How can current international laws help prevent future wars in outer space? This is what a recent study published in the Leiden Journal of International Law hopes to address as a researcher from the University of Exeter discussed how international law could be used to govern outer space activities, specifically anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. This study has the potential to help researchers, legislators, and the public better understand the legalities of pushing humanity into outer space and the steps that can be taken to create a seamless process.
“The prospect of war in space is of real concern and states assert their right to act to defend their interests in that domain,” said Dr. Chris O’Meara, who is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Exeter and sole author of the study. “Unease over the militarization or ‘weaponization’ of space is accordingly at the top of the international agenda. Although states continue to develop new counterspace weapons, adherence to established legal requirements that can be interpreted and adapted to apply in outer space has the potential to limit ASAT weapon use.”
For the study, Dr. O’Meara emphasizes that current jus ad bellum international law, which is Latin for “right to war” and garners legitimate use of force between nations, could subsequently be used in protecting space assets and the use of ASAT weapons. He argues that by following jus ad bellum, nations are still preventing harm to civilians and non-military assets while protecting their own assets. He concludes by emphasizing a greater understanding of jus ad bellum by legislators and leaders so they can make the best-informed decisions regarding the protection of their space assets.
This study comes as several governments and private companies continue to launch record numbers of satellites into Earth orbit, with the number of global objects launched into space skyrocketing from 221 in 2016 to 2,849 in 2024, and this number is expected to continue to grow.
How will current international law guide outer space laws in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!
As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!
Sources: Leiden Journal of International Law, ScienceDaily
Image of the International Space Station taken by SpaceX Crew-8 in October 2024. (Credit: NASA)
