session 5

Title

Safety Zones on Celestial Bodies and in Outer Space

Description

The establishment of safety zones on celestial bodies and in outer space protecting the safety of space activities from harmful interference is a concept developed principally by space operators and practice. The problem is that - developed in the 60ties - the present international legal framework, essentially Articles I, II, IX and XII of the Outer Space Treaty, is only superficially tackling this issue and can be interpreted in various directions. Recently, the non-binding Building Blocks for the Development of an International Framework for the Governance of Space Resources Activities brought about food for thought on this issue but as a platform for discussion could not bring any clear-cut solutions. The panel invites for contributions discussing the concept and definition of safety zones on celestial bodies and in outer space. First, it shall consider the conditions for the compliance of these zones with international space law in general. Second, it shall analyse the relevant provisions of the law of outer space in relation to safety zones: the freedom of use of outer space, free access to the areas of outer space, non-appropriation, prevention of harmful interference, the openness of stations and installations, reasonable advance notice of projected visits, consultations, and international responsibility and liability. Furthermore, the papers may discuss specific issues dealing with the size, overlap, time frame, management and control of safety zones. The authors may also deliberate the analogies with the regimes of safety zones in related areas of international law.

Date

2022-09-22

Time

10:15

Room

S01

IPC members

• Co-Chair: Ms. Deepika Jeyakodi, The Netherlands;

• Co-Chair: Prof. Mark Sundahl, Cleveland State University, United States;

• Rapporteur: Ms. Laetitia Cesari, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg ;