The weaponization of outer space is not inevitable – International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Report on the Militarization of Outer Space and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: The Growing Threat to Global Stability and Sustainable Development

The increasing militarization of outer space presents a significant threat to global stability and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As nations develop and deploy counter-space capabilities, the space-based technologies essential for civilian life and humanitarian action on Earth are placed at considerable risk. This report outlines the critical dependency of global infrastructure on space assets, the potential humanitarian consequences of their disruption, and the applicable international legal frameworks, all viewed through the lens of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Dependency of Essential Services on Space Assets: A Direct Impact on SDGs

The functioning of modern civilian life is inextricably linked to space-based technologies. The disruption of these systems would have a cascading negative effect on the progress of numerous SDGs.

Critical Civilian Infrastructure and the SDGs

Satellites providing navigation, communication, and remote sensing are indispensable for services that underpin several SDGs:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Financial systems, global trade, and transport logistics rely on satellite timing and navigation, making them vulnerable to disruptions that could cripple economies and exacerbate poverty.
• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Modern food production and distribution systems depend on satellite data for precision agriculture and monitoring, while supply chains rely on global navigation.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The delivery of healthcare, including emergency response coordination and telemedicine, is increasingly dependent on satellite communications.
• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) & SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Management and maintenance of water, sanitation, and electricity grids often utilize remote sensing and communication technologies.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) & SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Space systems constitute a critical layer of modern infrastructure, essential for the functioning of smart cities, transportation networks, and communication services.

Humanitarian Operations and the SDGs

Humanitarian organizations, including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, depend on satellite services to deliver life-saving assistance, particularly in conflict and disaster zones. The compromise of these systems directly threatens the ability to achieve fundamental development goals for vulnerable populations.

1. Communication: Satellites provide the only means of communication in many remote or disaster-stricken areas, enabling coordination of relief efforts.
2. Navigation: GPS and other systems are vital for reaching people in need, mapping crisis areas, and ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers.
3. Remote Sensing: Satellite imagery is used to assess damage, locate displaced populations, and monitor environmental conditions, informing targeted and effective aid delivery.

Any disruption to these services severely hampers progress on SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), making it difficult, if not impossible, to provide aid and help communities recover.

Legal Frameworks and the Imperative for Peace (SDG 16)

The Application of International Law in Outer Space

Military operations affecting outer space are not conducted in a legal vacuum. The existing international legal framework is crucial for upholding SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Key legal instruments include:

• The Outer Space Treaty
• The United Nations Charter
• International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

IHL applies to all forms of warfare and weaponry, including those in or related to outer space. It provides clear rules that contribute to preventing an arms race and protecting civilians.

Core Principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

IHL sets explicit prohibitions and restrictions on military operations to mitigate human suffering. These principles are vital for safeguarding civilian populations and the infrastructure that supports the SDGs.

1. Principle of Distinction: Direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects, including civilian satellites, are prohibited.
2. Principle of Proportionality: Any attack on a dual-use space object (serving both military and civilian functions) must not cause incidental harm to civilians or civilian objects that would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.
3. Principle of Precaution: All feasible precautions must be taken to avoid, and in any event to minimize, incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, and damage to civilian objects.

Recommendations and the Path Forward

Minimizing Civilian Harm and Protecting the SDGs

The international community has a unique opportunity and a responsibility to ensure that space assets critical to civilian services and the SDGs are protected. The weaponization of outer space is a choice, not an inevitability. States can and should establish clear limits to prevent the catastrophic reversal of development progress.

A Call to Action

It is imperative that all States recognize the profound risk that threats to space systems pose to the global pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. The international community should pursue measures to minimize the risk of civilian harm, including:

• Developing a shared understanding of how IHL applies to military operations in space.
• Agreeing on additional rules, whether through legally binding instruments or other norms, to prohibit or limit military activities that endanger critical space infrastructure.
• Prioritizing the protection of civilians on Earth from the harmful effects of all military operations, regardless of the domain in which they occur.

Upholding peace in outer space is not merely a matter of security but a fundamental prerequisite for a sustainable and equitable future for all.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article’s central theme is the prevention of conflict and an arms race in outer space. It repeatedly calls for adherence to international law, including the UN Charter and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), to govern military operations. The text states, “all activities in outer space by States must be conducted in accordance with international law.” This directly relates to promoting peaceful societies and strengthening global governance. The existence of the “Open-ended Working Group” itself is an example of an institution working towards peace and security.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • The article highlights the dependency of critical terrestrial infrastructure on space-based technologies. It mentions that “Essential services such as electricity, water, sanitation, health care, food production, financial systems and transport increasingly rely on space-based technologies.” Protecting satellites is framed as essential for maintaining reliable and resilient infrastructure on Earth, which is a core component of SDG 9.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The potential disruption of “health care” services due to attacks on satellites is explicitly mentioned. Furthermore, the article notes that “Humanitarian organizations, including the ICRC… depend on satellite services to reach people in need during armed conflicts and disasters.” This directly connects the security of space assets to the ability to provide life-saving assistance and manage health crises.

4. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • The article points out that “food production” is one of the essential services that relies on space-based technologies. Any disruption to these systems could negatively impact agricultural productivity and food supply chains, thereby threatening food security.

5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • The reliance of “water” and “sanitation” services on satellite systems is explicitly stated. Conflict in space could jeopardize the management and provision of these fundamental services, which are the focus of SDG 6.

6. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The article lists “electricity” as an essential service dependent on space technology. Protecting this technology is crucial for ensuring stable and reliable energy supplies.

7. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The functioning of modern cities and communities is contingent on the services mentioned throughout the article, such as electricity, water, transport, and financial systems. The article’s call to protect the space assets that enable these services is directly relevant to making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

   • The article’s primary concern is the “potential human cost of military operations in outer space.” By advocating for rules to “prohibit or limit specific military activities and weapons in outer space,” it directly aims to prevent a new domain of conflict, thereby reducing potential violence and its harmful effects on civilians.

2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels.

   • The text strongly emphasizes that space is not a “legal vacuum” and that activities must be “conducted in accordance with international law,” specifically citing the UN Charter and IHL. This is a direct call to uphold and promote the rule of law in the domain of outer space.

3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…to support economic development and human well-being.

   • The article argues for the protection of space systems because they are “indispensable to the functioning of civilian life on Earth.” The call to ensure these systems are “spared at all times” is an effort to maintain the reliability and resilience of the critical infrastructure (energy, transport, communications) that depends on them.

4. Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries…for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.

   • The article states that humanitarian organizations depend on satellite services to provide “life-saving assistance” during conflicts and disasters. Protecting these satellite systems is essential for maintaining the capacity for humanitarian and health responses, which aligns with strengthening the management of health risks.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Adherence to International Law in Outer Space

   • The article’s emphasis on IHL and the UN Charter implies that a key indicator of progress would be the degree to which states’ military doctrines and actions in space comply with these legal frameworks. This could be measured by tracking incidents of non-compliance or by state reports on their implementation of international law.

2. Development of New Norms or Treaties

   • The article suggests that “States may decide to set limits” and can agree on “additional rules to prohibit or limit specific military activities and weapons in outer space” through either a “legally binding instrument” or “non-legally binding measures.” An indicator of progress would be the successful negotiation and adoption of such new rules, norms, or treaties by the international community.

3. Number of Disruptions to Civilian Services

   • The article’s core concern is preventing harm to civilians by protecting essential services. A direct, albeit negative, indicator would be the number and severity of disruptions to civilian services (e.g., healthcare, water, electricity, financial systems) that can be attributed to military activities targeting or affecting space systems. A reduction in such incidents would signify progress.

4. Protection of Humanitarian Operations

   • The text highlights the reliance of the ICRC and other humanitarian actors on satellite services. An indicator would be the uninterrupted ability of these organizations to use satellite-based navigation and communication to conduct their life-saving work in conflict zones, free from interference caused by military space operations.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: icrc.org