2015 | OriginalPaper | Chapter
Evolving spacecraft operator duty of care
Authors: JD, LLM James D. Rendleman, JD, LLM Sarah M. Mountin
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in:
Space Safety is No Accident
Abstract
With risks of collision and electromagnetic interference increasing, space system operators pressure each other to operate systems more responsibly. Initial statements of these obligations are embodied in the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, 1967, (the “Outer Space Treaty”) to which all spacefaring States have acceded. Three key principles in Article IX of that treaty—Cooperation, Mutual Assistance and Due Regard—and its Affirmative Duty to Consult serve as important starting points to assure spacecraft safety and preserve the outer space environment. With nearly 60 years of experience, generational technological improvements, and evolved operator best practices, this paper examines how spsace operator "duty of care" obligations are evolving in response to increasing risks. The paper discusses best practices and attributes of systems that could satisfy such obligations, to include current and future space operations.
