Space Security

Question 1

Space Security

Answer 1

The practice of ensuring safe, secure, responsible, sustainable, and reliable access to and use of space.

Question 2

Safe Access to Space

Answer 2

The ability to launch, operate, and return from space without posing risks to human life, infrastructure, or the environment.

Question 3

Secure Access to Space

Answer 3

Protection of space assets and activities from physical, electronic, or cyber threats.

Question 4

Responsible Use of Space

Answer 4

Operating in accordance with international laws, norms, and agreements to avoid causing harm or interference to others.

Question 5

Sustainable Space Operations

Answer 5

The practice of preserving the space environment for future generations by minimizing debris and avoiding harmful activities.

Question 6

Orbital Debris

Answer 6

Defunct human-made objects in Earth’s orbit, such as nonfunctional satellites and spent rocket stages, that pose risks to active space operations.

Question 7

Space Treaties

Answer 7

International agreements, such as the Outer Space Treaty, that establish principles for space exploration and use.

Question 8

Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASATs)

Answer 8

Systems designed to incapacitate or destroy satellites, posing significant threats to space security.

Question 9

Cybersecurity in Space

Answer 9

Measures to protect satellite networks, ground stations, and data links from cyberattacks.

Question 10

Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

Answer 10

The ability to detect, track, and predict the behavior of objects in space to ensure safety and prevent collisions.

Question 11

Space Governance

Answer 11

Frameworks, policies, and international agreements that regulate space activities and interactions.

Question 12

International Space Law

Answer 12

Legal principles and agreements governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space.

Question 13

Kessler Syndrome

Answer 13

A theoretical scenario in which the density of orbital debris becomes high enough to cause a cascade of collisions, rendering parts of space unusable.

Question 14

Proportionality Principle

Answer 14

A rule in space security stating that any defensive or countermeasure actions should be proportional to the threat posed.

Question 15

Space Weather

Answer 15

Environmental conditions in space, such as solar flares and geomagnetic storms, that can impact satellites and other space systems.

Question 16

Satellites

Answer 16

Human-made objects placed in orbit around Earth or other celestial bodies for communication, navigation, and observation.

Question 17

Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

Answer 17

The comprehensive understanding of the space environment, including all natural and artificial objects in orbit.

Question 18

Collision Avoidance

Answer 18

The practice of maneuvering spacecraft to avoid collisions with other objects in orbit.

Question 19

Space Traffic Management

Answer 19

Efforts to coordinate and regulate the activities of satellites to prevent collisions and interference.

Question 20

Satellite Jamming

Answer 20

The intentional disruption of satellite signals, affecting communication, navigation, or other operations.

Question 21

Space Deterrence

Answer 21

Measures to prevent hostile actions in space through demonstration of capability and readiness.

Question 22

Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)

Answer 22

Actions taken to enhance transparency and trust among space-faring nations to reduce the risk of conflict.

Question 23

Outer Space

Answer 23

While the OST does not explicitly define ‘outer space,’ it is broadly understood to include all regions beyond Earth’s atmosphere, where activities are subject to international law.

Question 24

Peaceful Purposes

Answer 24

Activities in outer space must be conducted exclusively for non-aggressive and non-military purposes, promoting international cooperation.

Question 25

Space Object

Answer 25

Any object launched into outer space, including satellites, probes, and manned spacecraft, with the launching state bearing international liability for damage caused by such objects.

Question 26

Non-Appropriation

Answer 26

Outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, cannot be claimed by any nation through sovereignty, use, or occupation (Article II).

Question 27

Common Heritage

Answer 27

Outer space is considered the ‘province of all mankind,’ meaning that its exploration and use should benefit all countries, regardless of economic or technological development (Article I).

Question 28

Liability of States

Answer 28

States are internationally liable for damage caused by their space objects, whether the damage occurs on Earth, in outer space, or to other space objects, as outlined in Article VII of the OST and the Liability Convention.

Question 29

Responsibility of States

Answer 29

States are internationally responsible for their national space activities, whether conducted by government agencies or private entities, and must ensure compliance with the OST (Article VI).

Question 30

Registration Convention

Answer 30

Requires all space objects launched into orbit to be registered with the United Nations, ensuring transparency in space activities.

Question 31

Harmful Contamination

Answer 31

States must avoid actions that would contaminate celestial bodies or Earth’s environment through extraterrestrial matter, as stated in Article IX.

Question 32

Right to Access

Answer 32

All states have the right to freely explore and access outer space, but activities must be conducted with due regard for others’ activities (Articles I and IX).

Question 33

International Cooperation

Answer 33

Encourages states to share scientific discoveries, engage in mutual assistance, and consult with others if activities might cause harm or interference (Articles IX and X).