Liability for damage caused by human activities in outer space

Abstract

The conquest of space by man became a reality in the 20th century. However, with every space venture undertaken, there is a risk of causing damage with these activities. In view of the above, there was an urgent need to regulate liability for damage caused by these human activities in space. The author of the article describes the work undertaken by the United Nations on the above topic. He outlines the achievements of the Legal Sub-Committee of the UN General Assembly Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in the development of international law governing liability for damage in outer space. The author characterises the premises and principles of liability. He discusses issues related to the indemnification obligations of states operating in space and how injured states can seek redress.