Space for Change: The ASAT Tests in Outer Space in Light of the UN Liability Convention

Adam Strobeyko

doi:10.21697/priel.2019.8.1.04

Published: 2020-01-30

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2019)

Space for Change: The ASAT Tests in Outer Space in Light of the UN Liability Convention

Adam Strobeyko

Polish Review of International and European Law

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.21697/priel.2019.8.1.04

Abstract

As space exploration is gathering pace, special care must be attributed to preserving outer space as a shared environment that can be explored freely by humankind. Currently, there exists no comprehensive legal framework regulating the use of conventional weapons in outer space. This has been made evident by repeated tests of anti-satellite weapons (ASATs) which took place in the XXI century and produced massive amounts of debris, possibly interfering with the rights of other states to explore space freely. This article examines the rules provided by the UN Liability Convention and their application to ASAT tests in outer space. The author reviews academic suggestions in the field and concludes that a multilateral and comprehensive legal framework needs to be established in order to guarantee unrestrained exploration of space.

Keywords:

ASAT, conventional weapons, liability convention, outer space

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Strobeyko, A. (2020). Space for Change: The ASAT Tests in Outer Space in Light of the UN Liability Convention. Polish Review of International and European Law, 8(1), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.21697/priel.2019.8.1.04

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Adam Strobeyko

Affiliation:

IHEID Switzerland

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Ph.D. candidate in International Law at the Graduate Institute (IHEID) in Geneva.
He holds a Master’s degree in International Public Management from Sciences Po (IEP)
Paris and an LLB in European Law from Maastricht University.