On 8 and 9 September 2026, UNIDIR’s annual Outer Space Security Conference brought together a total of 3,800 participants from 94 countries, in person and online, to examine the evolving security challenges facing outer space.
Outer space is entering a renewed phase of strategic importance, shaped by rapid technological innovation, growing competition and deepening global dependence on space-enabled infrastructure and services. As the domain becomes increasingly critical to global infrastructure and attracts diverse commercial actors, the ways in which space is accessed, used and governed are also changing.
Against this backdrop, the conference provided a platform for policymakers, industry, academia and civil society to exchange perspectives and explore practical pathways towards strengthening the security and sustainability of outer space.
A changing space security environment
Opening the conference, UNIDIR Director Robin Geiss highlighted four developments reshaping the space security environment:
- Space is now treated as a strategic domain.
- Counterspace activity is increasing.
- Advances in technology are changing how space systems operate.
- Mega constellations and the interconnection of commercial and government systems are redefining what security in orbit means.
In her keynote address, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu welcomed the range of actors participating in the discussion and highlighted the importance of identifying areas of convergence as the space security environment continues to evolve.
Strategic dialogue in expert panels and beyond
Over the two days, participants examined the technical, legal and policy dimensions of developments in space activity through focused discussions on some of the most pressing questions facing the international space security community. The conference programme featured a series of expert panels:
- Mapping space threats and consequences highlighted how ambiguity in the space security environment, compounded by the widespread use of dual-use technologies and the absence of common frameworks, can lead to different interpretations of the same activities. The panellists emphasized the importance of strengthening governance and compliance mechanisms and improving legal clarity to reduce the risks of miscalculation and escalation.
- Strategic stability and the security of space architecture examined the growing integration of space systems into nuclear command, control and communications, noting how the same space capabilities can both strengthen stability through enhanced situational awareness and undermine it by creating vulnerabilities or increasing uncertainty during crises.
- Taking stock of efforts to advance the prevention of an arms race in outer space brought together distinguished diplomatic representatives to discuss how shared commitments can be translated into concrete approaches for preventing an arms race in outer space. The discussion also examined the respective contributions of legally binding instruments and non-binding norms to strengthening stability and security in outer space.
- Complex interactions in a multi-actor orbit considered how commercial participation and the proliferation of new actors and activities are reshaping the space security environment. The discussion focused on the application of international law to these evolving dynamics, including the responsibility of States for national activities in outer space and emerging questions around thresholds of targetability.
- Monitoring, verification and visibility in outer space explored what space situational awareness can do as a means of verifying legally binding agreements and monitoring norms of behaviour. The panel highlighted that although orbital manoeuvres are becoming transparent, the trajectories of objects alone rarely reveal intent, meaning there is a growing need for shared standards.
- Securing space data and information and communication technology infrastructure looked at the threats and risks facing terrestrial and orbital systems. The panel also considered what the manipulation, disruption or denial of space-derived data means for strategic stability, with particular consequences for States that rely on infrastructure hosted elsewhere. As greater autonomy in orbit becomes harder to avoid, speakers emphasized verifiability and the need to retain human involvement in decision-making.
The conference also featured a collaborative session with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). This discussion featured Rosanna Diem-Hoffmann, Lead for Space Law, Policy and Sustainability at UNOOSA, and Fatima Salem Al Shamsi, Chair of the United Nations Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness. The two speakers briefed participants on recent progress made regarding intersecting topics from the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. This included work by the Group on Space Resource Activity and deliberations on information-sharing that led to the newly established United Nations Satellite Operator Contact Hub.
Bringing youth centre stage
For the third year in a row, the conference ran a global campaign that sought to bring in and amplify young people’s perspectives on space. The 2026 edition asked young people to submit videos exploring how innovations in space architecture and shared technical standards can address emerging security and sustainability challenges. The winners, Ali Shan and Joel Pajiah, were also able to present their innovative work through a pair of lightning talks on the second day of the conference.
Building the next generation of space security expertise
The 2026 conference also marked an important milestone for UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme, with the inaugural cohort of Space Security Research Fellows joining the conference for the first time. These nine fellows from across all five United Nations regional groups were selected for the year-long programme through a highly competitive process. Their participation in the conference, where they engaged with diplomats and experts from around the world, came as part of a week-long series of workshop activities held in person in Geneva.
Looking ahead, UNIDIR will continue to support dialogue on space security, foster common understanding among diverse stakeholders and advance practical approaches to strengthening security and stability in outer space.