Intro; Preface; Contents; Chapter 1: An Equitable and Efficient Use of Outer Space and Its Resources and the Role of the UN, the ITU and States Parties; 1.1 Introduction; 1.2 Legal Regimes; 1.2.1 Telecommunications; The International Telecommunication Union; Filing Procedure Within the ITU Framework; Recent Developments and Issues; 1.2.2 Space Law; The Corpus Iuris Spatialis; Recent Developments and Issues; 1.2.3 The Relation Between the Legal Regimes; 1.3 Current Issues; 1.3.1 Scarcity of Frequencies and the Role of Governments; 1.3.2 Spectrum Warehousing
1.4 Considerations on the Current Issues1.5 Conclusion; Chapter 2: The Principle of Equitable Access in the Age of Mega-Constellations; 2.1 Introduction; 2.2 The Allocation of Orbital Slots and Spectrum; 2.2.1 The Function of the International Telecommunications Union; 2.2.2 The Principle of Equitable Access; 2.2.3 The Current Allocation Mechanism; 2.2.4 A GSO-Centred Mechanism; 2.3 The Issues with Equitable Access and Constellations; 2.3.1 The Scale of the New Mega-Constellations Proposals; 2.3.2 Other Concerns Overshadow a Lack of Equitable Access
2.3.3 There Is Enough Room to Raise the Issue2.4 Is the Lack of an Equitable-Access-Inspired Mechanism for Non-GSO a Real Issue?; 2.4.1 The Special Status of Geosynchronous Orbits; 2.4.2 History Repeats Itself; 2.4.3 The Burden of Further Regulations; 2.5 The Risks of Dismissing Such Issues; 2.5.1 The Injustice of First Come, First Served; 2.5.2 The Historical Reason for Equitable Access is Fairness; 2.5.3 The Backfiring of Small Regulation; 2.6 Conclusion; Chapter 3: Legal Aspects Relating to Satellite Constellations; 3.1 Introduction; 3.1.1 Satellite Constellations; 3.1.2 Space Debris
3.1.3 Constellations and Space DebrisQuantity; Increase in Upstart Companies; Reduced Redundancy; Active Debris Removal; 3.2 Legal Framework; 3.2.1 Outer Space Treaty; 3.2.2 Liability Convention; 3.2.3 Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee; Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines 2007; Statement on Large Constellations of Satellites; 3.3 A Case Study: Iridium-Kosmos; 3.3.1 Launching State; 3.3.2 Fault; 3.3.3 Tracking; 3.3.4 Lessons Learnt; 3.4 The Future; 3.4.1 Space Debris Definition; 3.4.2 Fault Definition; 3.4.3 Orbit Selection Management; 3.4.4 Active Debris Removal
3.4.5 Tracking of Objects3.4.6 Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines Becoming Customary International Law; 3.4.7 Ergo omnes Obligations; 3.5 Conclusion; Chapter 4: The Rise of the LEO: Is There a Need to Create a Distinct Legal Regime for Constellations of Satellites?; 4.1 A Nascent Technological Figure in the Satellite Realm; 4.2 The High Number of Launches Planned Raises Issue of Spectrum Management and Regulation for the LEO; 4.2.1 A Dramatic Increase in the LEO Satellite Population; 4.2.2 Risks of Congestion and Saturation; 4.3 Comparison with the GEO
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This book is based on an initiative made by the European Space Policy Institute, the European Centre for Space Law and the German Aerospace Center. Students and young professionals worlwide were invited to submit a paper on this topic analyzing and discussing relevant aspects on either environment, economy, security, licencing, or control. The best papers have been included in this volume.