Defining space security

Abstract

Space security relates to guaranteed access to space and the ability to freely exploit space for various purposes. Traditionally, space security was definedin military terms in relation to the strategic balance between the United States and the Soviet Union. Since the end of the Cold War, a two-dimensional model of military and environmental dimensions of space security hasdeveloped. This in turn is beginning to be superceded bya three-sector understanding which distinguishes between the uses of space for security and defense: thesecurity of assets in space against natural and man-made threats and security from threats originating in space. Expanding the definition of space security has advantages but also carries certain risks.