We need clear rules to avoid a real Star Wars in outer space
When the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, was launched on October 4, 1957, it heralded the need for legal regulation of the exploration and use of outer space.
Since then international law has been developed to facilitate the use of technologies such as satellite telecommunications, global positioning systems, remote sensing technology for weather forecasting and disaster management, and television broadcast from satellites.
In this regard, space law has played a positive role by allowing for – and not unduly restricting – the development of space-related technology.
At the same time, the existing legal regime has not prevented the development of military technology capable of utilising outer space.
There are some restrictions, but these were specified in the space law treaties in relatively general terms and were open to interpretation as to what they did (and did not) prohibit.
This is not entirely surprising. The development of space-related technology was inextricably related to military strength, both in reality and to influence the perception of others.
When the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, was launched on October 4, 1957, it heralded the need for legal regulation of the exploration and use of outer space.
Since then international law has been developed to facilitate the use of technologies such as satellite telecommunications, global positioning systems, remote sensing technology for weather forecasting and disaster management, and television broadcast from satellites.
In this regard, space law has played a positive role by allowing for – and not unduly restricting – the development of space-related technology.
At the same time, the existing legal regime has not prevented the development of military technology capable of utilising outer space.
There are some restrictions, but these were specified in the space law treaties in relatively general terms and were open to interpretation as to what they did (and did not) prohibit.
This is not entirely surprising. The development of space-related technology was inextricably related to military strength, both in reality and to influence the perception of others.
