APEX this week: Cislunar Data Infrastructures: An International Law and Governance Perspective

Our Astrobiology and Planetary Exploration (APEX) seminar series continues this Friday 7th November at 13:00 GMT, featuring the following talk:

• Dr Berna Akcali Gur (QMUL): Cislunar Data Infrastructures: An International Law and Governance Perspective

An abstract for Berna's talk can be found below.

Please note the day and location for APEX this term: Fridays at lunchtime, 1-2 pm GMT, in Birkbeck room MAL 612, 6th floor of the Birkbeck main Malet Street building, and online (unless specified 'online only' below).

A hybrid (in-person and online) format will continue this term but, of course, we warmly encourage in-person attendance to support our visiting speakers.

Details of the forthcoming APEX programme can be found at the link below. The latest information will be advertised in advance of each meeting.  If you are not on our regular mailing lists and are interested in attending these seminars, please contact joanna.fabbri AT ucl.ac.uk.

Abstract

The technologies and infrastructures that enable observation, domain situational awareness, and telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) in outer space are predominantly owned by a few leading space-faring nations. The concentration of ownership is even more pronounced in cislunar space, where even fewer states possess these capabilities. This issue becomes more pressing as the type and number of lunar activities increase, potentially disenfranchising other countries from independent access to lunar resources and opportunities, as well as compromising the safety and coordination of operations and hindering fact-finding in potential disputes. Cislunar Space is a scarce resource, and in the event of a collision or other disagreement therein, disputes may have to be resolved based on lunar data. Since these infrastructures are likely to be owned and controlled by at least one of the parties to these disputes, the resolution process would depend on their collaboration. This presents a significant challenge, as the impartiality and reliability of the data could be questioned, and there is a risk that they may withhold self-incriminating data. To ensure fair and unbiased dispute resolution, it is essential to establish transparency in lunar activities, equitable access to infrastructure, and impartial data. Addressing this problem is crucial for the sustainable and peaceful development of lunar activities. While establishing a neutral, internationally governed observation system would help mitigate a significant number of related issues, it seems a far prospect in the current geopolitical dynamics. The comparative lack of urgency, relative to Earth's orbits' governance problems, does not diminish the importance of lunar governance. It is crucial to promote transparency and cooperation in every aspect of space exploration to foster peaceful exploration and sustainable use of cislunar resources.
 

Links 

• Dr Berna Akcali Gur's academic profile page
• APEX programme for this term
• Recordings of previous APEX talks

APEX Seminars

The Astrobiology and Planetary Exploration (APEX) seminar series takes place this term on Friday lunchtimes, from 1-2pm, in Birkbeck room MAL 612, on the 6th floor of the Birkbeck main Malet Street building, and online.  As in previous years, we will operate a hybrid (online and in-person) model for both speakers and attendees. Details of the forthcoming APEX programme can be found via the link below.

• Link to further information about our APEX seminars
• Some of our past APEX talks can also be viewed online.