Wilton Park - Operating in Space: Current Multilateral Policy Issues and Challenges

This event was held in Singapore by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Wilton Park, and was organized in partnership with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Secure World Foundation. As technology continues to advance and costs fall, the use of space is growing more widespread internationally, both within government and the commercial sectors. Increased use brings increased risk associated with congestion and competition. These risks need to be managed to realize the significant security and prosperity opportunities space offers. Keeping space safe depends on good communication be it directly, through explaining intent and as demonstrated by behaviors.

This Wilton Park dialogue builds on the outputs of the April 2019 Wilton Park event “Operating in space: towards developing protocols on the norms of behavior”. It built off a framework of activities of launch, conjunction, debris and proximity operations and will include a demonstration of space activity. Participants shared perspectives on communications to facilitate the sustainable use of space, with the aim of identifying improved forms of communication and steps to realize them.

Download the report.

For more information, please contact Washington Office Director Victoria Samson or visit the event website here.