SPACE-CENTRIC CONCEPT TO ANSWER TOMORROW SPACE CHALLENGE: A SMALL STEP FOR FUTURE SPACE LAW

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-202
Author(s):  
Taufik Rachmat Nugraha
Keyword(s):  
Outer Space ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Concept Space ◽  
Future Space ◽  
Space Programs ◽  
Space Law ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Protection Area ◽  
Space Activities ◽  
Private Sector Involvement

Space activities have shown significant progress since they begin in the late '50s. Under current development, the U.S. with Artemis program and Luxembourg with its space mining program will enhance their outer space involvement. Most of those programs will elevate private sector involvement. Furthermore, the future space program will mainly intersect with the space environment as the primary consideration. It remains high-risk activities that could have catastrophic results if not regulated immediately. However, the current existing space law began obsolete because it was composed more than 50 years ago and too geocentric by putting the earth as the primary protection area. Consequently, existing space law could not govern future space programs properly, including protecting the space environment defense, Etc. Afterward, this paper will introduce the space-centric concept. Space-centric concepts create to answer future space challenges from legal perspectives. This concept emphasizes how future regulation and policy should cover all space objects equally, recalling outer space is vulnerable to such activities by humans, and how the best way to mitigate unforeseeable calamity on outer space.

India’s Quest for a National Space Law and the Missing Piece of Possessory Rights

2021 ◽  
pp. 097492842110477
Author(s):  
Athar ud din
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
National Space ◽  
Commercial Use ◽  
Future Space ◽  
Space Law ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Celestial Bodies ◽  
Emerging Powers ◽  
Space Activities

As the commercial use of outer space becomes feasible, the nature of possessory rights will potentially emerge as the central focus of future space-related activities. The existing international law relating to outer space does not address in detail the nature of possessory rights in outer space and is subject to multiple interpretations. Alarmingly, the recently adopted space policies and legislations by some States have taken a definitive position regarding commercial use of natural resources in outer space. In light of India’s increasing involvement in outer space, it circulated the Draft Space Activities Bill, 2017, to formulate a national space law. However, the nature of possessory rights in outer space is not addressed in detail in the Draft Space Activities Bill. This study states that on account of recent developments happening elsewhere, it is extremely important for emerging powers like India to take a position on broader issues like the nature of possessory rights in outer space (which includes celestial bodies as well as resources contained therein). Not addressing the issue of possessory rights in outer space could have profound implications at both domestic as well as international levels.

International Liability for Commercial Space Activities and Related Issues of Debris

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Morozova ◽  
Alena Laurenava
Keyword(s):  
Space Debris ◽  
Artificial Satellite ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
International Space ◽  
Space Law ◽  
Air Space ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Outer Space Treaty ◽  
International Liability ◽  
Space Activities

Space activities are technically sophisticated, challenging, and high risk endeavors. Notwithstanding precautionary measures that are taken by commercial operators, damage may be caused during space objects’ launching, passing through air space, in-orbit maneuvering and operating, and de-orbiting. The rules and procedures aimed at ensuring the prompt payment of a full and equitable compensation for such damage constitute the international liability regime, which is of crucial importance in space law. The first reference to international liability for damage caused by space objects and their component parts on the Earth, in air space, or in outer space, can be traced back to the very beginning of the space era. In 1963, just few years after the first ever artificial satellite was launched, international liability was declared by the UN General Assembly as one of the legal principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space. It was later made legally binding by inclusion in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and received further development in the 1972 Liability Convention. The latter is generally referred to as lex specialis when the interrelation between the two international treaties is described and introduces several provisions that treat liability for damage caused in specific circumstances somewhat differently. International space law imputes liability on states that launch or procure launchings of space objects and states from whose territory or facility space objects are launched. This does not, however, exclude liability for damage caused by space objects, which are operated by private entities. Still, international liability for accidents involving commercial operators stays with the so-called “launching states,” as this term is defined by the Liability Convention for the same states that are listed in the Outer Space Treaty as internationally liable. Insurance is well known to settle liability issues, including those arising from commercial launches, however, it is not always mandatory. Frequently, space-related accidents involve non-functional space objects and their component parts, which are usually referred to as space debris. This may include spent rocket stages and defunct satellites, as well as fragments from their disintegration. Since the non-functional state of a space object does not change its legal status, the relevant provisions of international space law that are applicable to space objects continue to apply to what is called “space debris.” This means, in particular, that launching states are internationally liable for damage caused by space debris, including cases where such debris was generated by private spacecraft. The probability of liability becomes even higher when it comes to active space debris removal. Such space activities, which are extensively developed by private companies, are inextricably linked to potential damage. Yet, practical problems arise with identification of space debris and, consequently, an efficient implementation of the liability regime.

Projekt polskiego prawa kosmicznego – regulacja na miarę XXI wieku?

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 ◽  
pp. 101-118
Author(s):  
Maciej Piotrowski
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Polish Space ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Space Law ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Space Activities

The purpose of this article is to present the provisions of the draft Act of 10 July 2017 on space activities and the National Register of Space Objects, adopted by the Ministry of Development and Finance, in the context of solutions adopted in selected European countries and in international public law in the era of the development of the space sector (New Space). The main research hypothesis is the question whether the proposed legal regulation constitutes a solution meeting the challenges of the 21st century. The proposed regulations have been analysed in detail in terms of the rules of licensing of space activities, the registration of space objects and liability for damage inflicted by them, as well as in terms of third party insurance with reference to solutions adopted in France, Finland and Holland and the international standard. The formaldoctrinal method and the comparative law method have been applied in the analysis. The conclusion contains the assessment of the Polish space law provisions under analysis, which have been found to be in principle correct and relatively coherent. It has been stressed that, in general, the assumptions of the Polish draft act comply with the international law standard and the legal regulations of selected European countries. Nevertheless, the absence of regulations concerning, for example, the issue of suborbital space flights or space mining, and insufficient regulations concerning the protection of space environment (space debris) have been evaluated critically. A thesis is presented in the conclusion whereby, despite the deficiencies noted, the Polish draft space law is a real answer of the lawmaker to the challenges involved in the development of the space market and is a regulation appropriate for the 21st century.

International Space Law and Satellite Telecommunications

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Morozova ◽  
Yaroslav Vasyanin
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
International Telecommunication Union ◽  
International Space ◽  
Space Law ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Outer Space Treaty ◽  
Space Activities

International space law is a branch of international law that regulates the conduct of space activities. Its core instruments include five space-specific international treaties, which were adopted under the auspices of the United Nations. The first and the underlying one—the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Outer Space Treaty)—establishes that outer space is free for exploration and use by all states. Such fundamental freedom is exercised by a number of space applications that have become an integral part of modern human life and global economy. Among such applications, satellite telecommunications is the most widespread, essential, and advanced. Indeed, since 1957 when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite merely capable of continuous beeping during its 21-day trip around the globe, space technologies have progressed in leaps and bounds. Cutting-edge satellite telecommunications methods ensure instant delivery of huge amounts of data, relay of real-time voice and video, broadcasting of radio and television, and Internet access worldwide. By transmitting signals over any distance telecommunications satellites connect locations everywhere on Earth. A telecommunications satellite’s lifetime, starting from the launch and ending at de-orbiting, is governed by international space law. The latter considers satellites as “space objects” and regulates liability, registration, jurisdiction and control, debris mitigation, and touches upon ownership. Therefore, the first large group of international law rules applicable to satellite telecommunications includes provisions of three out of five UN space treaties, specifically, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, and the 1976 Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, as well as several UN General Assembly resolutions. To carry out a communication function, satellites need to be placed in a certain orbit and to use radio-frequency spectrum, both limited natural resources. Access to these highly demanded resources, which are not subject to national appropriation and require rational, efficient, and economical uses in an interference-free environment, is managed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)—the UN specialized agency for information and communication technologies. The ITU’s core regulatory documents are its Constitution, Convention, and the Radio Regulations, which collectively make up another group of international law rules relevant to satellite telecommunications. Both groups of international law rules constitute the international legal regime of satellite telecommunications and face the challenge of keeping pace with technology advancement and market evolution, as well as with a growing number of states and non-state actors carrying on space activities. These tangible changes need to be addressed in the regulatory framework that cannot but serve as a driver for further development of satellite telecommunications.

Space Law Education and Capacity-Building

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Kuan-Wei Chen
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
International Development ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Space Technology ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Space Law ◽  
Emerging Issues ◽  
Space Activities

Space activities can bring tremendous benefits to global development and humanity. For the safety, security, and long-term sustainability of outer space, activities and developments in the exploration and use of outer space must therefore be guided by the effective formulation, implementation, and enforcement of law and governance. Concerted and quality space law education and capacity-building efforts are necessary for the cultivation of competent professionals, scholars, and next-generation experts who are cognizant of the emerging issues and challenges posed by the proliferation of space activities and actors in the global commons of outer space. In order to fully grasp space law, it is important to possess a basic understanding of space technology, space applications, and the space environment in which the exploration and use of outer space take place. Not only should space law professionals and scholars be trained in law and have a deep understanding of especially public international law, but the approach to space law education and capacity-building must also be uniquely holistic and interdisciplinary. Hence, education and capacity-building can stimulate international development and cooperation in space activities and contribute to building expertise and capacity in countries with emerging space capabilities.

Outer space law

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-35
Author(s):  
Boris Krivokapich
Keyword(s):  
Outer Space ◽  
Narrow Sense ◽  
Legal Rules ◽  
National Space ◽  
Space Law ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Celestial Bodies ◽  
Legal Position ◽  
Space Activities

Given that sudden breakthroughs in conquering the cosmos are expected, some basic questions about the law governing relations in respect to outer space and in it can be expected to be triggered, starting already with the issue how one has to call that law and what is its real content. The first part of the paper deals with the naming of this branch of law and concludes that for the time being the term outer space law is the best and widely accepted. In the second part, the author states that many scientific papers and even official documents, do not define outer space law at all. There are even opinions that the outer space is a phenomenon which cannot be defined at all, suggesting that it is not possible to define a cosmic right either. The author considers that a distinction should be made between national space law of states and international space law (space law in the narrow sense a branch of international law containing legal rules governing relations in respect to the space and in the space, and in particular the regime of that space and celestial bodies it contains, exploration and exploitation of the space, the regime of navigation in the space, the legal position of the astronauts and space objects, international legal liability for damage caused by space activities, etc.). When so is clearly stated, one can also speak of space law in a broad sense, which, in addition to the norms of space law in the narrow sense, would include norms that are part of soft law, agreements and legal customs between states and non-state entities, and even at some point so-called. metalaw (law that may one day govern relations between humanity and creatures of other worlds).

scholarly journals Protection of Space Environment in the Light of Perspective Challenges of “Space Wars”

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-114
Author(s):  
Anna Hurova
Keyword(s):  
Outer Space ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
International Conflicts ◽  
International Court Of Justice ◽  
Human Environment ◽  
International Court ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Principle Of Proportionality

In article it is analyzed action in the space of the principle of prohibition of the use of force and threats (jus contra bellum). Also it is researched application of Geneva Law to space conflicts (jus in bello) and it correlations with another hard and soft norms of international law in the light of protection of space environment such as Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques, Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment 1972, Rio Declaration on Environment and Development 1992 etc. Beside this it is used practice of International Court of Justice for argumentation of positions and conclusions. Since space objects management is done remotely with help of software, author draw parallels between legal regulation of international conflicts in outer space and cyber space. Furthermore, it is researched specific features of application the principle of proportionality in international space armed conflicts with the aim of protection environment of space and Earth.

The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects

1973 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 137-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. F. Foster
Keyword(s):  
United Nations ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
General Assembly ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Draft Convention ◽  
The United Nations ◽  
International Liability ◽  
Space Activities

On September 10, 1971, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space adopted and decided to submit to the General Assembly for consideration and final adoption a draft Convention on International Liability for Damage caused by Space Objects. Approval of the Convention was recommended by the First Committee of the General Assembly on November 11, 1971; and on November 29, 1971 it was endorsed by the General Assembly. The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects marks the culmination of a decade of debate and negotiation of the problem of liability for damage arising from outer space activities.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document