Handbook for New Actors in Space

The space domain is currently experiencing a rapid diversification and increase in the number of actors involved in space activities. More than 70 states, commercial companies, and international organizations currently operate more than 1,500 satellites in Earth orbit, which together provide a wide range of socioeconomic benefits. The number of space actors is accelerating, driven largely by the commoditization of space technology and the lowering of barriers to participate in space activities.

The increased availability of space technology and capabilities has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it is leading to greatly increased innovation, lowering of costs, and greater access to beneficial capabilities and services available from satellites for all countries. However, the growth in space activities and the influx of new actors also has the potential to exacerbate many of the current threats to the long-term sustainable use of space, such as on-orbit crowding, radio-frequency interference, the proliferation of space debris, and the chances of an incident in space sparking or escalating geopolitical tensions on Earth.

In order to help address this issue, SWF has developed the Handbook for New Actors in Space. The Handbook is intended to reach two categories of new actors in space: states developing national space policies and regulations; and start-up companies, universities, and other non-governmental entities beginning their first foray into space activities. The goal of the handbook is to provide both groups with a broad overview of the fundamental principles, laws, norms, and best practices for peaceful, safe, and responsible activities in space. By doing so, we hope to maximize the positive benefits and minimize the negative consequences of the growth of new actors. This will help ensure the long-term sustainable use of space so that humanity can continue to derive the many benefits space activities have to offer for the foreseeable future.

The Handbook is the result of a collaborative effort between SWF experts from governments, satellite operators, academia, and civil society. In June 2015, we held an initial workshop to discuss the Handbook outline and the topics that should be included to provide a comprehensive overview of important issues. In May 2016, we held a second workshop to discuss the draft text of the handbook, and get feedback from representatives of our target audience on how well it meet their needs. We also engaged in a series of bilateral discussions with many more experts on specific sections of the Handbook.