Application of International Space Law to Military Activities in Space

In this paper, I provide an overview of the international space law applicable to military uses of outer space. This paper first addresses the issue of the applicability of law that arises due to lack of definition and delimitation of outer space. Thereafter, it addresses the question of peaceful use of outer space and Article 4 of the Outer Space Treaty, which acts as an explicit prohibition of certain space activities. Thirdly, this paper deals with laws regarding passive military operations. Fourthly, this paper deals with instances of cyberattacks and jamming of space systems. Fifthly, this paper addresses the development and creation of law regarding active weaponisation of outer space. Sixthly, this paper addresses the application of international humanitarian law (IHL) to outer space. Finally, the paper concludes that while space has become competitive, congested and contested, it does not translate into the fact that we will have a space war soon.