Introducing Our
Space Security
Programme
#UNIDIRSpaceSecurity
Overview
• Established in 2022, UNIDIR’s Space
Security Programme contributes to the
maintenance of peace and security in
space by building knowledge and awareness
of challenges and global security implications
relating to the space environment.
• Our research develops capacity, contributes
to building trust in the international sphere,
promotes common understanding on space
security challenges and how to address them,
and informs multilateral processes as they
grapple with the complex legal, technological
and security issues at play in this arena.
Our Impact
Digital tools for transparency and accessibility:
• A Lexicon for Space Security: a global reference
point available in all six UN languages, enabling
common understanding of key topics and terms.
• Space Security Portal: a living resource mapping
the global space security governance landscape,
with proles on policies of States, intergovernmental
organisations and multistakeholder initiatives.
Knowledge transfer: raising awareness of the
importance of space security and facilitating the cross-
sectoral exchange of ideas that can sustain it.
• Outer Space Security Conference: a key annual
forum to consider challenges and solutions in this
area, attracting over 1,000 participants in 2023.
• Regional events (for ASEAN, LAC, Africa, SIDS):
bringing in local narratives and increasing the
saliency of space in regional disarmament debates.
Support for international processes: brieng UN
Member States on space law and policy, as well as
providing substantive support to UN processes aiming
to prevent an arms race in outer space (GGEs, OEWGs).
Recognized expertise: our researchers are established
experts in their elds, publishing and presenting widely
on space security-related matters.
Key Issues We Cover
• Threats and challenges to space
systems
• How international law applies to space
• Verication and monitoring
• Links between space security and
space sustainability
• The space-nuclear nexus
• Bridge building and cross-sector
dialogue with commercial actors,
academia and civil society
• Gender and space security
