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Space Debris: An Analysis with Reference to the Space Laws and Debris Mitigation Guidelines

Book Title: Legal and Policy Regime of Outer Space and Global Governance

Editor:  Dr. Ananya Rahul Bibave

ISBN:  978-81-979197-2-5

Chapter: 11

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/lpc11/257

Author: Patare John Kisan, Research Scholar, PES’s Modern Law College, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Abstract

The space debris issue could make it impossible to travel to space, which would have disastrous effects on all states—developed and developing. Space Law was practically enforceable following the Sputnik launch. They were all drafted during the Cold War. COPUOS (United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) has only ever dealt with administrative and discreet matters in its five major accords to date. In 1978, the publication of the first study on the risk posed by space debris to space had taken place. Next in 2007, the committee created recommendations for mitigating space debris. Every country and international organization that has substantial space exploration projects is a member of COPUOS. Which is bound by voluntary guidelines aimed at reducing the likelihood of producing new debris. This study assesses space rules and the effects on space orbit of the actions enumerated in these guidelines. An explanation of the lawful nature of the global duties pertaining to planetary remains might give States helpful tools to respond appropriately to any misbehaviour occurring in space.

Keywords: Space Laws, Space Debris, COPUOS, Mitigation-guidelines.

References

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