Abstract

The rapid proliferation of satellites has intensified competition for the limited and increasingly congested resource of orbital space. As states and private entities continue to engage in the activities of satellites, often without cohesive coordination or oversight, the sustainability of this shared international resource is compromised. Orbital space is finite, and as these slots are consumed, space for future ventures becomes increasingly scarce. Moreover, the accumulation of satellites in Earth's orbit exacerbates light pollution, interfering with ground-based astronomical observation. Efforts to mitigate overcrowding, including the removal or decommissioning of defunct satellites, often result in the creation of hazardous space debris. Fragments of space debris can damage operational satellites and further restrict safe access to orbit.

These technical and environmental challenges are underpinned by a deeper geopolitical issue: inequity in space access and participation as this resource has a high subtractability. These issues persist in part due to the fragmented and underdeveloped framework of international space governance. While foundational treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty provide broad principles, they lack specific mechanisms for enforcement. The absence of a centralized, authoritative body to regulate orbital usage allows for self-serving implementations of space law by individual states. In response to this governance vacuum, this project undertakes a comparative analysis of internationally shared resource management regimes, such as those for oceans and the Antarctic, to identify applicable models in the management of satellites in orbital space. Based on a qualitative analysis of the data, updating the currently established Outer Space Treaty is necessary and requires greater power is ceded to individual actors while still limiting harmful actions by strengthening agreed upon international legislation and information sharing networks.

Advisor

Kim, Sekwen

Second Advisor

Weber, Désirée

Department

Political Science

Disciplines

Air and Space Law

Keywords

Orbital Space, Space Law, Ostrom, IAD Framework, Common-pool resources, Outer Space Treaty, Antarctic Treaty, Law of the Sea Convention, Artemis Accords

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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