Surveillance, Security and Sri Lankan Space Law
By Miquelaa Fernando
Sightings of unidentified flying objects are usually restricted to the continent of North America, which is why unusual sightings here in the paradise island of Sri Lanka caused quite a stir this week. Eerie footage of the silent mysterious flying objects shows them traveling in a set pattern across the night sky. An immediate inquiry brought to light that these sightings were in fact the StarLink satellite system, based in the United States of America. Sri Lanka was safe from a supposed alien invasion. But, are we truly safe from enemies closer to home?
The StarLink satellite system is an ambitious idea owned by the American company SpaceX and aims to ultimately provide rural areas around the globe with satellite internet facilities. This constellation of an estimated 42,000 mass produced mini-satellites are to encase the globe in a web of connectivity and inclusiveness.
This decade long project, costing a staggering USD 10 billion, is unique because of its very low orbit of just 340 km from the Earth, hence why the satellites were visible to many in Sri Lanka as well. With commercial production set to start this year, 182 satellites have currently been launched and approval given for the addition of a very-low Earth orbit non-geostationary satellite orbit constellation, consisting of 7,518 satellites operating at altitudes from 335 km to 346km below the International Space Station. An endeavour of this magnitude has been met with criticism from various groups, including astronomers, who claim their studies of the stars will be inaccurate and hindered by the army of satellites in the night sky. In addition, controversies on commercial licensing approvals and the impact of an increase in space debris have caused a shadow on the project’s feasibility
Moreover, in today’s world of constant surveillance and mistrust, a web of satellites encompassing the globe owned by a single company casts a shadow of doubt on ulterior military and political motives. The US military has in fact begun to perform test studies in 2018 to evaluate how the networks might be used and in December, the US Air Force issued a US$28 million contract for specific test services on the Starlink satellite system. Can we trust that these satellites will merely only provide internet services to rural areas? How do we know that these satellites are not simply more eyes in the sky? In the wrong hands, the information that these satellites may collect could cause catastrophic problems. It is an eternal struggle, to find the delicate balance between surveillance for security and the human right of privacy.
The siting of the Starlink satellite system is a harsh reminder of technology outpacing us. Though Sri Lanka has ratified several United Nations resolutions on space, the need for stricter legislation and laws concerning air space and outer space is felt now than ever before. Sri Lanka is a party to three of the international space treaties; Treaty of Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects and The Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space which form the main body of international space law. Yet it is not a party to The Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies and the Convention on Registration of Launched Objects into Outer Space. Despite Sri Lanka not being an active participant of the commercialisation of space, we are slowly being drawn into the web of connectivity which will be the future. Sri Lanka needs to begin the initiative of drawing strong National Space Laws, so that we are not left behind as technology leaps before us and we are protected from secret surveillance. Sri Lanka’s strategic location demands that we have space laws not only for defence matters, but also for laying the foundation into a future of possible space commercialising, such as with our neighbour India. Without proper space laws, Sri Lanka will be left naked, under the glare of a thousand satellites.
Surveillance for the sake of security has become essential in today’s world, for the tracking of criminals, terrorist attacks and the subtle political undercurrents. Echoing the Starlink initiative, other companies such as Amazon, Samsung and the OneWeb constellation initiative have announced similar intentions of mass satellite launches, for the sake of commercial internet production. Should one of these satellites crash on to our country, do we have laws to protect us and hold those responsible accountable? As technology continues to take leaps and bounds into the future, the question that remains is will we humans control technology, or will it ultimately control us?
