ABSTRACT

The threat posed by terrorism in the twenty-first century is one that is constantly evolving. Radical terrorists are seeking increasingly novel ways in which to influence governments and intimidate the public. This chapter examines risk from two distinct perspectives. First, the discussion examines the risks to space activity by terrorists, specifically in respect of space tourism and the dangers posed to vulnerable space assets. The discussion then moves on to examine the risks posed by developments in space technology, such as the development of sub-orbital, hypersonic transport and the dangers from hijacking, as well as increased sophistication of the Global Positioning System and the risks posed from higher-resolution remote sensing. The chapter concludes with an evaluation of the likelihood of these risks emerging and potential measures that can be taken to ameliorate these space-borne dangers.