Sweden and the space code of conduct – Consequences of a Swedish accession to the space code of conduct proposed by the EU

With a view to achieve the secure and sustainable use of space, the EU has proposed a code of conduct for space activities. In light of this ongoing EU initiative for an international space code of conduct, FOI has conducted a study with the purpose of identifying the consequences for Sweden should we become a subscribing state. The study is based on in part analyzing the obligations in the code and possible levels of ambition, and in part conducting interviews with relevant Swedish space actors. As to the obligations in the current version of the code, it is concluded that a subscription to the code infers that Sweden would have to commit to (in part) additional obligations such as measures and policies for the minimization of space debris, notification and sharing of information on space-related policies. As a space nation Sweden is expected to participate in the code with the level of ambition of like-minded space nations, whereby technical, administrative as well as economic requirements are posed on Swedish government agencies and private industry. The subscription to the code is not contingent on any legal measures taken by a state; however there is need to establish Swedish guidelines to minimize debris and accidents in space. Subscribing to the code would entail a transparency and confidence building measure by Sweden and a commitment to the secure and sustainable use of space. Participation to the same extent as similar nations would be seen as politically beneficial for Sweden.