On-orbit servicing (OOS) activities consist in a focused action, through a ‘space tug’ in order to maintain, repair, upgrade, refuel or de-orbit a spacecraft while it is in orbit. These activities require the servicer spacecraft to approach, rendezvous and interoperate with the space asset to another State, Agency or private company. In this context, even if OOS missions are as a first step not considered as military activities, the basic abilities of the system are of dual-use nature, allowing civil and military capacities. So, one can highlight the fact that an on-orbit service vehicle might represent a risk to the peaceful uses of outer space. Thus, one of the main legal challenges is to figure out how the OOS vehicle is used and the purpose of its mission. As a first step, the chapter analyses the article IV of the Outer Space Treaty. Then, it underscores that if these technologies cannot be considered as weapons; they can be viewed as a menace because of their dual-use nature. Hence, the chapter considers the criteria for Transparency and Confidence Building Measures in order to identify norms of behavior allowing to reduce the risks of misunderstanding that could induce crisis or conflict in outer space.
Legal Approach on the Dual-Use Nature of On-Orbit Servicing Programs
Studies in Space Policy
2020-09-08
11 pages
Aufsatz/Kapitel (Buch)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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