International Satellite Monitoring Research Articles

Orbis non sufficit — Co-operation and Discord in Global Space and Disarmament Governance

Summary This article seeks to contribute to the burgeoning debate on space diplomacy by examining the historic interplay between diplomatic discussions on outer space and nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. It studies three significant cases since the Cold War, when space technologies constituted a significant topic in diplomatic exchanges and in advancing foreign policy objectives related to global arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. The cases trace early negotiations between Washington and Moscow on using satellites to detect nuclear detonations, to multilateral attempts at establishing an International Satellite Monitoring Agency, and conclude with a study on the use of satellite imagery in inspections under the auspices of the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq.

Computer based Earth Station Tracking Chain Simulator to aid the Development and Evaluation of Antenna Control Systems

In this paper a computer based tracking chain simulator for aiding the development and testing of antenna control systems of satellite earth stations is presented. User-friendly software with graphic-display facilitates system simplicity. Simulation reduces the integration and optimization time of the tracking chain, since most of the parameters can be set in the laboratory itself. The hardware block schematic and the software flow chart are discussed. The simulator has been successfully used to test and optimize an antenna control unit developed for the International Satellite Monitoring Earth Station (ISMES), Jalna, India.

ISMA — will it ever happen?

The idea of an international satellite monitoring agency was first proposed by France in 1978, but has made little headway in the face of the superpowers' reluctance to provide the sensitive and expensive data that the agency would require of them in its early phases. However, the Western European Union has decided to establish a satellite centre to assist with the verification of arms control agreements, crisis and environmental monitoring in the region. Once several such regional agencies have been established, there may be the basis for an international body. Meanwhile, the USSR has recently proposed a United Nations verification authority with a space-based component.

The commercialization of satellite imagery: Implications for cross-border conflict

The proliferation of commercial observation satellites offers opportunities to enhance regional stability as well as destabilizing possibilities for cross-border conflicts in the developing world. It is virtually impossible to anticipate whether observation satellites will be exploited for peaceful or destabilizing purposes, but there are clear benefits in maintaining symmetry in such capabilities. An International Satellite Monitoring Agency could be the best way to promote the positive aspects of satellite technology while minimizing the negative.

Security in the space age

Abstract This article reviews a variety of proposals for space-centred organizations designed to promote international security. Some, such as the Mission to Planet Earth, are ambitious in terms of cost and the international cooperation they require, but limited to scientific or economic objectives. The French-sponsored International Satellite Monitoring Agency, in contrast, would concentrate on military security. The USSR's proposal for a World Space Organization would promote a broader range of objectives but has met determined resistance, in particular from the USA. Other proposals are regional, national or even private in terms of ownership and management. The diverse and interdependent nature of these proposals offers a perspective of gradually developing global security.

The ISMA proposal — time for a reappraisal?

Abstract The proposal for an International Satellite Monitoring Agency (ISMA) was made by France in 1978. This article looks at the arguments raised against developing an ISMA and reassesses the proposal in the light of current and anticipated developments in the field of verification, and new national space programmes.

International verification arrangements: Choosing the right approach

A proposal for an international satellite monitoring agency (ISMA) to verify arms control agreements was first made by France in 1978, and has been received enthusiastically, although not by the superpowers. The technologies available for verification are proliferating, and many countries feel they can make a useful contribution. The authors examine the impact an ISMA would actually have on international security and arms control, and propose several alternative avenues for international participation in verification.

Arms control and conflict observation satellites

Dr Jasani argues the urgent case for establishing an international satellite monitoring agency, with an arms control and conflict observation satellite (ACCOS). He gives examples of recent technology advances and cites the imminent major development of space weapons by the USA and the USSR as a pressing reason for setting up a verification and crisis control mechanism. Both Europe and the non-aligned nations are in a position to participate in orbiting an ACCOS.

Scientists and arms control in outer space

Abstract Scientists have a special responsibility in helping to further the goal of arms control in outer space. Allan Din argues that it is incumbent upon them to study the development of weapons and the arms race, influence policy making at the national and international levels, and publicize the necessity of arms control. The author believes that a treaty controlling use of anti-satellite weapons is urgently required, while a long-term goal must be the formation of an international satellite monitoring agency to regulate use of intelligence-gathering indirect weapons.

Earth-resources remote sensing and an international satellite monitoring agency

Abstract In a recent letter the proposed dual role of an international satellite monitoring agency (ISMA) for both surveillance and Earth-resources remote sensing has been questioned. This letter examines some of the main objections to the dual role and finds them unconvincing. In addition some benefits of a dual role ISMA are explored leading to the conclusion that the remote sensing community should support the dual role concept.

Agreement and disagreement on an international satellite monitoring agency

Abstract The proposals submitted to the United Nations General Assembly for the establishment of an international satellite monitoring agency are briefly discussed in the light of suggestions to combine surveillance tasks with socioeconomic (resources management) tasks. It is concluded that confidence building, both with regard to peacekeeping and crisis management on one side, and international co-operation for socioeconomic development on the other side, as well as systems characteristics for the various objectives, call for keeping these tasks completely separated.

Toward an Alternative Security System: Moving beyond the Balance of Power in the Search for World Security

Technological changes and their military consequences have outpaced the capacity of the international system to protect people's security and to meet basic needs. The balance of power system cannot prevent war for long, nor can it reduce to an acceptable level the prospect of nuclear catastrophe. Yet policy makers have excluded from their agendas policies that question this anachronistic system or the basic direction of time-honored diplomacy. Fundamental changes are needed but encounter psychological as well as political and economic resistance, including the belief that the present international order is more or less permanent. Building a more durable peace therefore requires identifying policies that will not jeopardize security in the short run but that will lead to a more effective security system in the long run. Examination of seven policy models—based respectively on a nuclear war-fighting capability, mutual assured destruction, minimum deterrence, conventional defensive weapons, a world peacekeeping federation, civilian resistance, and a global security system—demonstrates that U.S. and Soviet policies are leading to greater insecurity, and that more prudent policy options are available. Scientific studies of war as well as diplomatic history suggest that if a policy is to contribute to security in the long run, it must help demilitarize, depolarize, denationalize, and transnationalize the world system. Policies that will contribute to the establishment of a new international security order and that can be undertaken now include: an international satellite monitoring agency; a ban on all nuclear tests; a freeze on the testing, production, and deployment of all nuclear warheads and delivery systems; a no-first-use pledge; the establishment of a non-intervention regime; and demilitarizing initiatives by the small powers, such as a Nordic nuclear weapons free zone.

Creation of an International Satellite Monitoring Agency

(1979). Creation of an International Satellite Monitoring Agency. Strategic Analysis: Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 204-206.