Quad partners are exchanging Earth observation satellite data and analysis to help Indo-Pacific countries better adapt to climate change, prepare for natural disasters, and better manage oceans and marine resources. They are also strengthening commercial space cooperation, and consulting each other on the peaceful, safe, and sustainable use of outer space. The Quad Space Working Group, announced at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in September 2021, is fostering Quad's commitment to leveraging space capabilities – applications and technologies, for the benefit of the Indo-Pacific while ensuring responsible and collaborative practices in space activities.Quad partners also announced their intention to share expertise and experience in space situational awareness. Such cooperation is pursued considering the crucial role of space situational awareness in ensuring safe and sustainable space operations.
Sharing Earth observation satellite data and analysis
Quad partners are actively engaged in advancing space-related applications and technologies, while simultaneously fostering the exchange of Earth observation satellite data and analysis to assess climate change risks, advocate for the sustainable utilisation of oceans and marine resources, and augment disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
In May 2022, at Tokyo, the Quad Satellite Data Portal was established to serve as a centralised platform to facilitate the peaceful sharing of respective national satellite data resources across various domains, including climate change monitoring, disaster response and preparedness, and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources, among others.
Extreme Precipitation
Following the commitment at the Quad Leaders’ Summit, held in May 2022 in Tokyo, the Quad Space Working Group introduced the Extreme Precipitation Steering Committee. This committee has successfully conducted two online workshops in February-March 2023 to provide capacity building to the Indo-Pacific countries for monitoring and responding to extreme precipitation events by utilizing the Earth observation satellite technology of the Quad countries.
Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space
A Joint Workshop is to be held to promote the long-term sustainability of the outer space environment and support the Indo-Pacific countries in implementing the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities, including through capacity building and sharing of experiences in domestic policy, regulations and outcomes.
Commercial Space Cooperation
The Quad is strengthening commercial space cooperation by tapping on to the growth, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit within the commercial space industry of each Quad country, and convened the Commercial Space Business Forum in late 2023 and early 2024. Such cooperation is enhancing the resilience of space supply chains, encouraging digital connectivity, and positioning the region as a leader in establishing responsible standards for commercial space activities.
