Assessment on GNSS Technology and Political Implications

Dongwoo Kang 강동우

Our desire to observe the land from above, as if through the eyes of birds-eyes, is not simply for entertainment. Although we take pleasure in our visual spectacles of riding hot-air balloons or looking out the airplane window, there is more to having eyes in the sky than simple entertainment. Seeking the high ground has been a crucial military tactic, even referenced by Sun Tzu, due to the strategic advantage provided by enhanced surveillance from above. Bird’s-eye view images are also linked to map-making, which is useful for city planning, transportation, or land management. The most common and advanced means of obtaining such images is through satellite images. So, what is satellite technology?

Overview of Satellite Technology

While satellites provide a range of various services, the primary objective of this research is to analyze remote sensing capabilities, largely provided by GNSS.

Remote Sensing through Satellites

The specifics of remote sensing can be further specified into global navigation satellite system (GNSS) capabilities and satellite imagery, which is the technological focus of my research activities in the Politics of Technology lab.

Specifically, my research area aims to analyze the impact of GNSS on security by separating its utilization between government agencies and the private sector. Thus, the public-private differences and interactions will be observed, providing further legal, organizational, and political implications on enhancing national space capabilities.

Public Actors

Government-military institutions in GNSS

GNSS development in the hands of national governments

Topics of Interest

<aside> ❓ Are existing international norms regarding space applicable for modern developments in GNSS, especially in current circumstances of increasing participation by the private sector?

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Background