The Responsibility of The State for Damages Caused by Space Objects

Abstract

The state that launches a space object bears absolute responsibility for damage caused by that object, whether it is damage to the Earth s surface, to aircraft, or even in space as a result of error or negligence. If two or more states participate in launching a space object, they bear joint and several liability. There are exceptions to this liability, whereby the launching state may be exempted from liability if it proves that the damage resulted, in whole or in part, from gross negligence or an intentional act on the part of the affected state or persons representing it. In 1972 the United Nations adopted convention on the liability of the launching state for damage to the Earth s surface or to aircraft, as well as damage resulting from errors in space, it entered into force in the same year