IAC. - 08 - E8. 4. 2. NATURAL NEAR EARTH OBJECTS AND THE INTERNATIONAL LAW OF OUTER SPACE

摘要

Natural Near Earth objects (NEOs) are celestial bodies such as asteroids and meteorites, which may go past the Earth orbit. They imply an impact risk for our planet. Such threat, though improbable, cannot be ignored. The damage produced would not affect only one country but it may have cross - border effects without discrimination. It would affect the ecosystem and human population. On September 2007, the Spaceguard Association of Japan had observed a total of 212 asteroids and 90 comets near the Earth.iThe Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of COPUOS stated that "the NEO hazard should be recognized as a global issue that can be effectively addressed only through international cooperation and coordination"ii. Therefore, the following questions arise: a) Which activities are the States performing in this field? b) Is there a legal framework that regulates this activity or is it necessary to draft a new one? This paper intends to answer those questions according the following structure: 1) Introduction; 2) Activities carried out; 3) Applicable legal frame; 4) ConclusionsSpecial thanks to Daniela Costa, attorney at law and legal translator, for her collaboration in the English version of this paper.