Space situational awareness on a global scale: pertinent legal issues

Paper number

IAC-18,A6,8,2,x43714

Author

Dr. Catherine Doldirina, Italy, International Institute of Space Law (IISL)

Coauthor

Prof. Lesley Jane Smith, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Olga Batura, The Netherlands, University of Münster and University of Twente

Year

2018

Abstract

If it is to provide an effective and efficient mechanism of monitoring and mitigating the risks posed by space debris to the growing number and types of space activities, space situational awareness (SSA) needs to be undertaken on a global scale. Currently, most activities relating to space situational awareness and space debris mitigation are either undertaken by individual nations, or take place largely by virtue of bilateral agreements relating to sharing relevant capabilities. The paper seeks to highlight and analyse the legal issues and implications that not only need to be taken into account, but also resolved to achieve global cooperation within this field.

The analysis will focus on several areas. Firstly, institutional arrangements are addressed to assess whether the formalisation of relationships among individual nations through the creation of a special entity/organisation having responsibility for space situational awareness is possible or desirable. As an alternative, operation of such a body in the form of a partnership is analysed, with shared capabilities and responsibilities, including for the data and information they provide. Secondly, the authors look at the implications of dual-use technologies and regulatory obligations to protect space activities from unauthorised or otherwise risk-imposing issues, including cyber-security. Last but not least, the issues of responsibility and liability for provision of space awareness information and services will be analysed.

In this paper, the authors examine how these issues are managed today by the most prominent actors with space situational awareness capabilities. It reviews how this field would need to be addressed, if and when the truly global space situational awareness system is organised.

Abstract document

IAC-18,A6,8,2,x43714.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,A6,8,2,x43714.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.