Do look up: Current Challenges and Needed Reform in International Space Governance

Abstract

This paper identifies the militarization of outer space and space debris as two primary challenges to the current system of global space governance and security and situates them within the existing international legal framework. Given the Cold War heritage of space law, I suggest it has become outdated and underdeveloped. However, a total abandonment of space law is unnecessary, as these issues can be addressed by modifying the current legal framework. Specifically, potential amendments to Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty and the reinforcement of the Registration Conventions and the Liability Conventions are discussed. I conclude that through targeted amendments and expansions, space law can be effectively updated to address emerging twenty-first century challenges.