The Quad Needs More Than Bilateral Agreements to Achieve Its Space Goals

BENJAMIN SILVERSTEIN

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Last year, the Quad—consisting of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia—committed to convene a working group on space issues to foster efficient satellite data exchanges and manage space-related risks. The working group was also charged to “consult on norms, guidelines, principles, and rules for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the outer space environment.” Bilateral agreements between Quad members demonstrate that they are beginning to live up to their pledge, but the Quad must do more to achieve its lofty goals. These partnerships build trust and confidence among participants but do not go far enough in characterizing principles or demonstrating norms that safeguard the long-term sustainability of space.

BILATERAL AGREEMENTS

Use the interactive dial below to explore recent space-related bilateral agreements among the Quad. Click on two Quad members to display their notable agreements and joint activities. Broad themes of the partnerships are indicated by the highlighted icons. Deselect a member by clicking on the country name.

THEMES

U.S.AustraliaIndiaJapan

A harmonized set of behaviors demonstrated by all Quad members would set a more powerful example than a collection of loosely related bilateral commitments. The Quad need not reinvent the wheel in this endeavor: the U.S.-developed Artemis Accords can serve as a readymade starting point. A collection of principles based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the accords outline behaviors that support peaceful, transparent, and cooperative space activities. While the United States, Japan, and Australia are Artemis partners, it does not appear that India is ripe to sign. India has ambitions to accomplish its own lunar missions and may not want to be beholden to another state’s rules on these activities. To reach consensus, the Quad working group must pare back some Artemis principles to reconcile the proposal with India’s aspirations.

Several of the principles are readily adoptable, including those on transparency and emergency assistance. Additional concrete commitments might include an intra-Quad process to establish rules of the road to guide satellite operators conducting collision avoidance maneuvers. Additionally, members should agree to a stringent schedule for safely disposing spacecraft used in joint Quad missions. All members possess the technical means to carry out these activities, and adherence would demonstrate commitments to sustainable uses of space.

The Artemis Accords represent more than just a lunar goal—the fundamental mission of the partnerships is to reduce the chance that space activities incite conflict. This goal is congruent with the Quad’s space priorities. Stepping back from long-term lunar goals can preempt objections within the Quad and help the group ensure the long-term sustainability of space. Separating the general principles from those inextricably linked to NASA’s lunar plans might facilitate agreement among the Quad, unencumbered by excess lunar baggage. Coalescing around a handful of progressive behavioral expectations is the strongest way to advance the Quad’s immediate space interests.