SUSTAINABILITY OF SPACE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT – ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF ORBITAL DEBRIS IN THE CONTEXT OF SPACE LIABILITY

Abstract

The problem of managing space debris is not only an international challenge but also an opportunity to preserve this environment for future space exploration missions. As more countries gain the technology and economic means to launch spacecraft, more focus is being exerted on standardizing the procedures of each country and on adhering to new developing norms under international agreements. Over time, the increasing number of launching states proves that space debris mitigation will have to be coordinated and that preventive measures across all stakeholders – both state and non-state actors – will have to be put in place since if one actor fails to do so, this may inevitably affect all others. The article focuses on the analysis of international space law and policy steps undertaken to tackle environmental pollution in outer space, in particular in terms of accumulation of human-made debris and waste material in the Earth’s orbit and beyond. The aim of the work is to analyse to what extent the international legal framework and policy measures are failing in addressing the emerging issue of debris in outer space and to propose policy recommendations in creating a new specialized international organization along with de lege ferenda conclusions for international space law, especially in the context of possible amendments to the Liability Convention and the Outer Space Treaty.