Navigating The Orbital Minefield: Legal Considerations And Challenges Of Space Debris Liability

Suraj Kamti & Rishav Jain, Chandigarh University

ABSTRACT

The increasing amount of space junk in Earth's orbit has created substantial legal and operational obstacles for space exploration. This article explores the intricate web of legal issues concerning space debris in an effort to highlight the many difficulties this problem presents. The introduction of the paper gives a general review of space debris, its causes, and the possible threats it poses to space activities. The framework of current international space law is then examined, with particular attention paid to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty's accountability and obligation guiding principles. It investigates real-world ramifications and legal outcomes through case studies such as the Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 collision and the Tiangong-1 reentry. These case studies shed light on the intricacies of space debris responsibility and serve as a basis for improvements to the legal system that have been suggested. As space activities develop, proper space debris management is critical to ensuring the sustainability and safety of space for current and upcoming generations.

Keywords: Space Debris, Orbital Environment, Outer Space Treaty, Liability