Sarah Erickson
@saraherixson.bsky.social
I research outer space security and WMDs @UNIDIR, PhD student @UMD school of public policy.
Project lead of the - 🌠https://spacesecurityportal.org 🌠
Project lead of the - 🌠https://spacesecurityportal.org 🌠
My core takeaways:
🛰️Modern risks range from NC3 "entanglement" to debris and cislunar security dilemmas.
🤝 Strategic empathy is the missing piece for building genuine trust between rivals.
🌍 Space security must be wary of replicating the discriminatory regimes of the past.
🛰️Modern risks range from NC3 "entanglement" to debris and cislunar security dilemmas.
🤝 Strategic empathy is the missing piece for building genuine trust between rivals.
🌍 Space security must be wary of replicating the discriminatory regimes of the past.
December 23, 2025 at 3:36 PM
My core takeaways:
🛰️Modern risks range from NC3 "entanglement" to debris and cislunar security dilemmas.
🤝 Strategic empathy is the missing piece for building genuine trust between rivals.
🌍 Space security must be wary of replicating the discriminatory regimes of the past.
🛰️Modern risks range from NC3 "entanglement" to debris and cislunar security dilemmas.
🤝 Strategic empathy is the missing piece for building genuine trust between rivals.
🌍 Space security must be wary of replicating the discriminatory regimes of the past.
New commentary from yours truly! ✍️
At #OS26 I spoke on the space-nuclear nexus. We face a double challenge where the lingering shadow of the nuclear age meets new space-centric risks that old logic just can’t solve.
Read my full @unidir.org piece here: unidir.org/the-long-sha...
At #OS26 I spoke on the space-nuclear nexus. We face a double challenge where the lingering shadow of the nuclear age meets new space-centric risks that old logic just can’t solve.
Read my full @unidir.org piece here: unidir.org/the-long-sha...
The long shadow of the nuclear age on space security governance → UNIDIR
The governance of outer space emerged in the crucible of the nuclear age. In 1963, the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom signed the Partial Test Ban Treaty, prohibiting nuclear t...
unidir.org
December 23, 2025 at 3:36 PM
New commentary from yours truly! ✍️
At #OS26 I spoke on the space-nuclear nexus. We face a double challenge where the lingering shadow of the nuclear age meets new space-centric risks that old logic just can’t solve.
Read my full @unidir.org piece here: unidir.org/the-long-sha...
At #OS26 I spoke on the space-nuclear nexus. We face a double challenge where the lingering shadow of the nuclear age meets new space-centric risks that old logic just can’t solve.
Read my full @unidir.org piece here: unidir.org/the-long-sha...
Reposted by Sarah Erickson
How are these States contributing to space security?
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis
🇨🇺 Cuba
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇨🇱 Chile
🇧🇸 Bahamas
🇲🇦 Morocco
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🛰️ Head over to UNIDIR’s Space Security Portal to find out more about these latest additions: spacesecurityportal.org
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis
🇨🇺 Cuba
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇨🇱 Chile
🇧🇸 Bahamas
🇲🇦 Morocco
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🛰️ Head over to UNIDIR’s Space Security Portal to find out more about these latest additions: spacesecurityportal.org
December 2, 2025 at 1:29 PM
How are these States contributing to space security?
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis
🇨🇺 Cuba
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇨🇱 Chile
🇧🇸 Bahamas
🇲🇦 Morocco
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🛰️ Head over to UNIDIR’s Space Security Portal to find out more about these latest additions: spacesecurityportal.org
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis
🇨🇺 Cuba
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇨🇱 Chile
🇧🇸 Bahamas
🇲🇦 Morocco
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🛰️ Head over to UNIDIR’s Space Security Portal to find out more about these latest additions: spacesecurityportal.org
A great combination of different panel topics spanning:
🔎emerging tech
🚨threats to space systems
🌎multilateral governance
🌜cislunar security
🪃strategic unpredictability
🔭commercial activity
If you haven't yet registered there's still time!
unidir.org/event/outer-...
🔎emerging tech
🚨threats to space systems
🌎multilateral governance
🌜cislunar security
🪃strategic unpredictability
🔭commercial activity
If you haven't yet registered there's still time!
unidir.org/event/outer-...
Outer Space Security Conference 2025 → UNIDIR
Offers the diplomatic community and experts from industry, the military, academia and civil society a vital opportunity for dialogue on space security.
unidir.org
September 1, 2025 at 5:26 PM
A great combination of different panel topics spanning:
🔎emerging tech
🚨threats to space systems
🌎multilateral governance
🌜cislunar security
🪃strategic unpredictability
🔭commercial activity
If you haven't yet registered there's still time!
unidir.org/event/outer-...
🔎emerging tech
🚨threats to space systems
🌎multilateral governance
🌜cislunar security
🪃strategic unpredictability
🔭commercial activity
If you haven't yet registered there's still time!
unidir.org/event/outer-...
Premiere of the 2025 Youth Video Competition with our fantastic partners CIGI.
www.linkedin.com/posts/unidir...
www.linkedin.com/posts/unidir...
#os25 #os25 | United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
UNIDIR is proud to announce the winners of the Outer Space Security Conference 2025 Youth Video Competition! 🎉
These four exceptional young voices from around the world shared bold visions for the fu...
www.linkedin.com
September 1, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Premiere of the 2025 Youth Video Competition with our fantastic partners CIGI.
www.linkedin.com/posts/unidir...
www.linkedin.com/posts/unidir...
🤝 A keynote conversation with the directors of UNOOSA, ITU, and @unidir.org!
September 1, 2025 at 5:26 PM
🤝 A keynote conversation with the directors of UNOOSA, ITU, and @unidir.org!
🛰️ A Technology Demonstration - we will have a satellite in the room with wonderful representation from ClearSpace to walk through the workings of space debris capture and more. Guaranteed to be an educational with a follow up discussion including @swfoundation.bsky.social.
September 1, 2025 at 5:26 PM
🛰️ A Technology Demonstration - we will have a satellite in the room with wonderful representation from ClearSpace to walk through the workings of space debris capture and more. Guaranteed to be an educational with a follow up discussion including @swfoundation.bsky.social.
What's different at #OS25 this year? Some incredible sessions and updates listed below!
✨ The Starlight Session - featuring Hugo Award winning sci-fi author, Jingfang Hao! The session will explore how storytelling and science fiction can impact governance discussions.
✨ The Starlight Session - featuring Hugo Award winning sci-fi author, Jingfang Hao! The session will explore how storytelling and science fiction can impact governance discussions.
September 1, 2025 at 5:26 PM
What's different at #OS25 this year? Some incredible sessions and updates listed below!
✨ The Starlight Session - featuring Hugo Award winning sci-fi author, Jingfang Hao! The session will explore how storytelling and science fiction can impact governance discussions.
✨ The Starlight Session - featuring Hugo Award winning sci-fi author, Jingfang Hao! The session will explore how storytelling and science fiction can impact governance discussions.
Excited new feature at #OS25 this year!
We will have a model satellite🛰️ in person! If you've ever wanted to learn more about how space debris capture mechanisms work, then I'd suggest tuning into the conference this year.
Register here: unidir.org/event/outer-...
We will have a model satellite🛰️ in person! If you've ever wanted to learn more about how space debris capture mechanisms work, then I'd suggest tuning into the conference this year.
Register here: unidir.org/event/outer-...
Have you ever wondered how debris capture satellites work? 🛰️
Hear directly from technical experts at #OS25’s Tech Demonstration session — with live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies and services shaping the future of space operations 🚀
🔗 unidir.org/OS25
Hear directly from technical experts at #OS25’s Tech Demonstration session — with live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies and services shaping the future of space operations 🚀
🔗 unidir.org/OS25
August 27, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Excited new feature at #OS25 this year!
We will have a model satellite🛰️ in person! If you've ever wanted to learn more about how space debris capture mechanisms work, then I'd suggest tuning into the conference this year.
Register here: unidir.org/event/outer-...
We will have a model satellite🛰️ in person! If you've ever wanted to learn more about how space debris capture mechanisms work, then I'd suggest tuning into the conference this year.
Register here: unidir.org/event/outer-...
50 years ago today! A great reminder of what political will and cooperation can achieve.
Handshake in space, of the Apollo-Soyuz mission 🤩
Handshake in space, of the Apollo-Soyuz mission 🤩
July 17, 2025 at 1:10 PM
50 years ago today! A great reminder of what political will and cooperation can achieve.
Handshake in space, of the Apollo-Soyuz mission 🤩
Handshake in space, of the Apollo-Soyuz mission 🤩
Only 2 weeks left to apply!
The Youth Video Competition will bring winners to the UN in Geneva, to attend this year's Outer Space Security Conference!
Please share with young space professionals who would benefit from this opportunity. Apply by July 18!
unidir.org/call-for-sub...
The Youth Video Competition will bring winners to the UN in Geneva, to attend this year's Outer Space Security Conference!
Please share with young space professionals who would benefit from this opportunity. Apply by July 18!
unidir.org/call-for-sub...
Call for Submissions: Outer Space Security Conference 2025 Youth Video Competition → UNIDIR
UNIDIR, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, is a leading research institute dedicated to promoting international peace and security through disarmament. Explore our publications, ev...
unidir.org
July 7, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Only 2 weeks left to apply!
The Youth Video Competition will bring winners to the UN in Geneva, to attend this year's Outer Space Security Conference!
Please share with young space professionals who would benefit from this opportunity. Apply by July 18!
unidir.org/call-for-sub...
The Youth Video Competition will bring winners to the UN in Geneva, to attend this year's Outer Space Security Conference!
Please share with young space professionals who would benefit from this opportunity. Apply by July 18!
unidir.org/call-for-sub...
Yessss!!! I'm so excited for this year's competition 🌠🌠🌠 For anyone interested in how last year went you can read about it here: unidir.org/outer-space-...
Outer Space Security Conference 2024 Youth Campaign → UNIDIR
UNIDIR, in partnership with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), launched a youth campaign to give the younger generation and future leaders a platform to participate actively in...
unidir.org
July 1, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Yessss!!! I'm so excited for this year's competition 🌠🌠🌠 For anyone interested in how last year went you can read about it here: unidir.org/outer-space-...
We are bringing back our 🌠Youth Video Competition🌠 for this year's Outer Space Security Conference!
This is a chance for young voices to share their perspective on the future of space security governance.
Winners will be flown to Geneva to attend #OS25 in person!
📆 Apply by July 18!
This is a chance for young voices to share their perspective on the future of space security governance.
Winners will be flown to Geneva to attend #OS25 in person!
📆 Apply by July 18!
Imagine it’s 2050 and you’re working on outer space security. What challenge are you facing and how are you solving it?
🎥 Share your vision in a video and take part in the Outer Space Security Conference 2025 Youth Video Competition by 18 July! #OS25
🔗 unidir.org/OS25YouthVideo
🎥 Share your vision in a video and take part in the Outer Space Security Conference 2025 Youth Video Competition by 18 July! #OS25
🔗 unidir.org/OS25YouthVideo
July 1, 2025 at 2:38 PM
We are bringing back our 🌠Youth Video Competition🌠 for this year's Outer Space Security Conference!
This is a chance for young voices to share their perspective on the future of space security governance.
Winners will be flown to Geneva to attend #OS25 in person!
📆 Apply by July 18!
This is a chance for young voices to share their perspective on the future of space security governance.
Winners will be flown to Geneva to attend #OS25 in person!
📆 Apply by July 18!
Come join our team @unidir.org and work with me on space security issues! A graduate professional position is now open!
In Geneva, 6 months with chance of extension. unidir.org/job/graduate...
In Geneva, 6 months with chance of extension. unidir.org/job/graduate...
May 14, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Come join our team @unidir.org and work with me on space security issues! A graduate professional position is now open!
In Geneva, 6 months with chance of extension. unidir.org/job/graduate...
In Geneva, 6 months with chance of extension. unidir.org/job/graduate...
How does everything just keep getting worse?
May 9, 2025 at 2:17 AM
How does everything just keep getting worse?
Reposted by Sarah Erickson
New updates to our Space Security Portal! 🛰️
🇧🇧 Barbados
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇮🇱 Israel
🇮🇹 Italy
🇳🇴 Norway
🇷🇼 Rwanda
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Explore how these States are contributing to space security 👉 spacesecurityportal.org
🇧🇧 Barbados
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇮🇱 Israel
🇮🇹 Italy
🇳🇴 Norway
🇷🇼 Rwanda
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Explore how these States are contributing to space security 👉 spacesecurityportal.org
May 7, 2025 at 8:10 AM
New updates to our Space Security Portal! 🛰️
🇧🇧 Barbados
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇮🇱 Israel
🇮🇹 Italy
🇳🇴 Norway
🇷🇼 Rwanda
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Explore how these States are contributing to space security 👉 spacesecurityportal.org
🇧🇧 Barbados
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇮🇱 Israel
🇮🇹 Italy
🇳🇴 Norway
🇷🇼 Rwanda
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Explore how these States are contributing to space security 👉 spacesecurityportal.org
🎉🚀 Months of wrangling space jargon in 6 languages and now the digital Lexicon for Outer Space Security is finally LIVE! A living hub to keep diplomats, engineers & analysts on the same page. Proud to have helped build it. Explore 👉 spacesecuritylexicon.org
A Lexicon for Outer Space Security
Discover UNIDIR's 'Lexicon for Outer Space Security'—your essential online resource for mastering space security terminology. Access authoritative definitions and insights into the legal and policy fr...
spacesecuritylexicon.org
April 24, 2025 at 9:31 PM
🎉🚀 Months of wrangling space jargon in 6 languages and now the digital Lexicon for Outer Space Security is finally LIVE! A living hub to keep diplomats, engineers & analysts on the same page. Proud to have helped build it. Explore 👉 spacesecuritylexicon.org
And a take away that still rings true beyond all.
March 25, 2025 at 1:01 AM
And a take away that still rings true beyond all.
Some points that I wish were still relevant, "lead by intelligent and responsible men" RIP. But the latter half of this statement can not be said loud enough.
March 25, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Some points that I wish were still relevant, "lead by intelligent and responsible men" RIP. But the latter half of this statement can not be said loud enough.
Many points, esp on dual use aspect of space systems still extremely relevant.
March 25, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Many points, esp on dual use aspect of space systems still extremely relevant.
If you want to nerd out and read the remarks you can find them here starting on page 13.
digitallibrary.un.org/record/70013...
digitallibrary.un.org/record/70013...
Report of the Committee on Disarmament [1982 session], appendix 3, v. 7 :
digitallibrary.un.org
March 25, 2025 at 1:01 AM
If you want to nerd out and read the remarks you can find them here starting on page 13.
digitallibrary.un.org/record/70013...
digitallibrary.un.org/record/70013...
Ok here's a very niche bit of history that is new to me.
🌐UN Sci-Fi🌌 worlds collide.
Arthur C. Clarke spoke to the Conference on Disarmament on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in 1982. (Technically it was the Committee on Disarmament since the CD wasn't born yet but not important).
🌐UN Sci-Fi🌌 worlds collide.
Arthur C. Clarke spoke to the Conference on Disarmament on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in 1982. (Technically it was the Committee on Disarmament since the CD wasn't born yet but not important).
March 25, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Ok here's a very niche bit of history that is new to me.
🌐UN Sci-Fi🌌 worlds collide.
Arthur C. Clarke spoke to the Conference on Disarmament on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in 1982. (Technically it was the Committee on Disarmament since the CD wasn't born yet but not important).
🌐UN Sci-Fi🌌 worlds collide.
Arthur C. Clarke spoke to the Conference on Disarmament on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in 1982. (Technically it was the Committee on Disarmament since the CD wasn't born yet but not important).
Did you know that Ecuador ratified the Registration Convention last month? Welcome Ecuador!
spacesecurityportal.org/states/ecuador
We have these updates and more for many new profiles that have since been added to the Space Security Portal.
spacesecurityportal.org/states/ecuador
We have these updates and more for many new profiles that have since been added to the Space Security Portal.
Ecuador - Space Security Portal
spacesecurityportal.org
March 14, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Did you know that Ecuador ratified the Registration Convention last month? Welcome Ecuador!
spacesecurityportal.org/states/ecuador
We have these updates and more for many new profiles that have since been added to the Space Security Portal.
spacesecurityportal.org/states/ecuador
We have these updates and more for many new profiles that have since been added to the Space Security Portal.
Reposted by Sarah Erickson
Winners of UNIDIR's Outer Space Security Conference 2024 Youth Video Competition were invited to Geneva to engage with space security experts and the diplomatic community 🌍🚀 #OS24
📖 Find out more about their perspectives, experiences and insights! 👇
📖 Find out more about their perspectives, experiences and insights! 👇
February 28, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Winners of UNIDIR's Outer Space Security Conference 2024 Youth Video Competition were invited to Geneva to engage with space security experts and the diplomatic community 🌍🚀 #OS24
📖 Find out more about their perspectives, experiences and insights! 👇
📖 Find out more about their perspectives, experiences and insights! 👇
The mission also successfully delivered 5 satellites for French company Kinéis. Another interesting example of how NewSpace is shaping the future of space security by providing dual-use services, research and development. www.space.com/space-explor...
Rocket Lab's secretive launch last month was a hypersonic test for the US military (photos)
"Rocket Lab’s test platform showcased a new suite of cutting-edge technologies optimized for hypersonic technology tests with vastly increased payloads."
www.space.com
December 11, 2024 at 2:21 PM
The mission also successfully delivered 5 satellites for French company Kinéis. Another interesting example of how NewSpace is shaping the future of space security by providing dual-use services, research and development. www.space.com/space-explor...