A document published by the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Reducing Space Threats outlines the commitment of 27 EU member states to ban all direct-ascent anti-satellite tests.
“Concerned that the use of destructive ASAT systems might have widespread and irreversible impacts on the outer space environment, the Member States of the EU consider such commitment as an urgent and initial measure aimed at preventing damage to the outer space environment,” the document states.
The commitment does, however, not legally bind countries. According to the text, the signatories envision the commitment being a first step toward a legally binding pledge.
“The EU and its Member States are committed to reduce space threats and preserve the peaceful use of outer space using a step by step approach towards possible legally binding instruments in the future,” the document states. “They believe that, given the dual-use nature of many space systems, an approach based on responsible behaviours, supported by relevant monitoring capabilities, is the most pragmatic and immediate way forward to improve space security today. “
This is not the first commitment of its kind. In early 2022, following a Russian direct-ascent ASAT test, the US pledged not to conduct such tests. Twelve countries followed suit, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. In December 2022, this coalition introduced a resolution that the UN General Assembly approved. 155 countries voted in favour of the resolution, and nine countries abstained. Belarus, Bolivia, Central African Republic, China, Cuba, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, and Syria voted no. The resolution was non-binding.
European ASAT Capabilities
According to the Secure World Foundation’s Global Counterspace Capabilities Report, France is the only European country working on anti-satellite capabilities.
The country’s Space Defense Strategy was released in July 2019. It identified improved space situational awareness and some form of active defense against threats as critical areas of focus to ensure the safety of French space assets. According to the report, some French officials suggested satellite-mounted machine guns or laser cannons. However, the country chose instead to pursue space-based inspection capabilities and ground-based lasers that can dazzle satellites.
As the proposed commitment only prohibits direct-ascent anti-satellite tests, it will not affect France’s current strategy.
