Effects of Current Transition to A Multipolar World on Developments in Space Domain

Abstract

Conflicts in Ukraine and Iran underline the multi-dimensional transformation in the international security paradigm in the context of the ongoing transition towards a multipolar world. Among the domains undergoing significant change, outer space is not always in the foreground, yet it shows significant developments. The objective of this paper is to identify and describe such developments, not presented so far in an integrated approach. The research is based on the observation of recent events related to outer space, complemented by analytical deduction derived from often contradictory media reports addressing sensitive security issues. Although space is a new operational domain, it already encompasses multiple areas of utilization in security-related activities. The results of this paper highlight key developments in navigation systems, communications, surveillance, anti-satellite capabilities, and electromagnetic warfare, emphasizing their growing role as critical infrastructures and potential vulnerabilities. This paper offers a perspective on space domain challenges relevant for future debates and contributes to shaping security considerations in the evolving architecture of a multipolar world.