Speaker
Description
With the rapid development of the space sector, facilitated by small satellites and new launch technologies, there is growing awareness of the terrestrial impact of space activities and the limitations in previous conceptualisations of ‘space sustainability’. This presentation explores the extent to which international law requires states to consider the potential environmental consequences of the re-entry of space objects into the Earth’s atmosphere at the end of their operational life and how these concerns are being addressed, if at all, in national licensing regimes. We contrast approaches in the UK, USA and France, with a particular focus on the incorporation of risk assessments and EIAs; whether the terrestrial environmental impact of space object disposal is considered, possibly as part of a broader life-cycle analysis; and co-operation with other states and the international community in sharing information and engaging in collaborative research. We also consider the EU’s recently published draft Space Act and the potential for regional regulation to address some of the limitations inherent in both international and national regimes.
