SECRETARY
OF
DEFENSE
1
000
DEFENSE
PENTAGON
WASHINGTON
,
DC
20301
-
1000
JUL
- 7
2021
MEMORANDUM FOR
SECRETARIES
OF
THE
MILITARY
DEPARTMENTS
CHAIRMAN
OF
THE
JOINT
CHIEFS
OF
STAFF
UNDER
SECRET
ARIES
OF
DEFENSE
CHIEFS
OF
THE
MILITARY
SERVICES
COMMANDERSOFTHECOMBATANTCOMMANDS
GENERAL
COUNSEL
OF
THE
DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE
DIRECTORS
OF
DEFENSE
AGENCIES
SUBJECT: Tenets
of
Responsible Behavior
in
Space
The Department
of
Defense has been a leader
in
space operations since the dawn
of
the
space age. Throughout its history, the Department has pursued its space mission while ensuring
and maintaining the safety, security, stability, and sustainability
of
the domain. As more actors
come to space, the domain is changing, with an increased risk
of
collisions, as well as
of
miscalculations or misunderstandings. It is incumbent
on
the Department to continue space
leadership through demonstrating and acknowledging responsible behavior in space.
Unless otherwise directed, DoD Components will conduct space operations consistent
with the following Tenets
of
Responsible Behavior:
• Operate in, from, to, and through space with due regard to others and
in
a professional
manner.
• Limit the generation
of
long-lived debris.
• A void the creation
of
harmful interference.
• Maintain safe separation and safe trajecto.r
y.
• Communicate and make notifications to enhance the safety and stability
of
the
domain.
Commander, U.
S.
Space Command, will collaborate with DoD stakeholders to develop
and coordinate guidance regarding these tenets and associated specific behaviors for DoD
operations
in
the space area ofresponsibility, and recommend them to the Secretary of Defense
for approval. The Under Secretary
of
Defense for Policy will lead DoD activities to advance
these tenets, as appropriate, within the U.
S.
Government and in international relations.
0 SO071107-
21
/CMD007603-21
