Space Security Index

Space Security 2011
96
is scheduled for summer 2011 by the Russian company Cosmotras. 227 A domestically
built Turkish EO satellite, initially scheduled for launch by Russia in December 2010, 228
was postponed until April 2011. 229 On 21 November, Iranian defense minister Ahmad
Vahimi claimed that the country was working on various satellites, some of which would
be launched “in the near future.” 230 Possibly among them is the country's rst EO satellite,
the Rasad (Observation), slated for launch in 2011. 231 Russia and South Africa signed a
memorandum of understanding regarding cooperation in EO activities. 232 Within the
framework of cooperation with African countries, Russia will launch South Africa’s ZA-002
SumbandillaSat, 233 as well as two Nigerian EO satellites. 234
e EO data systems also continued to evolve during 2010. In November, a conference
of the Group on Earth Observations brought the Global Earth Observation System of
Systems to the implementation phase. e European Commission and the Council adopted
a joint declaration setting the goal of adopting GMES regulation and initial operations. 235
During 2011, the Commission will consider ways to complete the overall GMES governance
structure and present a new legislative proposal on this program beyond its initial operations.
e Russia-driven EO monitoring and rescue system (MAKSM) received the support of
Roscosmos; development and implementation are estimated to cost $10-billion. 236 In
September, the rst Chinese EO micro-satellite was successfully launched, 237 and the
Indian Cartosat 238 was launched in July. ESA’s CryoSat was also successfully launched from
Baikonur in April 239 and will be used to monitor Earth’s ice elds. 240
Space Security Impacts
e development of and reliance on space systems for global utilities support their reliability
and give countries a strong incentive to ensure safe and responsible space operations. Progress
made on the compatibility and interoperability of space-based communications, Earth
Observation, and navigation systems will likely have a positive impact on space security.
However, increasing competition for radio frequencies represents a potential source of
international friction and should be watched closely. Maintaining space for global utilities
will likely require greater international cooperation to reduce the risks of orbital debris,
protect the spectrum required by space systems, and promote safe and responsible space
operations.