International Institute of Space Law |
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Article | Parameters, Concepts and the Terminology of Outer Space LawA Review of the Essential Facilities Served by Outer Space Activities and the Rules of Interpretation for Treaty Law and Soft Law Guidelines |
Authors | Prof. Lesley Jane Smith en Mr. Tim Blawat |
DOI | 10.5553/IISL/2022065007008 |
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The ‘resilience’ of outer space activities is a concept frequently referred to in the context of maintaining the capabilities of space systems, whether from a protective or security perspective. The notion can apply to the requirements for ensuring the protection of space assets, as well as to maintaining their inherent robustness. All activities in outer space are subject to the imponderables of its highly fragile environment and accompanying risks. Equally, all activities in outer space serve some aspect of our common societal needs; these include a continued interest in undertaking scientific research in outer space, whilst ensuring some capabilities that have meanwhile gained a status as essential civilian services. The concept and notions of resilience now span activities and measures that range from ensuring the safety of outer space assets and their integrity. They also include securing accessibility to space. The terminology is often generic. Resilience is also a technical attribute and core description of elements required to ensure the availbility of those operations that are meanwhile an essential part of today’s daily services to civil society. The concept of resilience nevertheless deserves to be analysed and the contexts in which it is used further highlighted. This paper, in the form of a virtual poster presentation, reviews the various terminology, concepts and general principles applicable in the context of rules applying to the resilience of space operations in its current setting. The review includes measures adopted to secure the operational and informational benefits provided by outer space operations, as well as those that secure non-interference or interruption. |