Members laud progress in expanding remote-sensing satellite constellation, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The New Delhi Declaration, adopted during the 18th BRICS Summit, acknowledged progress in expanding the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC) to include new space agencies.
• The Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026, also drafted the Terms of Reference for the BRICS Space Council.
• BRICS nations emphasized space debris mitigation for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
• The declaration supported non-binding agreements like Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs) to contribute to the Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS).
• A BRICS Science and Research Repository is planned as a platform for knowledge sharing among member countries.

Space Cooperation.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC) is a virtual network utilizing existing observation satellites from member countries, including India’s Resourcesat-2 and 2A, China’s Gaofen-6 and Ziyuan III 02, and Russia’s Kanopus-V type.
• Its primary objective is to enhance access to remote sensing data for applications such as natural resource management, disaster management, climate monitoring, and environmental protection.
• The BRICS Space Council aims to define rules and structure for ongoing space cooperation among member states.
• Discussions on PAROS highlighted the importance of both non-binding commitments and the initiative by some BRICS members to create a single Open-Ended Working Group for a legally binding instrument.
• Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs) are political tools used by states to stabilize international security and reduce mistrust regarding space activities.
• The proposed BRICS Science and Research Repository is envisioned as a structured platform for voluntary knowledge storage and sharing, respecting data security and intellectual property rights.
• India's 2026 BRICS Chairship theme is "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," reflecting a people-centric approach.

Key Concepts Involved:

• BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC): A virtual network of existing Earth observation satellites from BRICS nations for data sharing and cooperation.
• Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS): A United Nations resolution and ongoing effort to prevent the weaponization of outer space and ensure its peaceful use.
• Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs): Voluntary or mandatory actions by states to increase openness and reduce misperceptions about their activities and intentions in outer space.
• BRICS Science and Research Repository: A planned digital platform for BRICS countries to store and share scientific knowledge, research outputs, and expertise.