A Code of Conduct for Responsible Space-Faring Nations

December 01, 2010

Since 2002, the Stimson Center's Space Security Project has worked to increase public awareness of the dangerous consequences of flight testing and deploying space weapons, while offering alternative approaches to enhance US and international security. Stimson calls for a "Space Assurance" posture, which would avoid dangerous military activities in space so the United States can continue to enjoy commercial, scientific, and national security benefits. No country would benefit from the testing and deployment of space weapons and all countries would suffer, especially the United States. The centerpiece of Stimson's concept of Space Assurance is a Code of Conduct for responsible space-faring nations. Currently, the United States and other nations endorse and practice codes of appropriate conduct at sea, on the ground, and in the air. Activities in space do not have an analogous code. At a time when space is becoming more congested and contested, there are many benefits to be gained by reaching agreement among major space-faring nations to mitigate space debris, refrain from purposeful, harmful interference against objects in space, and implement space traffic management procedures.

The Stimson Center is a Washington DC-based non-profit, non-partisan institution devoted to enhancing international peace and security. Founded in 1989, its work focuses on reducing weapons of mass destruction and transnational threats, building regional security, and strengthening institutions. Stimson's pragmatic approach seeks to understand and illuminate complex issues, develop new knowledge, and engage policymakers, policy implementers, and non-governmental institutions with recommendations that are actionable and effective.