Solving the Global Challenges of the Future
Solving the Global Challenges of the Future
'AI - Space Law' for Space2030 Agenda
Our Contribution the Space2030 Agenda
The United Nations Space2030 Agenda is a strategic framework aimed at leveraging space technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This agenda emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, sustainable space activities, and the use of space data for societal benefits. Key elements include:
-
Global Cooperation: Encouraging international collaboration to ensure the peaceful use of outer space and equal access for all nations, regardless of their level of development.
-
Sustainable Space Activities: Promoting the long-term sustainability of outer space activities through responsible practices and the prevention of space debris.
-
Leveraging Space Technology: Utilizing space-based technologies and applications to support various sectors including climate action, disaster management, and sustainable development.
The Society's activities aim to contribute to the Space2030 Agenda via our innovative research focused on the Synergy 'AI - Space Law'. We will address the SDGs clustered on 4 strategic domains, by critically assessing the role of space technologies in fulfilling the SDGs, the applicable legal provisions couples with the opportunities and challanges associated with the deployment of artificial intelligence.
Strategic Cluster #1
Space for Justice, Peace & Security
SDG 16, SDG 17
In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, managing strategic competition and hybrid threats is of the essence for ensuring the protection of human rights. The outer space did not remain uninfluenced by the above-mentioned international situation. The operation of major space projects, such as the International Space Station, which is only possible based on the collaboration of spacefaring states (United States, Russia etc.), was threatened during the war with accusation being made from all side. The introduction of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, adds more complexity to the current geopolitical trends, and it is influencing the balance of powers in the military domain, including in space related activities. Given such multifaceted ecosystem, this Strategic Research Cluster aims to underline the importance of cross-border collaboration for enabling space security as well as equal treatment for all states irrespective of their economical power.
Timeline and Activities:
2024 - 2027
- Publication of peer reviewed articles
- International conference organisation on the legal implications of AI in space for peaceful purposes
- International advocacy for responsible development of space activities
Strategic Cluster #2
Space for Equality
SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 7, SDG 10
How is space technology promoting equality on Earth and beyond? Is there a system guaranteeing equal access and equal opportunity to outer space? Does the the existing body of law (lex lata) ensure equal access to space activities for all space actors? This Research Cluster aims to explore such challenges in the light of additional complexities raised by the introduction of AI systems in space-related activities. It will also include analyses on gender biases and the need of equal gender representation in all space activities.
Timeline and Activities
2025 - 2028
- Regular expert panels for addressing gender and equality topics addressing the synergy AI - space
- International publications and advocacy for equal access to space activities
Strategic Cluster #3
Space for Well-Being and Prosperity
SDG1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11
In the fight against poverty, satellite data and AI can pinpoint impoverished regions, ensuring targeted aid and resources reach those in need. For agriculture, satellites monitor crop health and weather patterns, while AI predicts yields and shortages, enhancing food security. Health benefits include telemedicine through satellite communication, reaching remote areas, and tracking disease spread, with AI optimizing health responses. Infrastructure development is supported by satellite data informing construction and AI optimizing resource use. Sustainable urban development benefits from satellite mapping and AI-driven urban growth predictions, guiding city planning and disaster preparedness. Notwithstanding such technological opportunities, how is the deployment of artificial intelligence contributes to innovative, equal and inclusive societies? How can we ensure that this emerging technology is not used as an instrument of manipulation and disinformation? What kind of security standards are required for a responsible deployment of artificial intelligence in space related activities? What rules are applicable to liability for damage caused by the use of artificial intelligence? What responsibility rules are in place in the context of eliminating the "human in the loop" formula?
Timeline and Activities
2026 - 2029
- Publication of peer reviewed articles on the role of space technology for supporting the Cluster’s SDGs in line with relevant legal frameworks
- Critical opinions, outreach, media coverage
- Participation in international conferences, round tables, keynotes, education, valorization
Strategic Cluster #4
Space for Climate & Other Planetary Crises
SDG 6, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 15
For water management, satellites monitor water bodies and usage patterns, while AI predicts shortages and optimizes distribution. In promoting responsible consumption and production, space technology tracks resource extraction and waste management, with AI enhancing efficiency and sustainability efforts. Climate action benefits from satellite data on environmental changes, with AI providing predictive models for climate mitigation and adaptation. Marine conservation is supported by satellites monitoring ocean health and pollution levels, while AI analyzes marine biodiversity data to guide preservation efforts. Terrestrial ecosystems are protected through satellite surveillance of forests and wildlife habitats, with AI helping to prevent deforestation and track biodiversity. In this Research Cluster we will critically asses how we can we better use space technology in preventing climate change and other Planetary crises; how we we change our consumption and production practices to become more sustainable and what role needs to be assigned to artificial intelligence, as a supporting tool, in ensuring sustainable practices.
Timeline and Activities
2025 - 2029
- Special expert panels on critically assessing the role of space technology in fighting climate change
- Public outreach
- Publication of peer reviewed articles
Towards SDG 18
The potential of the outer space in achieving the 17 SDGs is recognized by the United Nations, and, due to its emerging importance, the sustainable development of space is currently being considered for becoming the next SDG 18. All Strategic Clusters will contribute to the realization of SDG 18, as one of the long-term milestones part of our contributions to Space2030 Agenda.
Timeline and Activities
2024 - 2030
- Research, analysis, history of the initiative
- Publication of peer reviewed articles for building the case of SDG 18