Enhancing Security by Promoting Responsible Behavior in Space

Abstract : The growing use of space presents shared challenges for current, emerging, and future space-faring nations. As stated in the 2010 U.S. National Space Policy, All nations have the right to use and explore space, but with this right also comes responsibility. The policy further calls on all nations to work together to adopt approaches for responsible activity in space to preserve this right for the benefit of future generations. Establishing widely accepted guidelines for responsible behavior in space can enhance the national security of the United States and its allies while enabling the peaceful space activities of all who seek to benefit from space. Together with enhancing the resilience of U.S. and partner space capabilities, collaborating with other responsible space operators, and maintaining the capability to respond to potential attacks, promoting responsible behavior in space is the foundation of a multilayered approach to deterring threats to U.S. space systems. The United States will continue to lead in defining the responsible, peaceful, and safe use of space with the many nations, commercial firms, and intergovernmental organizations that field, or aspire to field, space capabilities. But because space is no longer populated by government satellites alone, a variety of means must be pursued to cooperatively define responsible space operations. Everything from diplomatic initiatives, such as an international code of conduct for space, to technical standards and best practice guidelines can contribute to this goal. As stated in the National Security Space Strategy, The United States will support development of data standards, best practices, transparency and confidence-building measures, and norms of behavior for responsible space operations. These different approaches to defining responsible behavior can and should be pursued by different segments of the growing community of space operators and space users.