Credit: Space Security Index Now available, executive summary of Space Security 2011, the eighth annual report on developments that have an impact on the security and long-term sustainability of outer space.
The Space Security Index (SSI) is pleased to announce the release of the executive summary of Space Security 2011, the eighth annual report on developments that have an impact on the security and long-term sustainability of outer space.
“The Index provides a comprehensive summary of civil, commercial and military space activities in 2010, identified important trends, and analyzes their impact on space security,” said Cesar Jaramillo, Project Manager for the report. It was produced by the Space Security Index, an international research consortium that aims to improve transparency with respect to space activities and to support the development of national and international policies that contribute to space security.
Funding and support for the SSI project comes from Secure World Foundation (SWF), The Simons Foundation, Project Ploughshares, the Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University, and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. The goal of the Index is to provide a well-informed, unbiased perspective on the current status of space security.
The developments covered in the report are related to areas such as the physical and electromagnetic space environment, the efforts to develop policies and laws for space activities, commercial space, and space support for terrestrial military operations and national security. Among the significant developments from 2010 covered in this year’s report:
- The amount of orbital debris cataloged from the intentional destruction of a Chinese satellite in 2007 surpasses 3,000 objects
- The U.S. military continues to expand its Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Sharing Program and looks to establish data-sharing agreements with commercial companies and other countries
- The European Union’s proposed international Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities is revised and presented for international consultation
- Africa considers the establishment of an African Space Agency
- Russia proposes a United Nations resolution that would create a Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) to study Transparency and Confidence Building Measures (TCBMs)
- European telecommunications satellite broadcasts continue to be jammed from Iran, despite international pressure
- Secrecy surrounds launch of the U.S. military’s X-37B test vehicle, raising questions about its precise mission and potential capabilities