In this paper, Dr Cassandra Steer, Dr Elise Stephenson and Sarah Furman discuss the gendered implications of increasing attacks on space systems and why Australia’s global reputation for gender-responsive approaches in arms control and other diplomatic efforts makes it best positioned to play a leading role on Women Peace and Security in space. They call on Australia’s Defence Space Command, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Space Agency to adopt key recommendations including targets for diverse gender representation within space careers.

Key findings

• Australia depends on space-based technologies for both national security and civilian needs. Yet space systems are increasingly under threat due to interference and attacks aimed at undermining these critical capabilities.
• The gendered implications of attacks on space systems, and the need for greater participation of women in all levels of security and conflict decision-making, are gaining attention in multilateral United Nations (UN) fora such as the Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Reducing Space Threats, in which Australia continues to take an active part.
• At the same time, Australia’s closest ally, the United States (US), and our Five-Eyes partner Canada have begun implementing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda into their defence-related space operations and workforce strategies and policies.
• Australia has a global reputation for being a leading advocate for gender-responsive approaches and non-discriminatory language in arms control and other diplomatic efforts, and in many ways is best positioned to play a leading role on WPS in space security globally.

Key recommendations

• Australia’s Defence Space Command, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) should put in place targets for diverse gender representation within space careers and related Defence careers, and pathways to fulfilling these targets.
• Defence Space Command should instate a Gender, Peace and Security advisor role.
• Defence Space Command should adopt clear national commitments that consider the gendered implications of targeting space systems.
• DFAT should update the Australian National Action Plan for WPS to explicitly include space systems, space security and space careers in the armed forces.