SWF PREPRINT The need to improve registration practices in the context of space traffic management

Co-Author:

Dr. Peter Martinez,

Co-Authors also include Tanja Masson-Zwaan, Francesca Letizia, Catrina Melograna, Martin Reynders, Robert Rovetto, Mark A. Skinner, Marius Stanciu-Manolescu, Maruska Strah, Olga Volynskaya, Guoyu Wang

Posting date:

August 8, 2024
 

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Abstract

This paper examines the legal basis and framework for the United Nations registration process for space objects. UN registration processes are compared against and contrasted with national and regional registration processes to highlight potential adjustments in light of the need for a space traffic management system. While there are shortfalls in compliance and monitoring of States’ responsibility to adhere to UN registration requirements, the growing importance of space traffic management is providing a catalyst for reform and recommitment to the ideals upon which the 1975 UN Registration Convention was based.

Since the data provided to national registries and the UN register is not detailed enough and is not sufficient for creating a space traffic management regime, it is recommended that:

  1. The recommendations concerning the registration of space objects belonging to a large constellation that were agreed by the UNCOPUOS Working Group on the Status and Application of the Five United Nations Treaties on Outer Space in 2023 are implemented to ensure uniformity of registration practice regarding large constellations.
  2. States incentivize good registration practices by other States, for instance by requiring that satellites of commercial actors are registered by the relevant launching State as a condition for market access.
  3. The importance of furnishing additional information on the subsequent activity and status of objects, as required by the Registration Convention, UN General Assembly resolutions 1721 (XVI) B and 62/101, and Guideline A.5 para 2 of the UNCOPUOS Guidelines on the Long-Term Sustainability of Space Activities, be underlined.

Keywords

Registration of space objects, Registration convention, State of registry, Registration processes, Space traffic management

Citation

Tanja Masson-Zwaan, Peter Martinez, Francesca Letizia, Catrina Melograna, Martin Reynders, Robert Rovetto, Mark A. Skinner, Marius Stanciu-Manolescu, Maruska Strah, Olga Volynskaya, Guoyu Wang, "The need to improve registration practices in the context of space traffic management," SWF Preprint PP24/01

Last updated on August 8, 2024