logo czasopisma

Articles

No. 4 (38) (2021)

Permissibility of Military Operations in Outer Space on the Example of the U.S. Space Force. Analysis Based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36128/priw.vi38.270
Submitted
2 April 2021
Published
6 January 2022

Abstract

In 2019 American administration established the U.S. Space Force – a new type of armed force to protect the U.S. interests in outer space. This, along with the civilian Artemis program, is another signal that shows a renewed American interest in space and the benefits that may result from
its exploitation. As a result of the U.S. actions, a debate has risen among the international community regarding the permissibility of such actions under the current International Space Law. This author focuses on the capability of military forces, such as the U.S. Space Force, in outer space, in the light of The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and
Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, opened for signature at Moscow, London and Washington, on 27 January 1967. The author analyzes the permissibility of military presence in outer space from the perspective of the above-mentioned treaty, considering the available information about the mission and purpose of the U.S. Space Force. The author mentions the regulations resulting from the Outer Space Treaty, which may affect the placement of military systems in outer space, in particular the provisions imposing on the State-Parties the obligation to use the outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes.

References

  1. Baca Kurt Anderson, „Property Rights in Outer Space” Journal of Air Law and Commerce 58, nr 4 (1993): 1041-1085.
  2. Dula Art, „Private Sector Activities in Outer Space” International Lawyer 19, nr 1 (1985): 159-187.
  3. Freeland Steven, „Fly Me to the Moon: How Will International Law Cope with Commercial Space Tourism” Melbourne Journal of International Law 11, nr 1 (2010): 90-118.
  4. Harrison Todd, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts, Tyler Way, Makena Young, Space Threat Assessment 2020. Washington: Center for Strategic & International Studies, 2020.
  5. Hauck Lauren, „The Rogue One: Trump’s Space Force and the Threat of a New Cold War” University of Hawai’ i Law Review 42, nr 2 (2020): 119-159.
  6. Hlimi Tina, „The Next Frontier: An Overview of the Legal and Environmental Implications of Near-Earth Asteroid Mining” Annals of Air and Space Law, XXXIX (2014): 409-453.
  7. Johnson Christopher D., „Renewed Ambitions in Space-Exploration Lawmaking” The Air & Space Lawyer 33, nr 3 (2020): 20-23.
  8. Petras Christopher M., „Space Force Alpha – Military Use of the International Space Station and the Concept of Peaceful Purposes” Air Force Law Review 53, (2002): 135-181.
  9. Reinstein Ezra J., „Owning Outer Space” Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business 20, nr 1 (1999): 59-98.
  10. Schmitt Clayton J., „The Future Is Today: Preparing the Legal Ground for the United States Space Force” University of Miami Law Review 74, nr 2 (2020): 563-597.
  11. Zell Jeremy L., „Putting a Mine on the Moon: Creating an International Authority to Regulate Mining Rights in Outer Space” Minnesota Journal of International Law 15, nr 2 (2006): 489-519.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.