Advancing Space Governance: A Space Monitoring System

Adopting a multilateral strategy for space governance is essential to address the complex challenges posed by orbital congestion, resource competition and sustainability in space. Drawing lessons from existing frameworks like the EAGLE Report and utilizing the foundational principles of the Outer Space Treaty (OST), the international community must establish a comprehensive governance system that ensures equitable access, minimizes conflict and promotes the sustainable use of space resources (Madubuko & Chitsungo, 2024).

This brief proposes the following actions: 

1. Amending the Outer Space Treaty (OST): Amend the OST to incorporate more comprehensive debris mitigation measures, expanded transparency of privatesector operations, and binding resource-sharing agreements to guarantee fair participation and access. 

2. Creating a Global Space Monitoring System (GSMS): Design a unified monitoring platform based on digital diplomacy and other advanced technologies, like artificial intelligence. In this way, the GSMS will increase transparency and accountability and will form a cornerstone for effective space governance. 

3. Advancing Science and Economic Diplomacy: Promote cooperation, especially with and among developing nations, for the reduction of disparities in space exploration and use. This should be through economic and scientific partnerships to ensure inclusive global participation. 

4. Integrating Space Governance with Climate Goals: Align space activities with international climate objectives by employing satellite technologies for global monitoring, emission tracking and sustainable development efforts. 

These recommendations are fundamental to ensuring an inclusive and collaborative space environment, and they are critical for securing a future characterized by peaceful exploration and shared global benefits. Accordingly, through strategic alignment and international collaboration, space can become a domain of collective progress and not a contention for humanity.