The current challenges of liability for loss of satellite-based services

Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Authors

Doing full justice to the subject of liability for damage from outer space requires a look at the interaction between classic rules of international law, national law and the particular type of damage or loss resulting from in-orbit collision or other form of interference. Collisions between spacecraft, the impact of space-related debris, as well as GNSS service-related issues, can all lead to damage and loss; natural occurrences resulting from particular space weather may also play a role. The loss itself can range from damage to the environment of outer space, to damage to spacecraft in flight, including the loss of signal in space, and ultimately to the loss of satellite-based services. Much depends on the individual service involved. In the case of telecommunication services, for example, the damage resulting from loss of communication networks may be considerable. This paper discusses the responses of the various branches of the law to the specific space-based scenarios described above. It thereafter reviews how contractual solutions in the area of telecommunication and beyond contribute to maintaining the balance of interests surrounding risk management within this field. It also discusses the impact of liability for space-based services in the context of newer, integrated satellite-based EO data products and services, and their impact on established contract practice.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication64th International Astronautical Congress 2013, IAC 2013
Number of pages10
PublisherInternational Astronautical Federation, IAF
Publication date2013
Pages11183-11192
ISBN (print)9781629939094
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Event64th International Astronautical Congress 2013, IAC 2013 - Beijing, China
Duration: 23.09.201327.09.2013
Conference number: 64
http://toc.proceedings.com/21288webtoc.pdf

    Research areas

  • Law