Exploring New Approaches and Solutions to the Orbital Space Debris Problem

Abstract

The legal definition and status of orbital space debris is problematic in a variety of ways. As already noted, all human crafted items launched into space are known as “space objects” as specifically defined in the Liability Convention and generally conceived in the Outer Space Treaty. [Treaty on Principles] But orbital space debris, in contrast, has no agreed international definition. Nevertheless “defunct space objects no longer in use” is a practical definition that is often used. Such a legally agreed definition becomes quite important in such circumstances as when the provisions of the “Liability Convention” come into play. [Convention on International Liability]