Proposals to deploy large satellite constellations into low earth orbits (LEOs) laud their ability to overcome many of the barriers inhibiting the extension of information infrastructures into rural and remote settlements, such as those in the Pacific region. Proponents of large LEO constellations claim such systems will provide ubiquitous and more affordable Internet access to the two billion+ inhabitants in under-served regions. However, such constellations consisting of hundreds or even thousands of satellites providing direct Internet connectivity may pose significantly higher exposures to cyber-disruptions inherent to all modes of digital networking. These pose significant technology trade-offs between sustainable socio-economic development utilizing Internet services and attempts to reduce security vulnerabilities endemic to digital networking and public infrastructures. The policy trade-offs are becoming increasingly salient on the legal and policy agendas pertaining to outer space and Internet governance regimes. On-going efforts in UNCOPUOS to adopt guidelines for the long-term sustainable use of outer space and the deadlock over Guideline 9 pertaining to cyber-security exemplify these trade-offs. This paper recommends that cyber-security be made an integral element of sustainable development strategies, especially when considering deployments of large satellite constellations.
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