WHEN SPACE DEBRIS FALLS: LEGAL GAPS AT SEA

AUTHOR – PRIYANKA ELENGO CHETTIAR, STUDENT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL, AMITY UNIVERSITY, MUMBAI

BEST CITATION – PRIYANKA ELENGO CHETTIAR, WHEN SPACE DEBRIS FALLS: LEGAL GAPS AT SEA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (9) OF 2025, PG. 229-235, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

This article is published in the collaborated special issue of Amity Law School, Amity University, Mumbai and the Institute of Legal Education (ILE), titled “Emerging Trends in Law: Exploring Recent Developments and Reforms” (ISBN: 978-81-986345-1-1).

Abstract:

The increasing number of activities in outer space, alongside the rising threat of space debris, presents significant challenges within international law, particularly concerning incidents that occur at sea. As states and private entities engage in satellite launches and space exploration, the risk of space debris impacting maritime vessels and ecosystems intensifies. Existing legal frameworks, including the Outer Space Treaty and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), are often fragmented and inadequately equipped to address these cross-domain incidents. This paper critically examines the discrepancies between space law and maritime law, particularly regarding liability for damages. It highlights the inconsistencies in legal principles, which complicate the pursuit of justice for affected parties and undermine state accountability. To address these challenges, the paper proposes necessary legal reforms aimed at harmonizing space and maritime laws, advocating for the establishment of a cohesive regulatory regime. Such a framework would provide clear guidelines for liability, compensation mechanisms, and protocols for mitigating risks associated with space debris. By fostering international cooperation and dialogue among stakeholders, this research aims to bridge existing gaps and enhance the protection of both celestial and maritime domains in an increasingly interconnected world. Ultimately, it argues for a comprehensive legal approach that reflects the complexities of emerging hybrid threats, ensuring sustainable governance of outer space and ocean resources.