The impact of security and defence policies on the stablishment of a space traffic management regime

The objective of this paper is to examine and provide a holistic assessment on the establishment and operational effectiveness of a comprehensive Space Traffic Management (STM) regime in Europe, as seen in the context of European space and security/defence policies, programmes and governance. The paper focuses on the current space and security/defence activities and programmes of selected European States and the European Space Agency (ESA). It particularly analyses the STM related aspects of existing policies and programmes. Recent STM related policy developments in Europe include the European Commission’s ‘Space Strategy for Europe’ in October 2016 calling for a stronger role in space traffic management. Also, the ESA Council at Ministerial level in December 2016 announced its intention to further engage in space safety and STM. Separate civilian and military requirements of security/defence and space programmes call for a regime that satisfies the interests of all user communities. The study addresses the way the European space and security/defence policies could affect the potential establishment of space traffic management regime in Europe.