z 69
Foster international collaboration Key recommendations ➢ Weigh the pros and cons of multilateral, regional and bilateral frameworks. ➢ Prioritize transparent competition processes, the free use of space data, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices. ➢ Consider the strategic use of offsets in the space sector.
I
nternational space cooperation is essential to most space programs. Cooperation can take various forms, ranging from multilateral cooperation at the international or regional levels, to bilateral cooperation with individual countries. Countries may formalize relationships by issuing joint declarations or statements, or by signing agreements to cooperate on space programs or share data.346 Multilateral space cooperation provides the opportunity to spread the costs and risks of large-scale projects across a wide range of parties, enabling the participation of countries that would otherwise be unable to undertake such initiatives. However, the more parties involved in a project, the higher the cost of the overall project, as the complexities and inefficiencies increase. Nonetheless, the individual cost for each country is likely to reduce.
346 347
The benefit of multilateral programs is that it is difficult for governments to unilaterally cancel them in times of economic downturn. When there are several parties involved in space programs, governments may choose to maintain their commitments to avoid tarnishing their international reputation. A space partner nation cancelling its funding commitment to a multilateral program could have longer term diplomatic and economic implications. Similarly, on bilateral programs where there are only two partners, if one country withdraws, the other is also forced to heavily adapt, or forego the program. Although more partners offer more access to skills and resources, there is added complexity in large multilateral programs. Partners from around the world are likely to have disparate requirements, time zones and languages, which can complicate cooperation. If multiple countries are involved in designing specifications, development, manufacturing, launch and operating, it is hard for the program to remain flexible, particularly if there is a need to pivot technologically. Moreover, decision making is bound to be slower the more partners are involved in a project. It can be easier to build close relationships with a smaller group of like-minded countries. Countries with similar interests or experiencing common regional threats may be natural space partners, choosing to pool resources for specific space capabilities, such as maritime surveillance. Countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region prioritize bilateral and regional cooperation to extend limited resources, and support strategic and political goals. 347
Secure World Foundation (2017). Secure World Foundation (2017).
EQUITABLE ACCESS TO SPACE
INTERPLANETARY INITIATIVE
