The Conversation contributed the article to Space.com's expert voices.
The Centre for Research in Air and Space Law is headed by Kuan-Wei Chen and Bayar Goswami.
Generations will be inspired by the infinite possibilities of outer space when the first images are released. We have a responsibility to make sure that peaceful, safe, sustainable, lawful and legitimate uses of space are done for the benefit of humanity and future generations.
Over the past six years, a number of collaborating institutions around the world have been involved in the drafting of the "McGill Manual on International Law Applicable to Military Uses of Outer Space"
The first volume of theMcGill Manual was published in August. The 52 rules were adopted by a group of experts. During peacetime and in times of tension, the international law applies to all space activities.
We have seen tremendous strides in space exploration that have benefited life on Earth since the beginning of the Space Age. Many of our modern conveniences are influenced by research into space technology. Mineral samples from asteroids are brought back and studied.
Satellite technologies have been used for positioning for decades. There are Chinese, European, Russian, Japanese and Indian versions of the United States' global positioning system.
Modern economies are vulnerable to accidents, as well as unlawful and irresponsible acts, due to our increasing reliance on space infrastructure.
There was a communications black out over North America in 2009. This reminded us of how vulnerable Earth operations are.
Several governments have tested anti-satellite weapons that leave behind a trail of space debris that will stay in the sky for a long time.
Space debris poses a grave danger to other functioning space objects, not to mention to people and property on the ground. This month, China launched several missiles that reached over 200 kilometers above sea level, potentially threatening satellites that operate in low Earth orbit, which represents prime space real estate used for crucial communications and remote sensing worldwide.
Attempt at reconstructing the orbit of the Chinese missiles that flew above Taipei today. A lot of uncertainties but clear that the missiles were around 200 km up in space when they were over the Taiwan landmass> Top and sideways views. Derived orbit -6230 x 220 km x 47 deg pic.twitter.com/y8dMDvEMMOAugust 4, 2022
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Lasers, spoofing, jamming and cyberattacks are some of the ways in which space systems can be interfered with. There are human costs and consequences of a conflict in space.
As countries and commercial space operators study how to explore and use the moon and other heavenly bodies for valuable resources, we need to understand that outer space is not a Wild West. There is a body of legal principles that apply to all space activities.
Is current space law ready for a new era of power structures in space? The transcript is open in a new tab.
Since the 1957 launch of Sputnik I, there has been clear consensus that outer space, planets and asteroids must be explored and used in accordance with international law.
Most of the spacefaring countries subscribe to the United Nations treaties on space law. With the increased number of commercial and private space operators, countries are adopting national space laws to regulate and oversee how all national space activities are conducted
Conflict in space is not inevitable according to the U.S. government. It is necessary to affirm and clarify the laws that will prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations in the current environment.
International rules and legal principles apply to all space activities. Sometimes these are subject to differing interpretations that can cause confusion.
Peace, collaboration and co-operation should be the focus of space exploration.
The McGill Manual is an effort to clarify and affirm that existing laws are applicable to accommodate new activities and applications. New challenges in outer space are met by these laws.
Over 80 legal and technical experts helped develop the manual. There is an absolute prohibition on the testing and use of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons in space, as well as harmful interference with the space assets of other states. The legal and physical aspects of outer space must be taken into account when determining the right of self-defense.
Many cultures and civilizations across the globe have looked to the stars for guidance and inspiration.
Space is a shared global common where the activities of one country will have implications for everyone else. The publication of the McGill Manual is a major milestone in support of international efforts.
Peaceful exploration and co-operation in space must be informed by these international laws. Future generations depend on this.
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