Space Debris As An Environmental Challenge: A Critical Analysis Of International Space Law
- IJLLR Journal
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
Swathi Shetty, BALLB, SDM Law College Mangalore, D.K., Karnataka
ABSTRACT
The increase in commercialization and human exploration has resulted massive rise in space debris in the outer space. The drastic failure has been observed, to protect outer space from space junk created in the name of exploration. At the same time, the efforts of space agencies to remove the debris are not sufficient enough to combat the millions of space debris already existing in outer space. One of the major problems is that the current methods, such as Active Debris Removal (ADR), Robotic Arms and Capture Mechanisms, Laser-Based Removal Systems, etc., have drawbacks in one or the other way. Instead of taking larger efforts to clean the space junk, there is an urgent need to take a greater measure to tackle this current global challenge.
To combat with this, current conventions such as the Outer Space Treaty 1967, Liability Convention 1972, and Registration Convention 1976, do not explicitly mention space debris as an environmental concern. However, they have raised concerns over situations where there is a threat of collision with active satellites and mention the liability of a particular State. The existence of guidelines relating to outer space is well established, but they lack binding effect. Protection of outer space must be considered a serious concern. There is a need to create conventions that are more effectivee, binding and to implement stricter environmental law principles in space law to mitigate these problems.
This article mainly highlights the need for stronger conventions in environmental aspects and also explains how the current treaties have failed to mitigate these problems. It emphasizes that this is an alarming phase to find solutions to regulation of space debris and protect outer space from man- made exploitation.
Keywords: Space Debris, International Space Law, Environmental Protection, Sustainability.
