Space Weapons and Challenges to Global Security

Event Date:
2022-11-03T16:00:00
2022-11-03T17:00:00
Event Location:
HEBB 114
Speaker:
Dr. Aaron Boley
Related Upcoming Events:
Intended Audience:
Undergraduate
Local Contact:

Jess McIver and Georg Rieger

Event Information:

Link to join remotely - look for today's date. The live stream will start at 4:00pm.

Abstract:

Space plays a major role in society. Whether advancing science, communications, search and rescue, climate monitoring, weather tracking, resource management, navigation, or verification of international agreements, space-based infrastructure has become indispensable to our daily lives. Space has further facilitated international cooperation, even in the face of hostilities on Earth. Examples include the Apollo-Soyuz program, the International Space Station, COSPAS-SARSAT, and many international science-based missions. Yet, peace in space is not guaranteed. Indeed, as soon as nations began accessing space, they also began developing counterspace capabilities. Such capabilities include jamming or dazzling, which can temporarily deny users access to space-based assets.  But they also include cyberattacks, disabling ground-based infrastructure, and the intentional destruction of satellites. In this talk, I will first provide a short overview of many challenges we face in the sustainable development of space. I will then focus on the growing concern of conflict in space, including past and present space weapon tests. We will also discuss how a security dilemma is emerging from new stages of space exploration, particularly with plans for sustained lunar programs. Fortunately, there are ongoing international processes working to establish norms of behaviour in space and avoid conflict, with the aim to keep the use of space for peaceful purposes only.

Bio:

Dr. Boley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UBC, a Canada Research Chair in Planetary Astronomy, and co-founder and co-director of the Outer Space Institute, which focuses on the sustainable development of Space.

 

Add to Calendar 2022-11-03T16:00:00 2022-11-03T17:00:00 Space Weapons and Challenges to Global Security Event Information: Link to join remotely - look for today's date. The live stream will start at 4:00pm. Abstract: Space plays a major role in society. Whether advancing science, communications, search and rescue, climate monitoring, weather tracking, resource management, navigation, or verification of international agreements, space-based infrastructure has become indispensable to our daily lives. Space has further facilitated international cooperation, even in the face of hostilities on Earth. Examples include the Apollo-Soyuz program, the International Space Station, COSPAS-SARSAT, and many international science-based missions. Yet, peace in space is not guaranteed. Indeed, as soon as nations began accessing space, they also began developing counterspace capabilities. Such capabilities include jamming or dazzling, which can temporarily deny users access to space-based assets.  But they also include cyberattacks, disabling ground-based infrastructure, and the intentional destruction of satellites. In this talk, I will first provide a short overview of many challenges we face in the sustainable development of space. I will then focus on the growing concern of conflict in space, including past and present space weapon tests. We will also discuss how a security dilemma is emerging from new stages of space exploration, particularly with plans for sustained lunar programs. Fortunately, there are ongoing international processes working to establish norms of behaviour in space and avoid conflict, with the aim to keep the use of space for peaceful purposes only. Bio: Dr. Boley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UBC, a Canada Research Chair in Planetary Astronomy, and co-founder and co-director of the Outer Space Institute, which focuses on the sustainable development of Space.   Event Location: HEBB 114