Incident of Space Debris
On December 30, 2024, a 500 kg metal object, thought to be part of a rocket, crashed in Kenya’s Makueni county.
Experts identified it as a rocket separation ring, though some questioned this.
Falling space debris has been a recurring issue in countries like the U.S. and Australia.
Space Debris and Legal Challenges
Space debris lacks a clear definition in international law, complicating accountability.
The Outer Space Treaty (1967) holds states responsible for their space activities, including private entities.
The 1972 Convention assigns absolute liability for damage caused by space debris but enforcing responsibility is difficult, as shown by past cases like the Cosmos 954 satellite crash.
Gaps in Governance and Growing Risk
Uncontrolled reentries of space debris, like those from China's Long March 5B, highlight gaps in space governance.
The rise of satellite mega-constellations, such as SpaceX's Starlink, will increase space debris, leading to more potential risks.
Voluntary guidelines for satellite disposal, like the UN’s 25-year deorbit rule, have low compliance, worsening the debris problem.
What Needs to Change
Urgent global regulations are needed to ensure controlled reentries and penalize non-compliant actors.
National governments should enforce debris mitigation strategies for companies launching rockets.
The 1972 Liability Convention must be updated, and stronger monitoring systems are necessary to reduce space debris risks.
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