DR.

RAM MANOHAR LOHIYA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY

LUCKNOW

Air and Space Law

Synopsis
CLASH OF IRIDIUM & COSMOS SATELLITES

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY :

DR. SHAKUNTALA ‘SANGAM’ BHARAT JOSHI

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (LAW) B.A.LL.B. (A) X SEM.

Dr. RMLNLU ENROLL. NO. 150101037

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INTRODUCTION
Satellites are the best means for a rapid expansion of telecommunications services nationally
and globally. However, the level of that expansion is greatly determined by the availability of
the two indispensable tools for satellites, which are orbital positions and radio frequencies.
Growing demand for geostationary orbital (GEO) slots and radio frequencies by a rapidly
increasing number of commercial satellite operators and expanding dependence on satellites
for military purposes give rise to shortage of slots and spectrum to allocate as well as an
increase in satellite interference. Concurrently, increasing space activities and anti-satellite
(ASAT) tests are generating man-made space pollution, particularly space debris, and
consequently are making the use of outer space more expensive and dangerous. The problems
shortage of appropriate orbital positions, satellite interference and space debris are serious.
Unless resolved in a timely fashion, they would pose significant barriers and dangers to all
(civilian, commercial and military) satellites and could result in denial of access to space in
practice by all states. This paper first describes the current situation of shortage of GEO
positions and increase in satellite interference. Secondly, current international regulatory
regime governing the access to and use of these tools has been analyzed with a view to
highlight the weaknesses therein. Thirdly, the problem of space debris is discussed with a
view to show how difficult it is becoming to carry on space operations and how important
and urgent it is to have an appropriate legal regime in place. Finally, a few recommendations
are made emphasizing the need for international cooperation in order to strengthen the
international regulatory regime so that the required telecommunication services remain
readily available to all and outer space remain pollution-free environment to be used for and
by all states.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The researcher is following a doctrinal approach towards the topic. Doctrinal method will be
descriptive in nature and will comprise the collection of data through various secondary
sources such. Sources will also comprise the literature in form of news articles, research
papers, Journal articles etc.

OBJECTIVE
This seminar paper is mainly concerned with the analysis of the various legal involved in
regulation of satellites.

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TENTATIVE TABLE OF CONTENT
 Introduction
 Facts of Collision
 Attributing Liability to a Commercial Satellite
 Application of Liability Convention
 Indirect Damages
 Fault Liability
 Space Debris
 Conclusion
 Bibliography

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Baker, Space Debris: Legal And Policy Implications (1989)

 Ram Jakhu, Legal Issues of Satellite Telecommunications, the Geostationary Orbit,

and Space Debris, 5 ASTROPOLITICS 173, 175 (2007).
 W.B. Wirin, “The Sky is Falling: Managing Space Objects” 1984, 27 Colliquium L
Outer Space 147
 L.F.E. Goldie, Liability for Damage and the Progressive Development of
International Law, 14 INT'L & COMP. L.Q. 1216