The Rush to Develop Space: The Role of Spacefaring Nations in Forging Environmental Standards for the Use of Celestial Bodies for Governmental and Private Interests

摘要

In this comment, Ms. Greene Apking explores the current developments in space exploration that highlight the urgency of adopting international environmental standards to protect the space environment. In investigating this topic, the author examines already existing treaties that might provide a framework for future international agreements on space, including current space law treaties and the Antarctic Treaty. The author also summarizes the Report of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which examines the national space legislation regimes of nine countries; current international "soft law" which is relevant to the discussion; and certain regulations enacted by the United States government. Examined together, the author uses these varied sources to provide a discussion of the variety of useful methods for already regulating the use of space—which are each alone not sufficient to protect the space environment. In concluding her comment, Ms. Greene Apking argues that a binding international agreement must be drafted in order to adequately protect the space environment before further, more extensive exploration and use of it causes permanent harm.