Deconfliction Measures in the Freedom of Use of Outer Space: What Lies Ahead?
摘要
The deconfliction principle sets boundaries for the Artemis Accords’ parties to ensure the safety of activities and environmental protection on the moon’s surface. The essence of the deconfliction principle is to avoid collisions and interference between space activities carried out by its members. The deconfliction principle will raise questions for non-Artemis Accords parties who have and wish to settle activities on the moon’s surface in the same area as the deconfliction principle is applied to the Artemis parties since the Artemis Accords is not a legally binding document. Articles I and II of 1967, the Outer Space Treaty (OST), stated that every country has the right to access outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, without any discrimination. Furthermore, Art II of the OST states that outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is subject to the non-appropriation principle. However, Article IX of the OST obliged all parties to have due regard principle to avoid harmful contamination effects from space activities. This chapter aims to clarify the relationship between the deconfliction and the general principles outlined in Articles I, II, and IX of the 1967 OST.