Space Traffic Management For The Moon And The Development Of Space Law
- Paper number
IAC-07-E6.5.19
- Author
Ms. Annelie Schoenmaker, France
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Several legal issues are becoming more and more pressing for outer space activities, amongst them the need for space traffic management. The amount of space debris and the number of space missions planned are the main reasons why a space traffic management regime should be adopted in the coming years. However space traffic management is usually studied merely with respect to Earth orbit. Although most current space activities take place in Earth orbit, new endeavours to explore and exploit the Moon call for broadening of the concept of space traffic management. Considering current political conditions, the time now seems strategic for the adoption of more detailed laws and regulations concerning the status of outer space and celestial bodies, including space traffic management. Momentum and political urgency are very important aspects in the adoption of outer space legislation, as was witnessed forty years ago when the very strict Outer Space Treaty was adopted. In this respect, space traffic management should be one of the issues specifically looked upon in the coming years, during which space law will hopefully know many fruitful developments. The issue of space traffic management for the Moon should be addressed specifically as some of the requirements will differ from space traffic control around the Earth. This paper introduces the requirements of a space traffic management regime for the Moon and exposes why this is a strategic time in history to tackle this subject.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E6.5.19.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.