External view of space security in Europe

Abstract

The international community has long agreed that the space environment is becoming more crowded with more actors and more objects launched into space while the space environment is very fragile and needs protection. The long sustainability of the outer space will assure a long–term utilization of space infrastructure for benefits of humankind. It is in the interest of all actors to behave responsibly as anyone's assets can be affected by debris, space weather, and man–made threats. As a spacefaring actor, Europe is as affected by various threats and predicaments of space security nature. This chapter assesses Europe's involvement and approach towards space security affairs.