Space debris and its environmental impact: An international law analysis in pursuit of an environment free of space pollution

Abstract

The presence of space debris in the Earth’s orbit poses a threat to the environment and to the international community’s interests in the research and use of outer space. In this regard, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (Uncopuos) has recognized the urgency of space debris management, taking measures in order to inform States about the importance of avoiding the generation of space junk. However, this matter could —and should— be treated in greater depth, since only recently have measures begun to be taken in order to face this issue. This article determines the severity of the threat that space debris poses to the environment and State’s interests in the research and use of outer space. Then, it analyzes the measures taken by the international community in this regard, especially on ways to prevent the generation of space debris, its management and the determination of the responsibility of States in this matter, in order to identify those sections that require greater attention at the international normative level.