From legal uncertainties to regulatory clarity: The establishment of an effective international regime for active debris removal

As space debris is increasing at an alarming rate, which poses a significant risk to future space missions, coping with this problem, international regulation for active debris removal is needed. The current laws are insufficient and ineffective in dealing with or addressing the complex issues of active debris removal from outer space. This paper examines the key legal issues associated with active debris removal (ADR) through doctrinal and policy analysis. From this paper, it is clear that current international regulations for ADR are not satisfactory and also not effective, whereas the majority of spacefaring nations lack national legislation regarding ADR. Most of the legal issues from ADR activities can arise because of the lack of a well-explained definition of space debris, as space debris is not defined in any of the five major space treaties. Any ADR mission mishap can create other legal issues that also need to be addressed by law, such as liability and responsibility. Unilateral debris removal operations without consensus may provoke international disputes. Therefore, the international community requires a comprehensive and updated legal framework to address the issues of growing debris in outer space.