Space Hazard / Accident
Primary reference(s)
UNGA, 1971. Resolution 2777 (XXVI). 1998th plenary meeting, 29 November 1971. United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA). Accessed 14 October 2020.
Additional scientific description
The term ‘damage’ refers to loss of life, personal injury or other impairment of health, or loss of or damage to property of States or of persons, natural or juridical, or property of international intergovernmental organisations. The term ‘space objects’ includes component parts of a space object as well as its launch vehicle and parts thereof (UNGA, 1971:Article I).
Space debris is defined as all man-made objects, including fragments and elements thereof, in Earth orbit or re-entering the atmosphere, that are non-functional. As the population of debris continues to grow, the probability of collisions that could lead to potential damage will consequently increase supporting the common understanding that the current space debris environment poses a risk to spacecraft in Earth orbit. In addition, there is also the risk of damage on the ground, if debris survives Earth’s atmospheric re-entry. The prompt implementation of appropriate debris mitigation measures is therefore considered a prudent and necessary step towards preserving the outer space environment for future generations (UN OOSA, 2010).
Metrics and numeric limits
None available.
Key relevant UN convention / multilateral treaty
The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (Liability Convention) 1972 was considered and negotiated by the Legal subcommittee from 1963 to 1972. Agreement was reached in the General Assembly in 1971 (UNGA, 1971), and the Convention entered into force in September 1972 (UN OOSA, 1972). Elaborating on Article 7 of the Outer Space Treaty, the Liability Convention provides that a launching State shall be absolutely liable to pay compensation for damage caused by its space objects on the surface of the Earth or to aircraft, and liable for damage due to its faults in space. The Convention also provides for procedures for the settlement of claims for damages.
Examples of drivers, outcomes and risk management
The international Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS) is an association that seeks internationally to advance space safety through advancing the science and application of space safety. The IAASS website contains numerous resources on the topic (IAASS, no date).
References
IAASS, no date. International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety. Accessed 14 October 2020.
UN OOSA, 1972. Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (Liability Convention), 1972. Accessed 14 October 2020.
UN OOSA, 2010. Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UN OOSA). Accessed 14 October 2020.
UNGA, 1971. Resolution 2777 (XXVI). 1998th plenary meeting, 29 November 1971. United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA). Accessed 14 October 2020.