Space Oddity: an analysis of Major Tom's Odyssey in Outer Space, and the implications of the disappearance of Astronauts in Outer Space.
- Paper number
IAC-15,E7,IP,13,x31420
- Author
Mr. Juan Pablo Vargas Pallini, Colombia
- Coauthor
Mr. Andres Felipe Pantoja, UNIVERSIDAD SERGIO ARBOLEDA, Colombia
- Year
2015
- Abstract
In David Bowie's 1969 single, the Story of Astronaut Major Tom captivated the curiosity of millions of people around the world, with the despair of the Major, while he drifts away in Outer Space. Today, it still manages to generate astonishment and anguish, and more importantly it develops a certain legal controversy, on what should and could be done if this type of situation ever occurred. Major Tom's story will be analyzed in accordance with the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies; The Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space; and, different Resolutions from the United Nations' General Assembly. This analysis is aimed to determine if the existing law suffices to respond to these types of cases, or if further regulation should be generated to counter the possibility of loosing Astronauts in Space. With the ever growing Space Exploration, and the fast advancing technology, it is only a matter of time for the dream of Space Travel in manned spacecrafts, to become a reality, generating uncertainty in the safety of these Missions. Further regulation and normative is required so that Nations and Private Organizations can respond to the loss of an Astronaut in Outer Space exploration. This paper shall try to develop certain possibilities and the probable direction that should be undertaken in this situation, and how Space Law help to make Space Exploration safer, and generate different legal implications to the loss of an Astronaut in Outer Space Exploration.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)