Abstract

Space is crucial to many aspects of modern life, both in the civilian and military domains. Any act that threatens the good functioning of space systems could have severe consequences for life on earth. One area where the security of space systems is vital, is strategic stability. The major space faring nations, many of whom are also nuclear possessor states, rely on space systems in three key areas: 1) nuclear command, control, and communications; 2) monitoring of arms control agreements; and 3) global positioning for their militaries.

There are several different ways that space systems can be attacked. One of the biggest threats comes from cyber-attack. Space and cyber-space are now increasingly interlinked, meaning that space systems – the satellites, the data links, and the ground stations – are exposed to cyber-attack. Understanding the links between space and cyber-space is needed to protect space assets from attack. Preventing cyber-attacks on space systems will help keep these essential systems functioning and help to maintain international peace and security.

This webinar will discuss the space-cyber security nexus. It will focus on the consequences for strategic stability should major states carry out cyber-attacks on each other’s space systems. It will consider whether there are any lessons to learn from the UN cyber security processes and how to address these threats in the context of space security negotiations.

About the Speakers

Simon Cleobury is Head of Arms Control and Disarmament at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. He is a former British Deputy Disarmament Ambassador (2017 – 2023), where he represented the UK at the Conference on Disarmament and other disarmament fora in Geneva. Prior to that, he worked in the Security Council Team and then the Peacebuilding Team at the UK Mission to the UN in New York (2012 – 2016). Prior to his diplomatic career, he was a corporate lawyer with global law firm Baker McKenzie. Simon obtained a bachelor’s degree in modern history at University College London and a master’s degree in historical research from Oxford University. He studied law at BPP Law School, London.

Laetitia Cesari is a Consultant at UNIDIR. Her research interests focus on space law and policy, focusing on security and safety aspects, space traffic management and space situational awareness, as well as the nexus between space and cybersecurity.  Prior to joining UNIDIR, she worked in the space industry, specifically telecommunications. Before that, she had the opportunity to support the work of national governments on defence and space.  Laetitia holds a Doctorate in Law focused on the legal aspects of cybersecurity of space systems from the University of Luxembourg and has been a visiting scholar at the International Institute of Air and Space Law (IIASL) at Leiden University and at the University of New South Wales, UNSW Canberra – Space. She also holds a certificate from the Hague Academy of International Law, a master’s degree in space law and telecommunications from the University of Luxembourg, a master’s degree in aeronautics law from the University Toulouse 1 Capitole and a master’s degree in business law from the University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.