outer space. In accordance with previous years all voted in favor of the resolution except for the United States objection and Israel abstaining.
The European Union proposed the development of a comprehensive code of conduct on objects and activities related to space, and suggested general principles, scope and participation for such a code. Russia again introduced a resolution on transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities, which enjoyed substantial support.
The United States maintained its objections and Israel continued to abstain from the vote. This working paper suggested different types of confidence-building measures such as exchanges of information, demonstrations, notifications, consultations and thematic workshops. Original article on Space.
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