This edited volume discusses how even small nation states can make a significant difference in the future of space governance.
The book is divided into three main sections covering political theory, case studies, and space technology and applications. Key topics of discussion include planetary defense, space mining, and high-power systems in space. Through these timely subjects, the book presents strategies for developing a truly global governance framework in space, based on the concept of a responsible cosmopolitan state.
Authored by a multidisciplinary group of researchers from the Czech Republic, the volume will appeal to other scientific teams and policymakers looking to become pioneers of cosmopolitan space policies at a national and global level.
Author(s): Nikola Schmidt
Series: Space and Society
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 259
City: Cham
Preface
Acknowledgments
Contents
Contributors
Introduction
References
Part I: Perspectives on Cosmopolitan Responsibility
Reconciling Cosmopolitan Theory and Policy Practice? Responsible States as a Transitional Category
1 Introduction
2 What Is the Point of Theorising About World Politics?
3 Toning Down Cosmopolitan Idealism: The Idea of a Responsible Cosmopolitan State
4 RCSs Against Neorealist Reductionism
5 Pitfalls of Bringing the State Back in Global Political Theory
5.1 Motivational Issues
5.2 Which Sovereignty?
6 Conclusion: Responsible Cosmopolitan States as a Transitional Stage
References
International Security Regimes, Space and Responsible Cosmopolitan States
1 Introduction
2 International Regime: Definition
3 International Regime Theory: Key Assumptions
4 International Regime Theory: Emergence and Evolution
5 International Regime Theory: Key Insights
6 Conclusion
References
Cosmopolitan Visions Under the Critical Lens of Realist(ic) Geopolitics
1 Introduction
2 Geopolitical Reading of Politics
3 Cosmopolitanism in the Vacuum of Outer Space
4 The Fallacy of a Responsible Cosmopolitan State
5 A Realistic Alternative
References
Part II: Cosmopolitan Responsibility in Space
International Space Law as the Transiting Path to Cosmopolitan Order
1 Introduction
2 Cosmopolitanism
2.1 Modalities of Cosmopolitanism, Between Ideas and Practice
2.2 From Moral to Legal Cosmopolitanism
2.3 From Moral Guidance to the Responsible Cosmopolitan State
3 Searching for Cosmopolitan Ideas in National Law
4 Searching for Cosmopolitan Ideas in International Law
4.1 Non-cosmopolitan International Law
4.2 Cosmopolitanization of International Law: Generality
4.3 Cosmopolitanization of International Law: Universality
4.4 Cosmopolitanization of International Law: Individualism
4.5 Cosmopolitanization of International Law: Neither Cosmopolitan Nor Non-cosmopolitan
4.6 Cosmopolitanization of International Law: Areas Recognized as Res Communis Omnium
5 Searching for Cosmopolitan Principles in International Space Law
5.1 The Outer Space Treaty
5.2 The Non-appropriation Principle (The OST and Customary International Law)
5.3 Any Space Activities Shall Be Carried Out for the Benefit and in the Interest of All Countries (The OST and Customary International Law)
5.4 Astronauts Regarded as Envoys of Mankind (The OST and Customary International Law)
5.5 Cosmopolitan Ideals Enshrined in the Moon Agreement
6 Conclusion
References
Responsible Cosmopolitan State in Space Politics
1 Introduction
2 Responsibility
3 Sovereignty
4 Cosmopolitanism and Practical Politics
5 Principles of a Responsible Cosmopolitan State
6 Four Cases in Which States Can Be Responsible in Space Politics
6.1 Planetary Defense
6.2 Space Mining
6.3 High-Energy Systems
6.4 Orbital Debris
7 Conclusion
References
Part III: Space Projects with Potential to Enable Cosmopolitan Governance
Addressing Global Governance Gaps in Planetary Defense
1 Introduction
2 Global and Unpredictable Threat
3 Global Governance Issues
3.1 Governing by Criticality and Scientific Authority
3.2 Inclusivity and Effectivity in the UN Framework
3.2.1 United Nations General Assembly
3.2.2 United Nations Security Council
3.2.3 Sources of Geopolitical Instability
3.2.4 Existing Governance Barrier for Planetary Defense
4 Principles for Ad Hoc Planetary Defense Body
5 Cosmopolitan Metamorphosis
6 Conclusion
References
Space Mining: Attempts to Materialize Cosmopolitan Ideas Enshrined in International Space Law
1 Introduction
2 From Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources to Common Heritage of Mankind
2.1 Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources
2.2 Utilization of Natural Resources Beyond National Jurisdiction
2.3 UNCLOS and the Regime Governing Deep Seabed Mining: The Most Cosmopolitan Regime Ever Established
3 Space Resources as Exhaustible Resources in an Area Recognized as Res Communis Omnium
3.1 Principles of International Space Law
3.2 All Space Activities Shall Be Carried Out for the Benefit and in the Interest of All Countries and Shall Be the Province of All Mankind
4 At the Brink of the Space Mining Age
4.1 National Law
4.2 UN COPUOS
4.3 Building Blocks for the Development of an International Framework on Space Resource Activities
4.4 Vancouver Recommendations on Space Mining
5 Conclusion: Cosmopolitan Ideas Enshrined in the Recent Space Mining-Related Incentives
References
Peaceful Use of Lasers in Space: Challenges and Pathways Forward
1 Introduction
2 The Potential of Lasers
3 Security Aspects
3.1 Dual Use of Lasers and Their Securitisation
3.2 More Actors, More Problems
3.3 National Outlook in International Institutions
4 Legitimacy Aspects
4.1 Understanding Legitimacy
4.2 Legitimacy Trade-Offs Between Effectivity and Inclusivity
4.3 Absence on the Global Level
5 Practical Aspects
5.1 Knowledge Is Power
5.2 Splitting Costs and Labour
6 Pathways for Global Scientific Governance
6.1 Networked Reality
6.2 Context-Dependent Legitimacy
6.3 Multi-stakeholder Approach
7 Conclusion
References
Cosmopolitan Approach to the Issue of Orbital Debris
1 Introduction
2 Orbital Debris as an Environmental Issue
3 Ius Cosmopoliticum: The Foundation for Global Society
4 Apocalyptic Imagination: The End of the World Through Technology
5 Cosmopolitan Responsibility
6 Conclusion
References
Part IV: Technology Readiness
Technology Readiness and Small States’ Contributions to Planetary Defense
1 Asteroid Observation and Planetary Defense
1.1 What Is Interplanetary Matter
1.2 Methods of Observations
1.2.1 Astrometry
1.2.2 Time-Resolved Photometry
1.2.3 Spectroscopy and Colorimetry
1.2.4 Radar Observations
1.2.5 Thermal Observations
1.2.6 Polarimetric Observations
1.2.7 In Situ Observations
1.2.8 Meteorite Analysis
1.2.9 Observations and Characterization of Meteors
1.3 Planetary Defense
1.4 Kinetic Impactor
1.5 Nuclear Explosion
1.6 Gravity Tractor
1.7 Induced Ablation
2 Potential Contribution of Small Countries: The Case of Czechia
3 Conclusions
References
Asteroid Prospecting and Space Mining
1 Introduction
2 Prospecting for Natural Resources in Interplanetary Space
2.1 Why We Need Reliable Techniques for Broad Prospecting
2.2 Remote Prospecting
2.3 Proximity Prospecting
2.4 Local Characterization
2.5 Satellite Spectroscopy of Meteors
2.6 Mass Spectrometry for Dust Analysis
3 Implications for the Cosmopolitan Responsible State Concept
References
High-Energy Systems Today and Tomorrow
1 Introduction
2 Key Laser Parameters
3 What Kind of Lasers Do We Have?
3.1 Flashlamp-Pumped Solid-State Lasers
3.2 Diode-Pumped Solid-State Lasers
3.3 Fiber Lasers
3.4 Laser Diodes
4 Increasing Laser Efficiency
4.1 Efficient Heat Dissipation
4.2 Laser Beam Wave Front Corrections
4.3 Laser Pulse Burst Generation
4.4 Laser Pulse Shaping
5 Meeting the Requirements of Space Applications
5.1 Planetary Defense
5.2 Debris Deorbiting
5.3 Nanoprobe Propulsion
6 Laser Development and Small State Politics
6.1 The Story of the Czech Republic
6.2 Consequences for the Small State’s Cosmopolitan Responsibilities
References
Index
