Space Junk: An Impending Danger – Who is Responsible for it?

This paper is situated within the domain of environmental law, focusing on studies of how space junk is an impending danger to the environment and who is responsible for it. This paper examines the definition of space debris and its current and potential future impacts, critiques the existing legislative framework and its deficiencies, explores forthcoming technological advancements to address the issue, and advocates for the adaptation of laws to accommodate such advancements. The primary objective of this research is to elucidate the recently identified adverse effects of space debris and underscore the inadequacy of the current legislative regime in addressing the issue on an international scale. This research uses secondary data and identifies additional environmental threats posed by space debris, including climate change, metal vaporization in the ozone layer, mega-constellations, and lunar debris and that existing international law concerning space debris is non-binding and not yet a part of customary law, with only principles existing. This paper emphasizes the necessity of organizing global conventions on space debris, involving prominent space agencies, and declaring space as a global commons. It recommends that these initiatives be undertaken by various entities such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).