Submitted by: Svenska Folkpartiet

Considering

That satellites are now essential to human safety and well-being, for communications, weather forecasting, monitoring climate change, safe terrestrial, marine and aircraft navigation and international security.

That inner space is now de facto an integral part of the human environment.

That the amount of space debris has exceeded 500 000 pieces according to Nasa in 2019, and that this amount of debris poses a serious risk to day-to-day operations conducted in space.

That even very small particles of space debris can damage satellites and the International Space Station.

That the increasing militarization of space amplifies the risks to peaceful satellite and research uses of space.

That the previous space treaty is from 1984, when the world looked very different and international cooperation was not as developed or essential as today. 

That research done in and from space is a large component in our societies today, with great benefits for building and securing our future on this planet

That tests of space junk destruction technologies are increasing and they risk accelerating the amount of future space debris.

Believes

The growing threat of space debris needs urgent attention.

The right to do research in space is a uniting factor for countries around the world, and nothing must stand in the way of this right

That the environmental integrity of space and space research are vital for the future of our planet, and must be protected by a modern space treaty.

Calls for

Immediate negotiations for a new space treaty, with focus on recognition of inner space as an essential component of the planetary environment, effective management of space debris, modern space research and a new regime of binding rules and effective guidelines for space integrity and security. 

Discussions to include how we can globally work toward smaller amounts of space debris, in order to secure future connections to satellites bringing communication, weather and other relevant data back to us on the ground.

Securing the future of the international space station as the main research facility in the Earth’s orbit and maintaining the ISS capabilities to function in any diplomatic situation between different countries.

Building up a new framework of rules addressing the private sectors role in space and working closer together with companies and organisations in establishing a future cooperation in space.

Further measures to bring satellites safely back to the ground once not needed or damaged, in order to avoid further collection of space debris.