Policy and Law

How to Address the Challenges of LEO Small Satellite Constellations to the Space Object Registration Regime

  • ZHA Han-hui
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  • Wuhan University School of Law,Wuhan 430000,China

Online published: 2023-12-12

Abstract

The large size and complex configuration of LEO small satellite constellations have posed a serious challenge to the application of the existing registration regime for space objects.The Registration Convention has established a mandatory registration regime for space objects,but it only applies to “a space object” and does not provide how to register a “constellation” consisting of multiple satellites,which makes it difficult to achieve the legislative purpose of the system when registering constellations under the current registration system.In addition,in the face of the continuous development of LEO small satellite constellations,the problems caused by the ambiguous terms in the Registration Convention,such as non-registration,delayed registration and inadequate registration of space objects,would be more serious.In this context,it is essential to establish a collective registration mechanism for LEO small satellite constellations,improve the existing registration regime for space objects,and promote its effective implementation,thus enhancing transparency in outer space activities and avoiding damage as much as possible.

Cite this article

ZHA Han-hui . How to Address the Challenges of LEO Small Satellite Constellations to the Space Object Registration Regime[J]. Journal of Space Science and Experiment, 2022 , 22(2) : 23 -31 . DOI: 10.19963/j.cnki.2096-4099.2022.02.004

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