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Objectives & study scope REPORT STRUCTURE
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his report seeks to identify the challenges relating to equitable space access and ways to overcome these, towards providing practicable policy recommendations for countries seeking a greater presence in space. The underlying research is part of wider aims to foster the principle of space as the “province of humankind”. This study focuses on a series of research objectives (see box below).
Research Objectives The overarching research objectives of this study are to: 6. Map the international legal framework in space regarding access to Geostationary orbital (GEO) slots. 7. Analyze the key space priorities, capabilities, partnerships, and challenges facing major emerging spacefaring countries. 8. Gauge the potential economic, geostrategic and wider societal benefits of space programs in developing countries. 9. Identify risks and challenges of more actors in space, as well as key enablers and obstacles to inclusive and peaceful outcomes in the space domain. 10. Determine good practices and recommendations for developing countries seeking a greater presence in space.
EQUITABLE ACCESS TO SPACE
These research objectives aim to provide an overview of the topic of equitable access to space and emerging spacefaring countries. This report follows the following structure: Chapter Two of this report investigates the international legal framework in space, analyzing the founding treaties and principles in space law, as well as identifying some of the lacunae and points of contention relating to access to geostationary orbital slots. It is important to understand existing international frameworks and determine areas in need of further research input. This chapter offers an overview of legal analysis in the contemporary literature to assist future research on equitable access to space. A separate, forthcoming paper provides indepth analysis of international law and future resource exploitation in space. Chapter Three provides case study analysis of four emerging spacefaring countries (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea). Considering the unique strengths, priorities and challenges of these countries is important to understand the evolving space domain. This case study analysis is also employed towards the identification of good practices. Chapter Four identifies the underlying rationales for space agency foundation in countries. This chapter also generates an understanding of the potential economic, scientific, geostrategic and wider societal benefits new space actors bring to the established spacefaring community, while noting associated risks or threats.
INTERPLANETARY INITIATIVE
