Steps to prevent arms race in outer space agreed by UN expert body

The act of consensus is perceived as a move towards peace in space

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A UN body of experts says it has agreed on practical measures to prevent an arms race in outer space. Image: Shutterstock

Published: 7:00pm, 26 Aug 2024Updated: 11:10am, 28 Aug 2024

Experts from governments around the world have agreed on steps to keep peace and prevent an arms race in outer space in the face of geopolitical tensions on Earth and a perceived lack of safeguards in space.

The United Nations body – the group of governmental experts on further practical measures for the prevention of an arms race in outer space (GGE-PAROS) – reached consensus on actions suggested by experts to address threats and challenges in outer space security.

The GGE-PAROS concluded its latest meeting on August 16 by adopting a final report on the key components of a legally binding instrument. The report was made public at the weekend.

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Experts say the agreement marks major progress in ensuring safe use of the space domain.

“It’s a huge deal that consensus was achieved on the final report. That is not always guaranteed,” said Victoria Samson, chief director of space security and stability at the Secure World Foundation, a body aiming for space sustainability and peace.

The progress might be attributed in part to the country that initiated it – Russia – since it had an incentive to ensure its success, she said.

The GGE-PAROS was set up in 2017, convening in two fortnight sessions in Geneva in 2018 and 2019, with experts from up to 25 member states. China and Russia were instrumental in its formation.