Now, with a steady growth of economic activities in the form of the opening of new trade routes, resource exploration, scientific research, in-flight connectivity, and environmental monitoring, the demand for Arctic-dedicated remote sensing, communication and positioning-navigation-timing satellites is growing. This session will discuss the international ‘space economy’ cooperation possible to achieve commercially and environmentally sustainable operations for global commercial players in the Arctic. The rationale for such cooperation could be based on the Arctic Council’s 2017 Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation.

Driving Questions:

Are there existing multilateral mechanisms dedicated towards sharing of services Arctic-dedicated satellites?
What are the roles assigned by the UNFCCC and G20-Space Economy Leader’s Meeting to the world’s space agencies, including commercial remote sensing satellite operators, in ensuring the Arctic remains environmentally pristine?
What can the role of non-Arctic states in the Arctic Science Agreement be in preparation for the International Polar Year 2032-33?

Speakers: 

Ranjana Kaul, Partner, Dua Associates; Vice President, International Institute of Space Law, India
MV Ramana, Head, Earth and Climate Sciences Area, National Remote Sensing Centre, India
AP Dimri, Director, Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, India
Martin Røymo Skedsmo, Key Account Manager, Kongsberg Satellite Services, Norway

Moderator:

Chaitanya Giri, Fellow, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, Observer Research Foundation