Outer space security has become an increasingly important issue over recent years. For example, the global community of spacefaring nations is witnessing a sizeable increase in orbital debris from both deliberate and accidental satellite destructions.

A new report has flagged a series of recommendations to help address the orbital debris concern, and other issues that can assure enhanced security in space for all.

The report - entitled "Towards Greater Security in Outer Space: Some Recommendations" - has been released, made possible by information gathered during a recent workshop held in Paris, France and co-sponsored by Secure World Foundation and the L'Institut fran�ais des relations internationales (Ifri).

Collision avoidance exercises
The report puts in perspective the dynamics of current international deliberations and actions on space security and presents a set of key recommendations, among them:

+ There should be a concerted effort to establish an international Space Situational Awareness (SSA) architecture in order to reduce the risk of accidental collisions in space.

+ Research should be increased on methods of deorbiting critical pieces of debris safely and effectively. In addition, research should start on the legal and political issues of removing debris from orbit in order to provide the legal and policy bases for such activities.

+ The space community should have a "phonebook" of the satellite maneuvering centers maintained by operators to contact them quickly in case of need. In addition, satellite operators could agree to conduct "collision avoidance" exercises.

+ The Working Group on Best Practices within the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations' Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva should pursue additional means to limit creation of space debris. Regular communication with delegates at the CD should ensure the latter understand the role of debris in contributing to an insecure space environment. Information exchanges

In addition, the report underscored the fact that information exchanges between UN COPUOS and the CD would foster better communication and understanding of the work of each committee with respect to outer space and resolve possible divergences should they occur.

The report also spotlighted, as an independent entity active in the field, that the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) has played an important role in reinforcing the communication channels between the two bodies and should continue to do so.

Furthermore, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) community can also make an important contribution to better understanding and assist in raising the level of technical and diplomatic expertise on outer space matters in both international entities.

Overall, the study has found it important to upgrade the level of technical knowledge of policy-makers sitting at negotiation tables. Doing so, for instance, could help distinguishing weapon versus non-weapon space applications.

Now is the time to act
Based on a consultation with noteworthy actors in the field, the SWF/Ifri report contains both an assessment of the situation and a series of recommendations.

"The report is intended to facilitate future debates on space security," explained Laurence Nardon. Research Fellow and Head of the United States Program and of the Space Policy Program at Ifri.

Nardon said that the recent series of debris-creating events in space has produced a better sense of the threat to space stability. "Now is the time to act," she added.

"We also recommend practical steps for better space stability," Nardon said, such as maintaining a satellite operators' phonebook for emergency situations, or conducting virtual collision avoidance exercises.

Dr. Ray Williamson, SWF's Executive Director said that the workshop held in Paris constituted an important step forward.

"It brought key players from several countries directly involved in the discussions in the United Nations and other forums together to identify constructive actions that can be taken to achieve greater stability and security in outer space," Williamson said.

"This report is unique because it brings views and opinions of experts and diplomats from both the civil space and disarmament arenas," said Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, SWF's Space Policy Consultant based in Vienna, Austria and co-writer of the report.

"It rarely happens that these two communities speak to each other," Lukaszczyk added, therefore the workshop and report "have been very important stepping stones in building a bridge between those two venues, which simply cannot continue ignoring each other."

Secure World Foundation and Ifri
Secure World Foundation (SWF) is headquartered in Superior, Colorado, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Vienna, Austria. SWF is a private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples.

SWF engages with academics, policy makers, scientists and advocates in the space and international affairs communities to support steps that strengthen global space security. It promotes the development of cooperative and effective use of space for the protection of Earth's environment and human security.

The Foundation acts as a research body, convener and facilitator to advocate for key space security and other space related topics and to examine their influence on governance and international development.

Founded in 1979 by Thierry de Montbrial, The French Institute of International Relations - Institut fran�ais des relations internationales or Ifri - is France's leading independent international relations center dedicated to policy-oriented research and analysis of global political affairs.