Who is liable?

One of the biggest questions in Space Law today is, “Who is liable?”

The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects was signed in 1972.

It says that the State (country) from which a space object is launched is responsible for any harm caused by the object, regardless of intent.

In 1972 only two countries were active and capable in the Space race. Now there are 9 countries capable of launching a rocket and deploying an object in space. Some of those countries, like India’s ISRO, launch satellites for other countries, not just their own.

There are now also 6 private companies capable of Space flight, and many more working towards it.

All of this increases the pressure on who is responsible if there is an accident.

When a private country can launch a rocket on American soil, carrying a foreign satellite, it draws attention to the limitations of the 1972 Liability Convention.

What do you think?
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