The emergence of in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing, or ISAM, capabilities, particularly from Western-based commercial actors, is adding to geopolitical tension among rivals in orbit. Much of this mistrust is, understandably, rooted in the strong and multi-layered relationships between governments and the commercial space sector.
At present, there is little guidance from international or national sources on how to ease the tension around ISAM activities, leaving open the potential for ISAM missions to create misunderstandings and, potentially, escalation. However, despite no official rules, there are simple, low-cost transparency measures private actors can adopt to ease global worries about these activities and create a more sustainable space environment.
In this policy brief, Daniel Porras addresses three questions: What are ISAM activities and why are they creating geopolitical mistrust? What is the current legal framework around ISAM? How can private actors take the initiative in reducing fears and mistrust?
