Space applications as instruments to face terrorist threats

The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development refers explicity to the strengthening of relevant national institutions, including international cooperation to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime. Moreover, the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 highlights the promotion and the international cooperation in the use and exploitation of outer space. States need to be precautious and may consider stronger supervision, and control to prevent misuse of space capabilities. Combating terrorism is an issue of utmost importance for international peace and security, and concerns all nations across the world. In that sense, space assets – such as SATCOM, GNSS and Remote Sensing – can play an important role in detecting, preventing and mitigating the damage done by terrorism. This could be undertaken under the auspices of an internationally recognised body like the United Nations.