Growth of Global Space Capabilities Highlighted in Congressional Testimony

Newswise — The international space community is undergoing many significant changes. One of the important -- but often overlooked characteristics of the past decade -- is the rapid emergence of new actors in outer space.

Dr. Ray Williamson, Executive Director of Secure World Foundation (SWF), testified today before the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics in Washington, D.C.

Today’s hearing is titled: “The Growth of Global Space Capabilities: What’s Happening and Why It Matters,” with SWF’s Williamson addressing the importance of emerging space States.

Rationales for entering the space realm
Since 1999, the number of States with space systems in orbit has increased from 27 to 37. Countries as diverse as Algeria, Iran, Nigeria, Venezuela, South Africa and Turkey have now become part of the so-called “space club.”

Eight States are now also capable of launching satellites into orbit. South Korea will likely soon make that a total of nine, Williamson explained. “Countries wish to enter the space realm for a variety of reasons,” he noted, “not least of which is the desire to gain prestige in the international community.”

Rationales include the following, Williamson said, the priority of which varies depending on the needs of the State:

-- Advance scientific and technical capacity

-- Improve the management and use of resources and provide better protection against the ravages of natural disasters.

-- Enhance access to education and health information throughout the country.

-- Improve national security.

-- Advance industrial capacity and the economy.

-- Prestige in the international community.

Orbital security
SWF’s Williamson urged that the United States assist emerging spacefaring countries to develop sound space policies and laws and to help them adhere to international best practices in space activities. He also suggested that the new spacefaring countries provide a powerful platform for using “soft power” – the use of U.S. technological and economic capabilities to influence policymakers in other countries.

Williamson added: "There is an overall need for the United States to develop an overarching space strategy that goes beyond any necessary revisions to U.S. space policy and includes both military, civil, and commercial components."

“Such a strategy would go a long way to clarify the direction of U.S. investments in space science, space applications, the human exploration of outer space, and the nature and scope of U.S. involvement in the international community,” Williamson said.

In the view of the Foundation, Williamson testified, “the United States can improve its own orbital security for commerce, science and national security and gain closer allies within the international community by engaging with the emerging space States."

Dr. Williamson's testimony can be downloaded here.