Brief: Reducing Risk in Uncooperative Rendezvous and Proximity Operations

22 October 2026 • 
Briefs and Factsheets, Publications
The VCDNP presents a brief setting out the factors contributing to uncertainty in uncooperative rendezvous and proximity operations and suggesting concrete measures to reduce the risk of escalation.
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The VCDNP presents a brief setting out the factors contributing to uncertainty in uncooperative rendezvous and proximity operations and suggesting concrete measures to reduce the risk of escalation. This brief provides States with expert-backed input for negotiations in the OEWG on PAROS and the UNGA First Committee.

This brief summarises the findings from an intensive three-day working meeting between experts from space commands, the space industry, and ministries of foreign affairs. The group included companies leading the development of RPO and SSA capabilities, armed forces analysts from space intelligence centres, experts in space policy and regulation, and officials from both advanced and emerging spacefaring nations.

The group examined the security threats posed by uncooperative RPOs, scenarios in which they could trigger armed conflict, and what measures could be taken to reduce the risk of unintended escalation.

This publication was made possible thanks to the financial support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.


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Louis Reitmann
Senior Research Associate

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