1. 3rd NMIOTC Annual Conference June 27th 2012, Crete
“Canning” the Cost for Maritime Security Operations. Legal, Political and Technical Considerations.
Makis Rodotheatos, Panteion University
3rd NMIOTC Annual Conference
June 27th 2012, Crete

2. European Centre for Environmental Research and Training (EKePEK), 2002-...
Research Centre of Panteion Un. of Social and Political Science
Main aim: Promotion of Environmental Studies, Sustainability and Maritime Affairs
Cooperating with NMIOTC since 2010

3. PhD Can. on Law of the Sea (topic: Artificial Islands and Structures)
PolAd to the Minister of Environment, Energy and Sustainable Development
Space Law expertise (ECSL Summer School 2005 & 2006, MA Thesis on Space Debris)
Currently working on: Space Technology, Marine Data Collection and LOSC

4. Scope of presentation
Provide the audience with the implications emanating from the use of low cost, efficient satellite technologies (esp. remote sensing and telecommunications) in Maritime Security Operations.

5. Outline What is a “small satellite”? How does a small satellite work?
How can small satellites be used in MSOs?
Advantages of small satellites
Disadvantages of small satellites
Legal framework
Key points
NATO’s Role and Applications
Future challenges
Conclusions

6. What is a “small satellite”?
Space object of limited size and weight
Easy and cheap to construct
Mini-Satellites 1, kgs [$20-5 mil.]
Micro-Satellites kgs [$5-2 mil.]
Nano-Satellites 10 kgs> [$1 mil>]
They can fly as unit, constellation or formation

8. How does a small satellite work?
According to payload, it can carry out various tasks
It can be launched via air platforms, submarines, missiles, offshore platforms even from other spacecrafts
Use of batteries, as well as solar energy
Delivered in Low Earth Orbit (160-2,000 m. above sea level)
Life span: months (sometimes year+)

9. How can small satellites be used in MSOs?
Telecommunications
Remote Sensing/ Data Gathering
Navigation
Meteorology
Real time or Near – Real time

10. Advantages of small satellites
Low cost (construction, launch, maintenance)
Easy and quick to build/ “Massive” Production
Easy to deploy and re-deploy
Single-operation orientated: accuracy, speed, non- conflicting with other uses/ users
Adaptability – openness to improvements
“Space Independency” for state-operator
Expansion of knowledge/ Benefit for local industry - economy

11. Disadvantages of small satellites
Ground infrastructure = military target
Short life/ carrying capacity
“Traffic” in the LEO
Propagation of Space Debris
Non-recoverable
“Difficult” to control when energy sources are low
Vulnerability to attacks (e.g. signal jamming) due to commercial/ open access components

12. Legal framework
General Principles of International Law / United Nations Charter
Space Law regulations
Outer Space Treaty
Rescue of Astronauts Treaty
Liability Convention
Registration Convention
Moon Treaty
& UNGA Resolutions
Law of War

13. Key points: REGISTRATION
Each space object has to be
Registered in National Registry & UN Sec. Gen. has to be informed properly
Where there are two or more launching States they shall determine which one shall register the object (see Int. Organizations)
The term “launching State” means:
(i) A State which launches or procures the launching of a space object;
(ii) A State from whose territory or facility a space object is launched;

14. Key points: REGISTRATION_2
Information to be publicized
Name of launching State or States;
Date and territory or location of launch;
Basic orbital parameters, including:
(i) Nodal period;
(ii) Inclination;
(iii) Apogee;
(iv) Perigee;
General function of the space object.

15. Key points: Responsibility
States shall bear International Responsibility for national activities in outer space, whether such activities are carried on by governmental agencies or by non-governmental entities
When activities are carried by an international organization, Responsibility shall be borne both by the international organization and by the States Parties

16. Key points: Liability
Launching States are Internationally Liable for damage to another State Party to the Treaty or to its natural or juridical persons by such object or its component parts on the Earth, in air space or in outer space.
State bears the cost BUT gets reimbursed by Non Governmental or International Organization

17. Key points: Energy Sources
Use of Nuclear Reactors is prohibited in LEO missions
Use of Nuclear Power Sources is allowed under certain restrictions (acc. to NPS UNGA Resolution, 1992)

18. Key points: Weapons/ Force
Carrying of Nuclear and WMD is prohibited
Outer Space should be used for “Peaceful Purposes”
Non-peaceful doesn’t mean Non-military
Aggressive acts are permissible only under UN Charter

19. Key points: Use of force
In wartime, Humanitarian Law Rules apply (Geneva Conventions & Protocols)
Non Discrimination
Proportionality
Necessity
Military Advantage
Legitimate
Target
Military Sat. used in armed conflict
Dual Use Sat used in armed conflict for military purposes

20. Key points: Harmful interference
A State which has reason to believe that an activity or experiment planned by another State Party in outer space, would cause potentially harmful interference with activities in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, may request consultation concerning the activity or experiment.

21. NATO’s Role and Applications
NATO has been active in Space Apps since 1960’s
A large volume of NATOs Telecoms and Remote Sensing is being carried out by Satellites of Member States [some of them; Dual Use]
NATO has no:
Space Policy
Space Strategy
Space Doctrine
Space Joint TTPs
The Alliance is still missing a holistic approach to the subject

22. Future challenges
Future of MSOs will be closely linked to Space Capabilities
New applications and capabilities have to be tested through experimentation
Network – centric warfare is Ante Portas
New legal concepts for cyber- & space-warfare have to be introduced

23. Conclusions Low cost – Small Sats
Are appropriate for “low budget” enemies
Can serve as counterbalance to budget cutbacks
Can cover remote/ vast/ dangerous/ difficult to reach/ expanding theaters of operation
Can provide for cheap telecoms with overseas allies and assets
Are deployable to multiple hotspots, simultaneously

24. Makis Rodotheatos -PhD Can
Makis Rodotheatos -PhD Can., Panteion University of Athens - Researcher, European Centre for Environmental Research and Training