Secure World Foundation

Secure World Foundation (SWF) is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation based in the United States that promotes cooperative solutions for space sustainability and the peaceful uses of outer space, for the benefit of all countries. SWF acts as a research body, convener, and facilitator to promote informed international dialogues on current and future challenges to space sustainability and other topics related to the governance of outer space activities. The organization was founded in 2002 by Colorado-based philanthropists Cynda Collins Arsenault and Marcel Arsenault. The organization’s mission is:

“to work with governments, industry, international organizations, and civil society to develop and promote ideas and actions to achieve the secure, sustainable, and peaceful uses of outer space benefiting Earth and all its peoples.”

The organization’s headquarters are in Broomfield, Colorado, and it has an office in Washington, DC. Oversight of the organization is provided by a Board. The SWF Advisory Committee consists of international experts that advise the organization on its programs. The organization has Permanent Observer status in the United Nations and the Group of Earth Observations.

Primary mission areas

SWF’s primary mission areas are:

1. To promote the sustainability of space activities through international cooperative governance aimed at ensuring that all humanity can continue to use outer space for peaceful purposes and socioeconomic benefit.
2. To assist in the development of effective national and international space policies and laws, both in established and emerging space nations,
3. To increase human and environmental security by promoting improved governance of the delivery of information gathered from space systems in ways that promote its utility.

Space sustainability

The primary focus of SWF is on space sustainability: the ability of all humanity to continue to use outer space for peaceful purposes and socioeconomic benefit over the long term. As the importance of space services increases, so too has the amount of activities taking place in Earth’s orbits, a limited resource. Unsafe or unsustainable activities by any single actor could lead to a degradation of the usability of orbits for all. As such, SWF seeks:

• Increase awareness of the challenges of space sustainability;
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue and international cooperation; and
• Promote ways to strengthen stability and security for space activities.

Space Law and Policy

The development and/or strengthening of international norms related to space activities is essential to a sustainable space future. The existing international legal framework for space activities was adopted between 1967 and 1975, with few major modifications since. The surge in the number of actors and activities in outer space has put that framework under considerable strain, particularly if humans are to continue their space activities long-term. Moreover, the emergence of weapons that can target satellites for disruption or even destruction raises new security challenges that could have negative impacts on all space-users. As such, SWF supports the development of sound space policy, the incorporation of international legal principles in national policy and laws, and the strengthening of international norms of responsible behavior in space activities. To do this, it:

• Facilitates dialogue and international cooperation among space actors;
• Promotes the development of space policies and laws; and
• Increases awareness and knowledge among space actors about best practices.

Human and Environmental Security

SWF focuses not only on keeping space sustainable but also on maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of using space for the benefit of humankind. Today, space systems are used to face a number of human and environmental challenges, including the protection of biodiversity, disaster relief coordination, and even monitoring human rights abuses. Indeed, space systems play a crucial role in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The full utility of these systems can be blunted by a variety of institutional, policy, educational, and social barriers. As a result, benefits from these systems do not always adequately reach decision makers or ordinary citizens when they need it most.

To ensure that such barriers are minimized, SWF brings together technical, legal and policy communities to find space-based solutions to human and environmental challenges. To do this, SWF:

• Facilitates dialogue and international cooperation across global communities; and
• Promotes ways to increase the effective use of space assets.

Major Events and Publications

SWF engages in numerous activities around the world to promote sustainable space activities. This includes research and publications, convening meetings and events, and fostering dialogue. Some of the more notable activities are as follows:

Summit for Space Sustainability

First Annual Summit for Space Sustainability (25 June 2019)

In line with its SWF’s primary objective, the Summit for Space Sustainability brings experts and stakeholders from across numerous disciplines to discuss challenges to the long-term sustainability of space activities. These discussions are aimed at finding substantive paths towards the universal use of space in sustainable ways. Invited participants include senior government officials, diplomats, high-ranking military personnel, and industry and academic experts.

Handbook for New Actors in Space

The Handbook for New Actors in Space is intended to provide nations, established satellite operators, start-up companies, universities, and other space actors with a broad overview of the fundamental principles, laws, norms, and best practices for peaceful, safe, and responsible activities in space. This Handbook draws on technical and policy expertise that cuts across government, industry and academic spheres. The Handbook is available for free on the SWF website in English and Spanish.

Global Counterspace Assessment

Global Counterspace Capabilities: An Open-Source Assessment is a compilation of the activities of the leading developers of technologies that are able to target space objects for disruption and destruction. This Assessment is carried out as several governments have taken steps to prepare for conflict in space, including not only major space powers like China, Russia, and the United States, but also countries like France, India, and Iran. This Assessment is intended to foster an open dialogue on the threats and challenges posed by counterspace capabilities.

Advisory Committee

SWF’s Advisory Committee comprises thought leaders from government, the military, academia, think tanks, and industry with expertise in the areas of SWF’s activities. This Committee provides expert guidance and advice for SWF in its activities. The Committee consists of experts from around the world, including China, France, India, Malaysia, and the United States. The Committee meets formally three times a year, including one in-person meeting at the SWF Headquarters in Broomfield, CO.

Funding

SWF receives its baseline operating and program funding from its founders, the Arsenault family. The Foundation also receives donations in support of its work and funding from outside entities in the form of grants or contracts tied to specific projects and activities.  As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, donations made to SWF in the United States are tax-deductible.

Partnerships

Nearly all of SWF’s work is carried out with international partners from government, industry and academia. It has worked with partners from over 100 countries, publishing reports and studies as well as holding meetings in the United States and abroad. SWF also works closely with intergovernmental organizations, such as the United Nations.

Professional development

SWF engages with numerous organizations to support the development of students and young professionals. This involves hosting internships at SWF offices, SWF experts speaking at events for students and young professionals,  and sponsoring competitions and scholarships aimed at students and young professionals. SWF partners with organizations such as the Space Generation Advisory Council and the International Astronautical Federation in the execution of these activities.

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