Counterspace Capabilities: Renewed Hope for Cooperative Governance?

CIGI Paper No. 313

January 23, 2025

Ever since humankind first launched objects into space, counterspace capabilities (also known as “space weapons”) were developed to disrupt or destroy them. Now that space is increasingly being used for both civilian and military applications, space technologies have evolved to meet these needs, but regulations to protect space have lagged behind. This paper looks at how the international community is addressing the threats posed by these technologies through multilateral efforts and regulatory mechanisms to enhance space security.

About the Authors

Almudena Azcárate Ortega is a researcher in the Space Security and Weapons of Mass Destruction programs at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research.

Victoria Samson is the chief director of space security and stability for Secure World Foundation and has more than 25 years of experience in military space and security issues.