An Overview of the Situation of Small Satellites According to the United Nations Space Treaties

Abstract

The growing number of small satellite systems and launches is considered to play an essential role in conducting space activities. The development of these space activities has opened up new opportunities for novel and creative uses of space systems, especially among new entrants and users from emerging economies. Small satellites have generally been launched into low Earth orbit, with the associated missions expanding access to space while requiring less time and money than traditional satellite missions. This paper is documentary research that analyzes the situation of small satellites according to the United Nations space treaties. This body of law consists of five treaties, three of which are highly relevant to small satellites, namely the Outer Space Treaty, the Liability Convention, and the Registration Convention. Even though small satellites fundamentally differ from traditional satellites, it is evident that the current space law regime applies to small satellites as “space objects” in the same way as it does to traditional satellites. Thus, as the current legal regime does not distinguish between space objects based on their dimensions, small satellite operations are not regulated differently to other space activities.