Toward the Sustainability of Outer Space: Addressing the Issue of Space Debris

Abstract

The legacy of >50 years of human space faring has brought impressive technical and scientific achievements; however, it has also led to the growing population of space debris. These objects serve no useful purpose in space, but instead place man, the Earth, and useful space objects at risk. This article examines the policy gaps associated with addressing the problem of space debris, including the absence of international legal framework, responsibility and liability for debris creation, and identification of debris as separate from space objects. It goes on to proffer solutions addressing this policy gap, which include the adaptation of environmental law principles, a definition of space debris under international law, and a workable remediation regime.