THE MAIN TRENDS OF WORLD SPACE ACTIVITY IN THE INTERESTS OF NATIONAL SECURITY & DEFENSE

Abstract

In recent decades, space, like land, sea, air and cyberspace, has become a platform for the confronting between powerful states, which has led to a change in the nature of action in the near-Earth space of a number of countries. The consequence of space activities was that the geographical location ceased to be dominant in international relations. Unfortunately, the national space activity has not become an effective tool for achieving the geopolitical goals of Ukraine, ensuring the fulfillment of tasks in the interests of national security and defense. In this regard, it is important to analyze current trends in the development of space activities in the world in the security sector, the results of which should be the basis for the introduction of best international experience in domestic practice. The article analyzes the directions of use of outer space, space products and services by leading countries in the interests of security and defense. The main trends of development of space activity are defined: globalization in connection with the increasing number of space states; expansion of partnership with simultaneous aspirations for autonomy in this sphere; emergence of inspection technologies for orbital means, etc. Space capabilities in the interests of national security and defense are considered, in particular the usage of military and civilian, intelligence and commercial space systems and infrastructure for supporting security strategies, achieving national goals and protecting public interests. Further directions of improvement of national space activity in the field of national security and defense of Ukraine are proposed, namely: improvement of its normative and legal support; clarification of the purpose, definition of the main tasks and priority directions of its improvement; formation of a management system; organization and development of interagency coordination, interaction and joint problem solving.