the incorporation of the regime of long-term sustainability of outer space activities into the asia-pacific space cooperation regime: necessity and possibility
- Paper number
IAC-17,E3,IP,9,x39071
- Author
Mr. YONGLIANG YAN, The University of Hong Kong, China
- Year
2017
- Abstract
After almost 60-year intensive exploration and use of outer space, some tough challenges to the space environment and further application of space resources occur. Under this circumstance, the “long-term sustainability of outer space activities”, which was slightly different from its counterpart “sustainable development”, was put into the new agenda list of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in 2010. In order for an in-depth analysis of its definition, this article will not only compare the concept of “long-term sustainability of outer space activities with “sustainable development”, but also take the historical method to explore its conceptional development. Comparing with the legal status of “sustainable development”, the “long-term sustainability of outer space activities” may develop to be a fundamental principle of international space law, but no international treaty covering this can be adopted in the near future, thus it remains to be seen. Up to now, there is no legal regime about the “long-term sustainability of outer space activities” regulating the space activities of multilateral space cooperation organization, especially the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, though the new guidelines for the “long-term sustainability of outer space activities” mention the international organization. Thus this article will be aimed to explore the necessity and significance of incorporating the regime of “long-term sustainability of outer space activities” into the legal mechanism of Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, which has increasingly become one of the most important participants of space activities. More importantly, the objectives of this organization and the attitude of its member states’ have indicated the compatibility of the “long-term sustainability of outer space activities” regime with the legal mechanism of Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization. However, in practice, there are some problems confronting the organization when it embraces the “long-term sustainability of outer space activities” regime. In spite of that, it is necessary, important and also possible to achieve the aforementioned incorporation.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-17,E3,IP,9,x39071.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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