Knowledge Base category: Project Results

(EN) Peaceful Use of Lasers in Space? Potential, Risks, and Norms for Using Lasers in Space

Petr Boháček

Abstract

The use of lasers in space is a technology area with plenty of promises for addressing challenges faced by humanity (space debris, space traffic management, planetary defense) and advancing human presence in space (space exploration, propulsion, space resource utilization). However, with this great potential comes an equal amount of risks of its intentional and unintentional misuse. We review both the beneficial and harmful uses of lasers in space and offer an analysis of the main policy challenges for mitigating the risks of misuse. With intent identification, attribution, and dual-use nature of the technology representing the main sources of mutual insecurity, transparency, and information sharing can address them. However, as we outline why the existing international space governance is unlikely to produce new norms on preventing misuse of lasers in space, we turn to discuss the existing practice and the prospects of new non-state actors using them to usher in new international norms for use of lasers in space.

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(EN) Planetary defense in national space documents

Adriana Lenkavská, Nikola Schmidt

Key considerations

  • Planetary defense (PD) is mentioned in national strategic documents of dozens of states. It may vary from being a dedicated strategy of planetary defense, direct mentionting of planetary defense or being approached as a part of SSA (Space Situational Awareness).
  • Global security perspective prevails over the national one, respectively a low number of states understand planetary defense as a solely national security issue.
  • Because of the policy dependency on excellent science and high-end industrial capacities, huge majority of states are approaching PD as an opportunity to excel in science and support emerging industries.
  • Understanding PD as a national prestige is present, albeit in a very low number of states. However, we can still find 19th century kind of national exceptionalism language.
  • Understanding PD as an opportunity to develop national welfare was found in a slight majority, however, PD as a way to global welfare is low. Welfare is not necessarily only a link of PD to future asteroid mining, but states visibly don’t see much broad basis for international cooperation in this regard.
  • Finally, we can say that PD is understood as a global challenge that requires international collaboration but not necessarily see shared benefits from it.
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(CS) Co je to planetární obrana?

18.3.2019 – Café Kampus

Úvodní konference v první polovině projektu, kde jsme prezentovali dosavadní vědecké výsledky a v druhé polovině představili téma planetární obrany veřejnosti.

V závěru konference jsme pokřtili první knihu vzniklou během řešení projektu.

[EN] GOVERNANCE OF EMERGING SPACE CHALLENGES: The Benefits of a Responsible Cosmopolitan State Policy

Nikola Schmidt ed.

This edited volume presents multifaceted strategies for scientific teams and policy makers looking to be at the forefront of cosmopolitan space policies. Formed by a multidisciplinary group of researchers from the Czech Republic, the results show how even small states can become pioneers in this arena of global governance.  


The book covers three key space topics: planetary defense, space mining, and high-power systems in space, such as the laser technology used in the project Starshot. The chapters study why these four timely subjects might be the key for breaking the gridlock and developing a truly global governance framework in space.


Divided into sections on political theory, case studies, and space technology and applications, the book provides far-reaching insights for how all nation states can make a significant difference in the future of space governance.

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