The Final Front(ier): Self-Defence in Outer Space

Sulyok, Gábor (2024) The Final Front(ier): Self-Defence in Outer Space. In: The New Space Age - Legal and Policy Perspectives. Ludovika Egyetemi Kiadó, Budapest, pp. 393-421. ISBN 9789636531508

Preview

Text 1_sulyok_The_New_Space_Age.pdf - Published Version Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

Humankind began to make use of airspace, outer space and cyberspace in the course of a single century. While the rapid development of science and technology has opened up unprecedented opportunities for human civilisation, it should not be forgotten that each of these three domains can be put to offensive and defensive military use. Nowadays, outer space is arguably the “most peaceful” of these domains, but this situation could easily change if the intensifying new space race takes an unfavourable turn. The headlines reveal increasing turmoil on the world stage. For example, SpaceX has provided vital technological support to Ukraine’s self-defence by rapidly granting access to its Starlink megaconstellation service, but it also caused considerable controversy when its chief executive officer refused to activate the service over the Crimean peninsula, preventing Ukraine from launching a major drone strike on the Russian naval fleet, and limiting the legitimate freedom of action of the attacked state. There have also been reports of measures taken in self-defence in outer space for the first time, with the Israel Defense Forces’ “Arrow/Hetz” missile defence system intercepting an incoming ballistic missile. Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly considering ways to compensate private companies in case their satellites being used for military purposes are targeted in an armed conflict.1 For these reasons, the present chapter seeks to introduce and examine selected issues relating to the exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence in outer space.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item