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Published:1989
Author:
Origin:Proceedings 31st Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space, IISL, pp. 296-303
Abstract:

The efficient utilisation of near-Earth space may be facilitated in future by allocating positions in certain popular low Earth orbits to specified users, as currently occurs in the use of the geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). However, it would be more difficult to reach such agreement on the utilisation of low Earth orbits for a number of reasons.

First, the definition of other Earth orbits than GEO is more complex in physical terms. In particular, spacecraft in such orbits do not remain in constant positions relative to the Earth. Second, there are many mutually exclusive ways of dividing near-Earth space into nonintersecting orbital zones. Consequently it would be necessary not only to adjudicate between different users' demands within any selected orbit, but also to decide between different ways of partitioning near-Earth space into separate zones.

The paper identifies and discusses a number of factors that must be considered in any attempt to make such an allocation, including factors relating to the legal status that such orbits and their users should be accorded, and factors that would be relevant in selecting appropriate values for each of the physical parameters required to define a specific orbit.

References:
  • The Application of Maritime Salvage to the Law of Outer Space
  • 'Rules of the Road': Legal Measures to Strengthen the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
  • Towards Traffic Systems for Near-Earth Space
  • Protecting Space Assets: A Legal Analysis of 'Keep-Out Zones'
  • "Keep-out Zones" and the Non-Appropriation Principle of International Space Law
  • On International Legal Status of Artificial Earth Satellites and the Zone Adjacent to Them
  • Rights of States as Regards Outer Space Objects
  • Liability for Damage Caused in Outer Space by Space Refuse
  • The Application of Maritime Salvage to the Law of Outer Space
  • Guidebook for Analysis of Tether Applications
  • Spaceports and New Industrialized Areas in the Pacific Basin
  • Stages in the Development of Low Earth Orbit Tourism
  • Space Policy [j]
  • Ad Astra
  • Air & Space Magazine
  • Liability Convention
Referred to by:
Related Entries:
  • American Institute for Astronautics and Aeronautics
  • GEO
  • LEO
  • Outer Space Treaty
  • F K Schwetje
  • H de Saussure
Keywords:Vehicles:Law , Vehicles:Operations:Traffic
See Also:
  • International Space Law
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