Dynamics of international space cooperation: evaluating missions for exploring space and protecting the earth

Abstract

The goal of this study is to promote an enhanced understanding of international space cooperation to ensure the prospects of (a) Missions for Exploring Space and Protecting the Earth; and (b) cooperative relations in the international system. Research objectives to meet this goal are twofold. First. space cooperation case studies related to Missions for Exploring Space and Protecting the Earth are evaluated. Case studies evaluated include the Space Station and the International Earth Observing System as examples of exploring space and protecting the Earth respectively. Evaluation is conducted according to a framework of analysis that incorporates four space cooperation outcome-types and associated dynamics of cooperation. The outcome-types are comprised of (1) coordination involving technical and scientific collaboration (mission design and plans) of independent projects; (2) augmentation signifying functional enhancements of capabilities through discrete contributions to a project; (3) interdependence entailing cooperation that is functionally enabling (i.e., necessary) for a project and ( 4) integration denoting joint research and development with the aggregation of financial resources. And, the dynamics of cooperation encompass (a) technological and scientific resources; (b) authority and decision-making patterns; and (c) policy preferences over outcomes. Second, the case study evaluations are assessed to make substantive and theoretical contributions towards understanding international space cooperation and contributing to extant theories of international cooperation. Results indicate that space cooperation outcomes are described by terms of exchange as it relates to things of value affecting technological capabilities and scientific resources and by the functional and political (authority and decision-making) risks that cooperating partners are willing to assume. The principal policy-relevant implication reveals that the viability of space cooperation is dependent upon the extent to which functional and political conditions of a particular cooperative endeavor are congruent with the outcome-type which is preferred. Incongruent circumstances can lead to points of contention and the possible dissolution of cooperation. Theoretically, there are several "crucial" variables worthy of consideration for theories of international cooperation and cooperative relations in the international system. These variables include (a) the distribution of power resources as expressed in terms of exchange among cooperating partners; (b) perception of risks; (c) compatibility of policy preferences; and (d) functional and political arrangements that are present in international relations.