Titolo della tesi: SPACE CYBERSECURITY: THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN SECURITY OF CRITICAL NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES AND SUSTAINABILITY OF OUTER SPACE ACTIVITIES
ABSTRACT
The title of this thesis already conveys the idea that space cybersecurity is addressed in this research taking into consideration two main aspects: first, that space systems are critical infrastructures and thus play an important role in State security and international stability. Second, that space security, space safety and long-term sustainability of outer space activities cannot be disassociated but require a holistic approach.
This thesis focuses on the problem of how international space law applies to space cybersecurity, how international law in general may fill the regulatory gaps and how the international community may address future negotiations. The research is motivated on the need to expand the global space governance taking into account current mechanisms in the United Nations on security in the use of information and communication technologies and in space security, space safety and long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
On the basis of six research questions, this thesis develops the relevant arguments along its six chapters to conclude with a proposal for a resolution of the General Assembly containing principles governing space cyber activities. The proposed normative solution would be negotiated at the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and considered jointly by the First and Fourth Committees of the General Assembly.
In the course of this research, three main methods were employed: analysis of relevant international law, examination of national positions at relevant multilateral bodies and domestic/intergovernmental legal frameworks; and finally, consideration of teachings of qualified publicists. It is a qualitative study based on a selection of representative State practice and is envisaged as a multidisciplinary approach to the matter, including technological, legal and political aspects.
This thesis concludes with the assessment that international space law and international law in general provide a certain legal ground to regulate space cybersecurity; thus, a set of principles adopted by the General Assembly would provide a preliminary element of guidance in the field. That solution is envisaged as an initial step in a task that needs to be progressive. Throughout this work, several issues connected to the research topic are examined but many of them remained inconclusive, either due to the lack of State practice or insufficient state of the art. Consequently, certain areas are identified at the end of this study for further research.