1. Introduction

This chapter delves into the legal implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in space activities, focusing on the challenges posed to traditional notions of responsibility and liability. It begins by exploring the concept of AI, its definitions, and its various applications in space, such as remote sensing, data collection, and autonomous exploration. The text then examines the current legal framework governing space activities, including the five UN space treaties and their applicability to private entities. It highlights the unique features of space law, such as the direct international responsibility of States for the activities of non-governmental entities. The chapter also discusses the concept of State consent in public international law and its role in the creation of international obligations. It then turns to the specific challenges posed by AI, including the Black-Box Problem and the difficulty of ascertaining fault in cases involving advanced AI systems. The text proposes a working definition of AI for the purposes of the research and argues that the current legal framework is adequate to govern AI-enabled space activities. It concludes by outlining the key topics covered in the chapter, including the use of AI in space, the uniqueness of space law, and the problems and research questions related to the responsibility of States for AI-enabled space activities.