Space Wars and International Law
Space Wars and International Law

Author(s): Boris Krivokapić, Artur G. Bezverkhov
Subject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, International Law
Published by: Правни факултет Универзитета у Источном Сарајеву
Keywords: Space wars; Outer space; International law; Law of armed conflicts;
Summary/Abstract: Outer space has long since become very important from the perspective of military doctrine and international law of armed conflicts. Until recently it was mostly about using it for spying (via artificial satellites) or ballistic missiles. Then the Us began to develop the program "Strategic Defense Initiative" , known as "Star Wars", which amounts to erecting a powerful antimissile shield above the US at high altitudes and with many of the components stationed in space (surveillance satellites, satellites for shooting down enemy missiles, etc.) . In addition, there are also some hypothetical problems. One pf them is the use of outer space not only for some kind of support for military operations on the ground , in the air, and on the water but also for direct (offensive) action against targets on our planet. another issue that attracts attention is possible armed conflicts in deep space. all these issues require an appropriate response from international law. In this regard, the fact is that international treaties and universal customary international law contain a number of clear principles that should prevent armed conflicts in space, i.e. , the use of space for armed conflicts on Earth. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that these principles will soon be violated. Among other things, attacks on enemy spy satellites can soon be expected in connection with the present armed conflict in Ukraine. All of this leads to changes in international law space itself, both in terms of the possible definition of new principles of space law and in connection with the need to regulate some new issues, such as, for example: what are the actual frameworks of neutrality in the war in outer space?; is it permissible to attack private satellites that are use for spying purposes in favor of one's enemy?, and the like.

• Details
• Contents