Scenario based exercises were used to spark in-depth, forward-looking discussions on norms. A categorized list of close-to-verbatim suggestions, lightly edited for clarity, is as follows:
Non-interference in space
- Not to interfere with radio frequencies
- Not to interfere with critical services – or infrastructure – affecting or originating from space systems
- Due diligence to avoid harmful interference by taking, to the extent of a state’s ability and capability, all relevant circumstances into account
- Adhering to the ITU’s allocation of orbital slots
- Avoid the creation of long-lived debris.
Transparency and communication
- Notification in advance of activities, drawing inspiration from how terrestrially, military activities may be forewarned if they are occurring close to the borders of another State
- To use national points of contact where they are available
- Providing acknowledgement of receipt when receiving requests for information.
Capability-based
- Regarding satellites with rendezvous and proximity operation capabilities:
- Transparency through declaring their development, launch, intent and use
- Not attaching to another State’s satellite without explicit consent.
- Regarding anti-satellite capabilities:
- Commit not to destructively test direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles
- Commit not to test or use space-based or direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles
- To not develop, produce, use or test weapons specifically designed to destroy satellites, including direct-ascent and co-orbital weapons
- To not place kinetic weapons in Earth orbit that can be used to attack targets in space, in the air, and on the ground of the Earth
- Refrain from destructive anti-satellite tests in orbit that generate one or more pieces of debris
- Kinetic counterspace capabilities which may create large debris should not be resorted to.
Relevant considerations informing the suggestions included patterns of established behaviour, the importance of pre-existing relationships between States, the risk to life and risk to operations, existing regulations, and different degrees of escalation. Because intent may be difficult to decipher, regulating behaviours and the effects of activities could be one way forward. Additionally, it would be important for any norms to not hinder technological development e.g. through creating a situation of haves and have-nots.