AEROSPACE CHINA

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China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

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China Aerospace Academy of Systems Science and Engineering

ISSN 1671-0940

CN 11-4673/V

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AEROSPACE CHINA ›› 2023, Vol. 24 ›› Issue (1): 48-54.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-0940.2023.01.008

• RESEARCH • Previous Articles    

Research on the Development Trend on the Legal Mechanism of Space Debris Active Clearance

  

  1. 1 China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, Beijing, China
    2 Beijing Aerospace Long March Scientific and Technical Information Institute, Beijing, China
    3 Beijing Institute of Space Long March Vehicle, Beijing, China
  • Online:2023-10-05 Published:2023-10-05

Abstract: In recent years, with the development of the world space industry, more and more new spacecraft have been launched to low-Earth orbit. The amount of space debris in space has been increasing year by year, with a net increase in total debris in outer space. It has become a serious environmental problem bringing potentially enormous harm to human activities. The traditional space debris mitigation international mechanism cannot change the status quo of the continuous growth of total space debris, which will have a serious impact on future development and operation in space. Although many countries are actively exploring and researching effective and feasible solutions for space debris, they have not yet developed an international legal mechanism specifically covering the issue of “proactive removal of space debris” to clearly define the responsibilities and obligations for the active removal of space debris. To further implement such a plan, it is necessary for the international community to clarify the international legal responsibility for the active removal of space debris. Therefore, this paper will start with the relevant legal provisions of space debris, analyze the current situation of space debris and the issue and status quo of the active removal of space debris, and further clarify the responsibility and obligation of space debris active removal for each country to actively remove space debris.

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