The undesirability and prevention of the weaponisation of outer space have been discussed for decades by the international community. Of particular concern, there is a lacuna in existing space law governing conventional space weapons which use kinetic energy to destroy or damage space objects. Despite proposals to prohibit the use and deployment of such space weapons, as well as the repeated adoption of General Assembly resolutions to stem such developments, States are at an impasse on the matter. Recent pronouncements and activities by major space faring States point to the worrying likelihood of such weapons being used in outer space, and thereby greatly threatening international peace and security.;The creation of vast amounts of space debris following recent anti-satellite tests demonstrates just how damaging the use of kinetic space weapons can be to the natural environment of outer space. With States unable to agree on the legality of the use of space weapons, solutions can be sought beyond existing space law. This thesis argues that general public international law, and specifically international environmental law, can provide a viable and effective alternative to prohibiting the use of convention space weapons. Further, not only are States prohibited under general environmental law from engaging in activities that cause damage to the natural environment, under the laws of armed conflict there are conventional and customary laws which expressly prohibit the use of weapons that cause damage to the natural environment.
展开▼
