Current Problems of International Responsibility and Liability in the Domain of Space Activities (Summary)

Abstract

Modern space activities are undergoing intensive commercialization. The widening of the private space sector, creation and implementation of advanced technologies in the space industry are stimulating competition growth in the world space market. Profit becomes the main purpose of the exploration and use of outer space.
At the same time the dynamic development of private space activities, which leads to activation of commercial space launching and enlargement of non-governmental orbital satellite constellations, elevates the threat of dangerous approximation of spacecraft and even accidents in orbit thus posing a real danger not only to space equipment, but in the first place to lives and health of people – both in outer space and on the Earth.
In the above circumstances the issue of sufficiency and effectiveness of International Space Law to ensure stability, safety and security of space operations, and first of all – of its international responsibility and liability mechanism as a cornerstone of International Space Law and an incentive for the enhancement of national space legislations, comes to the fore.