"Misconduct" In Outer Space and the Future of the Draft Code of Conduct

Veteran space journalist Leonard David asked several space policy experts what would constitute “misconduct” in outer space at a time when an international effort is underway to reach agreement on a “Code of Coduct for Outer Space Activities.” The answers are revealed in Mr. David’s Space.com column today.

In summary, Mr. David writes:

“From some experts, you get the sense that there’s a quest under way for a Robert’s Rules of Order for space, with a shot of Emily Post etiquette mixed in for good measure.

“Meanwhile, other analysts lean toward an approach much like Martha Stewart’s outlook for tidiness – a recipe for spacefaring nations to adopt and avoid collective mayhem in the cosmos.”

One of the experts interviewed for the article is Michael Krepon, co-founder of the Stimson Center in Washington, D.C. Mr. Krepon just published an essay recounting the roles that he and the Stimson Center played in initiating the idea of a Code of Conduct in lieu of a treaty banning weapons in outer space, as proposed by China and Russia.

The Stimson Center’s Space Security Project, which he heads, was created in 2002 and has worked diligently domestically and internationally to find a way to help keep space “as free as possible from destabilizing and dangerous developments,” in Mr. Krepon’s words. The future of the Code of Conduct is unclear, however, he adds. Noting that it is “gaining adherents,” he urges the Obama Administration to “somehow find the energy to add this objective to the very burdensome agenda of senior officials. If this is not possible, a rare opportunity will be missed.”

Editor’s note: We thank Mr. David for asking us the question, too, and publishing our reply.