Space Security Index

e EU/ESA European Space Policy adopted in 2007 highlights implementation of the
space dimension of the ESDP and seeks to develop synergies between defense and civil space
programs and also to guarantee EU independent access to space. 141 While military space
capabilities remain within the exclusive purview of member states, the new policy urges them
to increase coordination to achieve the highest levels of interoperability between military
and civilian space systems. e policy envisages that “sharing and pooling of the resources of
European civilian and military space programmes, drawing on multiple-use technology and
common standards, would allow more cost-eective solutions.” 142
Emerging spacefaring powers have also begun to emphasize the security dimension of outer
space. Israel’s space program is based on national security needs and tightly linked to its
military. In 2006, the Israeli Air Force was renamed the Air and Space Force and was given
sole responsibility for all military activities in space, as well as for designing and operating
the nation’s future satellites. Its mission is to operate in the air and space arena for purposes
of defense and deterrence. 143 Similarly, India has been working to bridge the gap between
its military and ISRO through the development of the Integrated Space Cell to enhance the
eectiveness of its military operations by using its space assets. 144 Indian Army Commanders
also adopted Space Vision 2020 — “its philosophy for using space in future warfare” — that
reportedly emphasizes aspects of force modernization, 145 and intends to join the ranks of
the U.S. and Russia with plans to launch a dedicated military satellite in the near future. 146
In addition to focusing on the security implication of outer space capabilities, countries’
policies increasingly highlight the need to develop and revitalize the industrial sector as a
key partner in achieving national objectives in the space sector. Recent eorts in this respect
are described below.
2010 Development
Mixed signals regarding India’s plans to develop an ASAT capability
During 2010, India gave various indications that it may be considering the development
of ASATs in the near future, in apparent contradiction to previous statements by political
leaders. For a full description of this development, see Trend 8.2.
2010 Development
National space strategies focus on developing the space industrial sector alongside security objectives
United Kingdom
At an event on space innovation and growth strategy in the U.K. in February 2010, the
team behind the joint government, industry, and academia initiative Space IGS unveiled a
20-year strategy for the future of the British space industry. 147 e strategy calls for a carefully
orchestrated and executed series of steps to ensure the necessary structural, regulatory,
investment, and commercial decisions are made at the right time and for the right reasons. 148
It identies key market opportunities to position the U.K. for future success. 149 Among
its 16 recommendations are that a national space policy be adopted and administered by
the newly created U.K. Space Agency and that a high-level panel be established to make a
strategic assessment of emerging space capabilities and contribute directly to a U.K. strategic
security review.
e U.K. Cabinet Oce reviewed British strategic interests in space in the development
of the National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review. e rstphase
analysis concluded that there were signicant risks for key parts of critical national
Laws, Policies, and Doctrines
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