Analysing Sustainability Concerns of Outer Space Environment: Law and Policy Perspective

Abstract

Outer space exploration has been in practice for over fifty years. With the technological advancement more countries have entered into the foray of outer space exploration. The outer space, which is a global commons1 and acknowledged by the Outer Space Treaty, 1967, as "province of mankind",2 faces the 'Tragedy of Commons' problem. The 'Tragedy of Commons' problem leads to free riding of common property resources and thus causes over exploitation of the resources. 3 Outer space faces the tragedy of commons problem due to unfettered nature of outer space exploration allowed by the international space law and policy. The international space law and policy is being defined by the various international space law conventions and declarations drawn upon by the international community, especially with the help of United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space.