Basically, it’s Crime In Space, but its subtitle is actually ‘Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit’.
Topics covered include hacking in space – be it of software, data, networks or hardware – and risks to existing cybersecurity practices in space.
It also considers how organised crime might pursue activities in space, including kidnapping and “devicenapping”, and the laws and treaties that are relevant to space crime, such as the Communications Satellite Act and the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.
It is described as a “comprehensive exploration of humanity’s potential for criminal activities in outer space”.
The publishers, Wiley, write:
“Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit is a forward-thinking resource that considers, analyzes, and provides solutions to the influence of the ignoble side of humanity in the realm of outer space, where potential for crime, corruption, piracy, and war increases as the exploitation of space as a commercial resource continues to develop. This book blends the authors’ knowledge with that of subject matter experts to deliver a holistic understanding of criminality in space and help readers broaden their horizons beyond their own area of specialisation.”
The authors are Marc Feldman and Hugh Taylor.
It’s not released yet, but will appearing early next year.
CSCPG
Note that the book is part of the launch of the Center for the Study of Space Crime, Piracy, and Governance (CSCPG). This is an independent, nonpartisan think tank. Its purpose will be to serve as a policy resource for government and business. For example, on issues related to space governance, sovereignty, commerce, law, crime, and piracy.
Peter Garretson, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies, American Foreign Policy Council said:
“This is a serious meditation on a space future that is all too plausible. Anyone concerned with building a safe and robust space economy – lawmakers, policymakers, law enforcement, CEOs, space cyber security officers, and the USSPACECOM and US Space Force commanders – should read this book. A well researched and fascinating synthesis of the history and current day piracy, privateering, organized crime & syndicates, cyber-crime, private security companies – and how and why they might plausibly move to space.”
Space Piracy details
Title: Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit
Author: Marc Feldman, Hugh Taylor
Publisher: Wiley
Date: February 2025
Formats: Hardcover
Price: $30.00
ISBN-13: 978-1394240203
