SWF Releases Space Industry Statement in Support of International Commitments to Not Conduct Destructive ASAT Tests

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Our societal reliance on commercial space applications and services continues to grow, with applications spanning communication systems, navigation, Earth observation, and more. These societal benefits are at risk of being disrupted by the continued testing of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons that produce large amounts of orbital debris, such as direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles. These tests directly threaten the safety of our space systems and the long-term sustainability of the space environment within which they operate, including the future economic development of low Earth orbit.  In December 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution 77/41 calling upon countries to commit not to conduct such tests. To date, 37 countries have made this commitment. 

Given the risk posed by such tests to commercial space activities, a number of commercial space entities have adopted a Space Industry Statement in Support of International Commitments to Not Conduct Destructive ASAT Tests. Secure World Foundation held a virtual launch event on November 14, 2023, to release the Space Industry Statement. 

A PDF of the Statement can be accessed here here.

The current List of Signatories of the Industry Statement can be accessed here.

The SWF Launch Event of this Statement can be found here.