Space Industry's Rapid Growth Sparks Concerns Over Satellite Collisions
The rapid growth of the space industry, driven by private companies like SpaceX, has raised concerns about potential satellite collisions and debris. While international space law, notably the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, provides guidelines, specific regulations for collision prevention and resolution are not clearly defined. This has led legal experts to call for new conventions to address these emerging complexities.
The Outer Space Treaty, while crucial, lacks specific provisions for satellite collisions. As the number of satellites increases, so do the risks. Private companies, such as SpaceX, have been launching satellites since 2009, further exacerbating the issue. These companies are now launching smaller, cheaper satellites closer to Earth, creating constellations for global coverage, which could lead to more frequent collisions.
Fifteen years ago, Rachael O'Grady, an arbitration lawyer at Mayer Brown, started a space practice after being intrigued by a satellite case. Since then, she has seen the space sector's growth and the need for adaptive lawyers. Mayer Brown was among the first law firms to offer comprehensive legal services in space, including international law, contractual arbitration, and regulatory advice. Today, more law firms offer similar services due to the surge in interest in the space sector.
As humanity's reach into space continues, the demand for lawyers specializing in space law is expected to grow. Rachael O'Grady suggests the creation of an International Convention on the Settlement of Outer Space Disputes to address current gaps in resolution methods. This would help ensure the peaceful and sustainable use of space, as envisioned by the Outer Space Treaty.
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