May 17 2023 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Lecture Hall VII, Main Building University of Bonn

Fourth event of the lecture series "Nach den Sternen greifen. Der Weltraum als Wirtschafts-, Lebens- und Wettbewerbsraum im 21. Jahrhundert" (Summer Semester 2023) with Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Götz Neuneck.

Modern societies are increasingly dependent on space-based services, making the preservation of the peaceful uses of space established in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty central to peace and security on Earth. New actors, programs, and technologies are challenging current agreements. The increasing militarization and potential weaponization of space is a serious concern given existing regulatory gaps in space law and the potential vulnerability of satellites.

Based on current space law, more transparency and effective arms control can prevent destabilizing developments in crisis and armed conflict to prevent an arms race in outer space. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty provides the foundation for future space regimes, but must be complemented by confidence building, preventive arms control, and better implementation of long-accepted standards. The lecture describes possible threats from "space weapons", the different interests of central actors and the opportunities and obstacles of arms control in outer space including its verification.

Opening remarks:

Dr. Enrico Fels
Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies, University of Bonn

Lecture:

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Götz Neuneck
Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH), University of Hamburg

Moderation:

Dr. Cedric Bierganns
Security Policy and Armed Forces Officer, Federal City Bonn Office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation