MISCELÁNEA: ¿HACIA UN CAMBIO DE PARADIGMA EN EL DERECHO DEL ESPACIO ULTRATERRESTRE?: LOS ACUERDOS ARTEMISA

Abstract

The current state of development of outer space law faces significant challenges arising from new space exploration and exploitation activities. In this context, several States, under the auspices of the United States, signed in October 2020 the «Artemis Accords. Principles for cooperation in the civil exploration and use of the Moon, Mars, comets and asteroids for peaceful purposes». This paper examines the possible contribution of these Accords to the consolidation of a paradigm shift in the Law of Outer Space, especially in relation to two aspects. On the one hand, with respect to their own development, as they were adopted outside the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), the forum in which space law has historically been configured. Second, in relation to the legal regime of space resources, by consolidating an interpretation of the principle of non-appropriation that legitimizes their exploitation.