Now, in what would be the biggest international step yet towards addressing these concerns, diplomats at a United Nations forum next month might discuss whether humanity has a right to ‘dark and quiet skies’. The debate could initiate a framework for how scientists and the public would deal with the flood of new satellites — with many more expected. They say the goal is not to pit astronomers against satellite companies, but to develop a vision of how to fairly use the shared, but ungoverned, realm of outer space.
In 2019, when the first batch of Starlink Internet satellites launched by SpaceX of Hawthorne, California, they turned out to be brighter than expected in astronomical images. In response to complaints, SpaceX tested several strategies to darken the satellites; it now launches all of its Starlinks with sunshades attached, to make them less visible when sunlight reflects off them. Astronomers and representatives of several companies, including SpaceX, have settled on a brightness threshold for satellites that is slightly fainter than the human eye can see in a dark sky. Starlinks are close to that brightness threshold but do not currently meet it. But even if companies adhere to it, the satellites will be visible in telescopes. So this creates a topic for an ultimate debate that can only be solved by making a set of regulations to be adhered to. What do you think?
Space law can be described as the body of law governing space-related activities. Space law, much like general international law, comprises a variety of international agreements, treaties, conventions, and United Nations General Assembly resolutions as well as rules and regulations of international organizations.
How do you get into space law?
In any case, in order to be specifically educated to deal with space activities you will need to continue and obtain a master’s degree (LLM). There are several universities which offer a specific master in air and space law or space and telecommunication law.
Who enforces space law?
There are five international treaties underpinning space law, overseen by the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS).
What law applies in space?
Outer space is governed by international law. That means all countries and parties need to work together to develop effective space legislation for future needs. … One-hundred-and-seven countries are party to the constitution of international space law, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
Can I legally go to space?
Space is common ground and everyone is allowed to explore it. “Outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all States,” the Outer Space Treaty reads.
What happens if you commit a crime in space?
As for the question of who prosecutes space crimes, the short answer is that a spacefaring criminal would generally be subject to the law of the country of which they are a citizen, or the country aboard whose registered spacecraft the crime was committed, because the treaty grants that country authority “over any issues related to that country citizens.
Can you legally own land on the moon?
Article II of the United Nations 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which governs the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, states that the Moon: … In other words no country can claim ownership of the Moon.
Are weapons allowed in space?
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans the stationing of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in outer space, prohibits military activities on celestial bodies, and details legally binding rules governing the peaceful exploration and use of space.
Can you kill in space?
Killing to prevent the theft of one’s property may be legal, depending on the jurisdiction. … Therefore, a murder committed in outer space is subject to jurisdiction in the country that owns the space craft in which the killing transpired.
Do Earth laws apply in space?
Services provided to, on, or in orbit around the planet Earth or the Moon… will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California in the United States. … Outer space is already subject to a system of international law, and even Elon Musk cannot colombus a new one.
What law applies in space?
Outer space is governed by international law. That means all countries and parties need to work together to develop effective space legislation for future needs. … One-hundred-and-seven countries are party to the constitution of international space law, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
Do you need permission to go to space?
Not exactly. You don’t need anyone to sign off on a lunar landing, but you do need a permit to launch anything into space from Earth. … The FAA regulates the commercial sector’s space activities by requiring parties to obtain launch and re-entry licenses.
