Space Based Solar Power- Negotiating the Legal Potholes
- Paper number
IAC-11,E7,1,16,x11369
- Author
Ms. Nidhi Barad, National Law University, India
- Year
2011
- Abstract
The biggest and immediate need on earth is simple- an energy source. The perennial problem of running out of resources is slowly and alarmingly growing and threatens to push the human race in conundrums, both scientific and political. The most convenient and currently attainable technological solution is space based solar power (SBSP). Solar power from both the Moon and from satellites would provide energy for operations in space and could be beamed down to Earth using either lasers or microwaves. The great advantage of beamed power is that it does not have to be transmitted across the giant transcontinental grids as it done today. Another related factor that makes space based power attractive is that developing nations will not need to build and maintain expensive electrical distribution grids. Relatively small autonomous power grids can operate independently. The idea of SBSP naturally raises serious questions concerning what norms of international law should be applicable to solar power satellites in space. These questions include property rights in space, rights of private parties, liability for damage, and coordination and registration of space objects. The general framework to answer these questions already exists, but further development will be needed. There have been several issues which have been brought to light in this regard like the ownership of orbits, registration and liability issues which arise in almost all aspects of space ventures as well as environmental and security concerns. This paper concentrates on a two-fold problem created by the advent of the SBSP. The first is that of environmental hazards. With heavy reliance on SBSP expected in the coming years, the omnipresent issue of orbital debris surfaces again. Another issue which is specific to SBSP is the damage that could indirectly result from the beams projected on Earth by the satellite. The second problem arises as a direct result of the first one- liability issues created because of the occupation and crowding of orbital slots. The general liability tests may be put to test as the SBSP satellites would also mean earth-based stations for collecting the solar energy which would increase the complexities of this already cloudy regime. The third part of the paper then addresses the above problems and provides for a feasible solution under the umbrella of the existing space law regimes in light of the recent discussions on the liability regime.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)