Legal Frameworks for Space Security

Abstract

Abstract This chapter describes legally binding and non-legally binding international frameworks for enhancing space security and concludes that non-legally binding norms may possibly maintain and enhance space security. For more than half a century, only stationing weapons of mass destruction in outer space and the threat or use of force to, from, and in outer space have been prohibited under international law. Moreover, there is no clear picture of laws of armed conflict applicable to space armed conflicts. However, the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution on Responsible Behaviors is promising in generating new norms for space security. So are the Long-Term Sustainability (LTS) Guidelines made in the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space as concrete specifications to be made would assist in the implementation of the said UNGA Resolution together with other guidelines. The feedbacks and virtuous cycles between national, regional, and international norm-making processes can hopefully enhance space security, with emerging Space Traffic Management (STM) rules and guidelines.