Global Agenda Council on Space Security: Workshop on Bringing Space Down to Earth

Global Agenda Council on Space Security: Workshop on Bringing Space Down to Earth

McGill University

5 July 2013

Global Security Session 6

Moderator: Ciro Arevalo Yepes

The session was opened with remarks by Ciro Areval Yepes. Mr. Yepes spoke about the fact that the regional perspective in global security matters and space is increasingly important. He noted that while there may be a perception that UN bodies work alone and, it isn’t true. As an example he noted that in COPUOS work with respect to something like access to space, COPUOS must consider the ITU, the question of space debris and PAROS.

The opening remarks were followed by presentation from Mr. Eya David Macauley from the International Criminal Court. (This speaker was shuffled into this time slot due from the Education and Human Rights Session).

Presenter: Mr. Eya David Macauley, Analyst in the Office of the Prosecutor, ICC

Presentation: “Use of Space Technology in the International Criminal Court”

Satellites play a significant role in the protection of human rights. With respect to cases before the ICC, satellites provide useful images and data that is used as evidence. The legal basis for using Earth observation (EO) satellites is that the images from space taken can reveal extensive destruction, attacks on civilians and attacks against humanitarian assistance. The reason the ICC uses EO to get evidence is because often times the location of the crime is inaccessible to investigators due to the fact it is a hostile or remote area, there is a lack of security or there is conflict ongoing. EO is also reliable scientific evidence that corroborates eyewitness testimony and statements. EO data is useable evidence pursuant to the Rome Statute and the ICC rules of procedure.

The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) uses medium to high-resolution data to compare pre and post attack. In doing so, these images reveal information on destroyed property, scorch marks and even mass graves. The OTP uses EO data throughout the three phases of a case. In the preliminary examination, EO images aid the assessment of whether the alleged crime is within the mandate of the ICC. During the investigation phase, EO images serve as corroboration as well as risk assessment mapping. In the trial phase, EO images aid the court by was of 3-dimensional and 360’ crime scene reconstruction. EO data is also used in analytical reports and to corroborate witness testimony.

To illustrate the usefulness of EO data in ICC prosecutions, Mr. Macauley supplied EO images and electronic reports from several cases originating in Africa. These images not only demonstrated where alleged crimes took place but also the extent of the damage to military structures, villages, homes and even a church.

EO data has proven to be increasingly helpful in fighting human rights violations. It is unbiased and scientific in nature. And if used correctly, it can even register events as they unfold. The technology available offers opportunities to circumvent many of the problems related to inaccessibility to remote areas and unsafe locations due to ongoing conflicts and security concerns.

Presenter: Dr. Bhupendra Jasani

Presentation: Role of Satellites in Strengthening Nuclear Security

Dr. Jasani started the session by talking about the importance of nuclear security, the protection of nuclear materials facilities and weapons. Nuclear materials include Uranium 235, Plutonium 239 and Uranium 233. U-235 is found naturally in low levels but can be enriched in nuclear enrichment facilities. P-239 is generated in nuclear reactors. U-233 is produced chemically. U-235 and P-239 are major problems.

It is important to protect these materials as well as their production plants. This was clear with the fall of the Soviet Union where managing facilities became just as important as did disarmament issues.

There are several measures to decrease the threats associated with these materials, their facilities as well as nuclear weapons. For example, the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty, UN Security Council Resolutions, UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) actions to protect nuclear materials and nuclear facilities, extended safeguard arrangements between states under IAEA and the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources.

Space and space capabilities have made significant contributions to nuclear security. They play a role by providing data and imagery from observation and commercial satellites. As an example, Dr. Jasani discussed Pakistan’s plutonium production facility. Satellite data and imagery can help answer whether there is sufficient security around the facility. As the imagery shows, there are fences around the outside of the perimeter as well as interior fences around facilities. From these images, we can see that Pakistan is doing something to help protect these sights. As to whether this facility is in fact protected from terrorists, we may not know but we can at least establish that Pakistan is taking steps to protect their facilities by way of physical barriers.

The next example discussed was a Uranium enrichment facility in Iran. The images provided by satellites show that there are double high walled fences around the facility as well as anti-aircraft missiles on the edges of the perimeter. So it would seem from this data that this facility is reasonably well protected.

Next, images of Isreal’s plutonium production plant indicate a well-protected perimeter fence. The images also reveal that the facility is located in a mountainous area. This images show that it appears to be a possible weapons storage area with double fences along the perimeter. This facility is well secured.

The IAEA verifies compliance with treaties such as the Nuclear non-proliferation Treaty by way of space capabilities that provide GPS coordinates of facilities and images to make certain states are providing accurate data about the location and nature of their nuclear activities as well as remain in compliance with international treaties. For example, in looking at an image of a facility located in Finland, it clearly reveals this to be an energy producing plant and not a facility used for any other purposes. This is demonstrated via satellite imagery, which reveals the structures and layout as being consistent with Norway’s reported activities. As a result, IAEA is satisfied that Finland is in compliance with international requirements.

Next, thermal images of a nuclear power plant located in Canada reveal that only certain facilities are currently operational. This is demonstrated by thermal imagery that shows thermal plumes in the water -cooling areas of the location. Such images are extremely important to verify operations at any time and in any weather conditions. For example if images of a nuclear facility reveal that it is off and then on repeatedly, it raises questions as to what exactly that facility is being used for if such activities are inconsistent with the activities reported. Satellite imagery allows IAEA (as well as other states) to monitor dedicated plants and facilities to maintain nuclear security.

IAEA has none of its own satellites so it relies on imagery supplied by the states. Many states are doing monitoring so IAEA serves as an independent body to verify compliance. It takes images from a number of states, not just one. The need to have more than just a single state’s imagery proved important in one instance involving North Korea. As can be seen, space significantly contributes to the verification and monitoring of nuclear materials as well as nuclear weapons.