In a recent unanimous vote, the United Nations has adopted a resolution to put an end to anti-satellite weapons tests and their resulting space debris. The move was seen as a step towards creating a safer orbital environment and preserving space assets.
The resolution, sponsored by the United States, Russia, India, and other countries, condemns the testing of anti-satellite weapons and the subsequent creation of space debris. It acknowledges the potential for long-term and irreparable damage to space-based assets, as well as to human life, as a result of such tests. The resolution further calls for a peaceful and stable environment in space, and for countries to take preventive and remedial measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of debris resulting from such tests.
The resolution follows a series of missile launches by China and India in recent years, which have added to the growing debris field orbiting the Earth. This debris field is already estimated to contain close to 100 million objects larger than 1 cm, posing a serious threat to functioning satellites, astronauts and other spacecraft.
The resolution is clearly a positive step in preserving space-based assets and mitigating debris accumulation. It is expected that other countries, particularly those that are striving to establish a viable presence in space, will soon follow suit.
Today, space-based assets are essential to the functioning of many countries’ economies and for the preservation of life on Earth. Therefore, it is important that global efforts are made to manage and regulate space-based activities in a responsible way. The UN’s resolution is a milestone in this direction and lays the foundation for further initiatives in the area of responsible space-based operations.