Speaker
Description
The governance and international cooperation mechanisms central to planetary defence are under-explored in academic research despite their centrality to the success of global efforts to mitigate asteroid and comet impact hazards. This study seeks to address a crucial gap: how effective are current international organisations and frameworks in fostering meaningful collaboration and governance for planetary defence? Furthermore, it questions whether there is a pressing need for a dedicated international body to oversee planetary defence activities and coordinate efforts among spacefaring nations. Through an evaluation of the challenges and successes of existing mechanisms, this research aims to evaluate their capacity to respond to planetary defence threats effectively and equitably.
The context of planetary defence cooperation has seen significant contributions from both theoretical and applied research, particularly in the fields of international law, space policy, and global governance. Academics have examined the legal and policy frameworks surrounding space-related activities, yet few have explicitly focused on planetary defence as an international collaborative effort. While previous studies have addressed the technical aspects of asteroid impact, there is a noticeable gap in understanding how international coordination mechanisms are structured and their effectiveness in mitigating the global risk of asteroid and comet impacts. This research intends to fill that gap by analysing existing international cooperation frameworks and proposing possible improvements. Through the adoption of a desktop research methodology, primary sources such as international treaties, policy documents, mission reports, and relevant literature are analysed.
Preliminary findings indicate several critical limitations in current planetary defence frameworks. First, the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) lacks enforceable mechanisms for ensuring consistent participation from all relevant states, particularly non-spacefaring nations, which undermines its global reach and effectiveness. Second, while the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) has been successful in sharing technical information and resources, it does not have the legal authority to mobilise coordinated global action in the event of a near-Earth object (NEO) threat. Furthermore, existing efforts are hampered by a lack of funding mechanisms and dependence on voluntary contributions, which limits the capacity for timely response. A third challenge is the fragmented governance structure, where different space agencies and organisations operate independently, creating inefficiencies and a lack of unified strategic direction. These findings suggest that the current systems are insufficiently robust to respond to planetary defence threats in a timely, coordinated, and legally binding manner.
This study advocates the creation of a dedicated international body with the legal authority to manage planetary defence efforts, ensuring greater cooperation, resource allocation, and coordination among nations. This research has the potential to shape future global governance of planetary defence. By highlighting the limitations and potential improvements in international cooperation mechanisms, this study will contribute to ongoing policy discussions and inform stakeholders such as policymakers, space agencies, and international organisations.