Promoting Safety and Security: Challenges for the Future Governance of Space Activities

This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the current and emerging challenges in the governance of space activities, focusing on promoting safety and security. Key international treaties and resolutions, including those under the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS), are discussed, highlighting their evolution in response to changing geopolitical dynamics and the expansion of space activities across various sectors. The paper addresses several critical challenges: ensuring diverse global voices are heard in space governance, managing the dichotomy of space in terms of its strategic value and dual-use nature, achieving consensus among the rapidly growing number of space-faring nations, defining and delimiting space, adapting to the commercialization of space activities, and confronting the growing problem of space debris.


Introduction
In an era where space activities have become increasingly pivotal to our global society, the necessity for effective governance in this realm is more pressing than ever.From the launch of the first satellite to the adoption of various United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolutions and treaties under the auspices of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS), we have witnessed a significant evolution in space law.This evolution is reflective not only of the changing geopolitical landscape but also of the expansion of space activities into diverse sectors, including military, commercial, scientific, and cultural realms.
There is Already Much Important (and Relevant) International Space Law that regulates Safety and Security: • Outer space is not a 'lawless' frontier …  -Study legal problems / issues • Two Subcommittees: -Scientific and Technical -Legal • Currently 102 members -and growing fast!• Consensus approach to decision-making.

Challenge #4 -Resolving (or not) the delimitation / definition of Space
The need for multilateralism -'buy in' of all stakeholders -Delays -inherent and deliberate -but have to get it as 'right' as possible -Language of 'lowest common denominator' Effective implementation by States?-Relationship between international law and national law -Individual interpretation -'Cherry picking' of obligations -Influence of domestic factors -economy, industry, risk profile, culture, strategic alignment etc. -Fragmentation?

Conclusions
In summarizing we conclude that the future of space governance is an intricate and multifaceted endeavor.The exploration of international space law, under the guidance of UNCOPUOS and various UNGA resolutions, has revealed a dynamic and evolving landscape shaped by geopolitical changes and the diversification of space activities into commercial, military, and cultural sectors.
The challenges identified in the paper -from ensuring diverse global perspectives in space governance to tackling the commercialization of space and the ever-increasing issue of space debris -call for a strategic and holistic approach.The importance of adapting legal frameworks to the fast-paced evolution of space activities cannot be overstated.This adaptation requires a keen understanding of the unique dynamics at play, including the intricacies of international consensus, the blurring of military and civilian space uses, and the complexities of territorial jurisdiction in space.
Moreover, the role of national and international entities in shaping the future of space governance is crucial.The interaction between international treaties and national laws plays a pivotal role in creating a coherent and effective governance structure.As space activities expand, encompassing everything from satellite deployment to human spaceflight and the utilization of space resources, the need for robust, inclusive, and forward-looking governance mechanisms becomes increasingly apparent.
In navigating these challenges, we should underscore the necessity for multilateral cooperation and the involvement of all stakeholders in the space sector.The future of space governance lies not only in the creation of comprehensive legal frameworks but also in fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual understanding among the diverse array of actors involved in space activities.
In conclusion, as we venture further into the cosmos, our approach to space governance must evolve in tandem with our expanding capabilities and aspirations.The preservation of space as a realm of peace, exploration, and opportunity for all humanity hinges on our collective efforts to address these challenges effectively.

and into the Future: Strategic Challenges
Why? How? Understanding the 'questions' that space technologies pose: Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (1979) Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space (1967) United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.Available online: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introrescueagreement.html Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space: Membership Evolution (2023) United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.Available online: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/members/evolution.htmlConvention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1971) United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.Available online: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introliability-convention.htmlSpace debris by the numbers (2022) European Space Agency.Available online: https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Debris/Space_debris_by_the_numbersTreaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (1966) United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.Available online: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introouterspacetreaty.html United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.Available online: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/intromoon-agreement.html