Current issues of legal regulation of space activities

In this research, an analysis of the problems of legal regulation of the safety of space activities, in particular regarding the demilitarization and man-made pollution of outer space. The reasons for the emergence of these problems are indicated, namely, the gaps in the current international space legislation (in particular in the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies of 1967 (Outer Space Treaty)), which relate to the prohibition of the use not of any weapons, but only of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons in outer space in accordance with the principle enshrined in the aforementioned Outer Space Treaty. The article also emphasizes the lack of strong legal support at the international level of space ecology by hard law norms (conventional norms). It is noted that the problems posed in the field of space activities are interrelated, that is, man-made pollution of outer space (creation of “space debris”) occurs mostly as a result of the destruction (fragmentation) of dual-purpose space objects (military and civilian), and the ecologically hazardous environment, in turn threatens safe unsafe outer space, in turn, threatens the safe stay of humans in space and functioning space objects moving in outer space for research purposes, for example, the International Space Station (ISS), which is forced to constantly change its location to avoid collisions with dangerous debris from destroyed satellites and other spent spacecraft . Based on the analysis carried out, the need to update international space legislation taking in accordance with current realities, and the development of conventional models that can effectively regulate safety and security is highlighted of space activity in aspects of demilitarization and anticipating the increase in “space debris” by establishing legislative rules for operation and disposal of satellite fragments and introduction of a moratorium on direct attack prosatellite weapons, in particular “ASAT”. The importance of legal regulation of the safe exploration of outer space on the national level is respected not only in the interests of individual space states and their privet companies, but taking into account the basic principle of international space law “on the peaceful exploration of outer space in the interests of all mankind”, because such a positive approach by primary subjects of international space law will contribute to curbing the dynamics of space arms race and the uncontrolled increase of space debris, which is in the interests of all countries of the world.