International liability for pollution damage in outer space environment

Abstract

In view of the rapid and dangerous development of space activities and clandestine research, it has become increasingly difficult to identify and determine the environmental damages caused. Jurist of international law have begun to study the international responsibility resulting from such activities, which are leading to the pollution of the outer space environment. States launching space activities launching satellites, and carrying out experiments are introducing harmful substances, terrestrial bacteria, radioactive materials, and harmful space debris that is circling the earth. This highlights the legal norms of international space law in the area of international liability for damage caused by space activities in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and the 1972 Convention on Liability for Damage Caused by Space Activities.