Debris removal: Space law is an important part in the fight against space junk
FirstpostWhile trying debris removal technologies, it is also imperative that authorities work out the best ways to regulate space activity. Given the high speed of objects in space, any collision – with debris or a “live” satellite – could create thousands more pieces of debris. Under international law, to capture, deflect or interfere with a piece of debris would constitute a “national activity in outer space” – meaning the countries that authorised or agreed to the ADR manoeuvre have an international legal responsibility, even if the action is carried out by a private company. And if a State develops the capability to remove or deflect space debris, how can we be sure they won’t use it to remove or deflect another country’s “live” satellites? The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space deals with space governance, and it has had “legal mechanisms relating to space debris mitigation and remediation measures” on its agenda for years.
History of this topic
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