I believe that space activities are impacting society by formulating patterns of international cooperation that promote peace among nations. The first Sputnik aroused fear of orbiting weapons of mass destruction, but this quickly turned to hope for peace when scientists and engineers explained that outer space could be used for developing many peaceful applications. As satellites orbited the Earth in 90 minutes, disregarding national boundary lines, nations welcomed the new space benefits and gave up sovereign claims over this new environment. The combination of fear and hope spurred nations to pass national and international laws based on the policy of maintaining outer space as a safe, orderly place to use for peaceful purposes for the benefit of all mankind.
The system of space law that was established early in the space age has brought the world 47 years of peace, during which spectacular benefits have developed in global communications, meteorology, navigation, medicine, agriculture, education, etc.
Those goals were met by establishing national and international space organizations and extending the roles of existing organizations, e.g., the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and other international bodies which could benefit from space technology.
The United States enacted NASA in 1958, as a civilian agency separate from the military, and with authority to engage in international cooperation on space projects.
The United Nations established the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) which formulated five space treaties. The 1967 Treaty Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies has been ratified by 98 nations. This Treaty specifies what can and cannot be done to maintain peace on the Moon and other celestial bodies. At this time when a number of countries are exploring the Moon and Mars, it is comforting to realize that the legal framework into which any military personnel must fit has already been agreed to by 98 nations. Furthermore, space laws are strengthened by the necessity for compliance with the unchangeable laws of physics which prevail in outer space.
The record of 47 years without wars in space, or from space to Earth, should be maintained.
Dr.
Eilene
Marie
Galloway
Honorary Director, International Institute of Space Law
Trustee Emeritus, International Academy of
Professional Category:
Legal
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