Collective Space Object as a New concept of International Space Law

Abstract

This article builds on the premise that international space law should be an enabler, not an inhibitor, of technological advancements in the use of outer space. Examining the features of space stations, space-made products, satellite constellations and satellite swarms, it argues that the time may be mature for a revision of the traditional understanding of the term ‘space object’. Through the evolutionary interpretation of the term ‘component parts’ within Article I of the Liability Convention and Article I of the Registration Convention the article proposes a new concept called ‘collective space object’ and illustrates its practical benefits for the regulation of these innovative technologies. space object, space law, space stations, space-made products, satellite constellations, swarm satellites