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.