Article: Recycling the Outer Space Treaties: Analysing the Potential for On-Orbit Servicing Agreements

Abstract

On-orbit servicing (OOS) has continued to gain popularity as a possible solution to improving the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of space activities. However, the novel notion of this space activity, coupled with its several implications, raises questions and concerns as to its status within the international legal framework. The Corpus Juris Spatialis addresses states and their outer space activity, but on-orbit services will likely be carried out by private entities. In this regard, bilateral contracts between companies offering on-orbit services will need to consider obligations and rights under the current international legal framework. In so doing, the spirit of the provisions of the space treaties can be easily implemented into agreements between private parties. on-orbit servicing, contracts, commercial space activities, outer space