An Overview of Current Space Security Issues

This presentation, “An Overview of Current Space Security Issues” by Victoria Samson, Chief Director for Space Security and Stability at the Secure World Foundation, was delivered at Sciences Po on October 21, 2025, as part of the “Outer Law, Space, and Diplomacy” program. It offers a comprehensive survey of emerging challenges and trends in global space security. The presentation examines the evolving landscape of counterspace capabilities, the implications of the U.S. “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative, and the growth of commercial involvement in space situational awareness (SSA). It also explores governance efforts, including the COPUOS SSA Expert Group, U.S. Space Force policy developments, and debates over cislunar activities and lunar resource utilization. Samson emphasizes transparency measures such as the Lexicon for Outer Space Security and the Handbook for New Actors in Space, and highlights international progress toward a destructive ASAT test moratorium—underscoring the urgent need for cooperative governance to preserve space stability and sustainability.

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