SPACE SYSTEMS – A NEW CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR?

Abstract

In recent years, space capabilities have become increasingly important for the proper function and development of the economy and society and for ensuring security. Space is the newest operating environment for military powers, so decision makers can no longer ignore the benefits of space systems and technologies, but also the risks and threats they may be subjected to. The paper highlights the the growing contribution of all these space systems to the functioning of most critical infrastructure sectors and assesses that they must be an independent sector of such infrastructures that need to be protected.