A review of the legal nature of cyberattacks in outer space

AbstractThis paper provides an in-depth review of the threshold for cyberattacks in outer space to be classified as international crimes. It primarily focuses on key legal instruments, including the Rome Statute, the United Nations Cybercrime Convention, and the Budapest Convention. This analysis delves into specific criteria and elements that determine whether a cyberattack against, from, or within space qualifies as a crime, such as illegal interception, illegal accession, or some severe international crimes, the crime of genocide, the crime of aggression, or any other relevant crimes. The paper explores how these existing international legal frameworks provide the essential foundation for interpreting and applying international law to space cyberattacks under the Outer Space Treaty. Furthermore, it offers legal interpretations to define and elaborate on the legal nature of cyberattacks in outer space, addressing the gap between traditional legal principles and evolving challenges of outer space cybersecurity.