Strengthening Urban Resilience: Understanding the Interdependencies of Outer Space and Strategic Planning for Sustainable Smart Environments

Abstract

The conventional approach to urban planning has predominantly focused on horizontal dimensions, disregarding the potential risks originating from outer space. This paper aims to initiate a discourse on the vertical dimension of cities, which is influenced by outer space, as an essential element of strategic urban planning. Through an examination of a highly disruptive incident in outer space involving a collision between the Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 satellites, this article elucidates the intricate interdependencies between urban areas and outer space infrastructure and services. Leveraging the principles of critical infrastructure protection, which bridge the urban and outer space domains, and employing simulation methods and software, this study articulates the intricate governance complexities of urban security and presents viable solutions for its enhancement. Consequently, the study contributes to the ongoing deliberations regarding the spatial integration of security practices by providing scholarly discourse on urban governance with potential strategies for cultivating sustainable smart cities. In essence, the intrinsic resilience of urban areas heavily relies on the interconnections between cities and outer space, necessitating urban strategists to acknowledge and comprehend these intricate interdependencies. To ensure sustainable urban development, it is imperative to fortify smart cities’ resilience against space debris through the implementation of more stringent regulations.

Cyber Orbits: The Digital Revolution of Space Security

“…Moreover, international cooperation and the establishment of norms and regulations governing the use of space for military purposes become essential in mitigating the risks associated with information warfare in space [28]. Initiatives led by organizations such as north atlantic treaty organization (NATO), in conjunction with dialogs in international forums, play a pivotal role in shaping a collective response to these emerging challenges, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in securing the space domain in the era of digital conflict [1,29]. The criticality of such cooperation is highlighted by the ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive legal and ethical framework for space operations, ensuring a balanced approach to space security that encompasses both military and civilian interests.…”

“…In the twenty-first century, the integration of digital technology with space operations generated a transformative shift in the operational paradigms of outer space activities [1]. This confluence has both expanded the frontiers of space exploration and provoked a complex array of cybersecurity challenges that imperil the integrity and functionality of space assets [2].…”