Surveillance Satellites, a European Role?

Abstract

Emerging technologies in the fields of sensors, data processing, communications and artificial intelligence, offer new possibilities of space utilisation. The American Strategic Defense Initiative is well known. In this chapter a less advertised alternative is discussed, which could have a decidedly stabilising effect on international relations, instead of promoting a new arms race. This is the setting up of an International Satellite Monitoring Agency (ISMA) to supplement the present national, that is superpower controlled, facilities for arms control verification and crisis monitoring from outer space.