Daily Current Affairs : 1-August-2023

The Australian Space Agency recently confirmed the discovery of a large object on the western shores of Australia, which has been identified as debris from an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rocket. This incident highlights the increasing issue of space debris falling back to Earth, raising concerns about its potential threat to life, property, and the environment. In this essay, we will explore the phenomenon of space debris, its potential dangers, and the international framework, particularly the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, that governs liability for damage caused by falling space junk.

Space Debris: A Lingering Hazard

The Earth’s atmosphere encounters numerous objects launched into space, such as spent rocket stages, defunct satellites, and other fragments, which eventually become space debris. Most of these incidents involve relatively small fragments that burn up upon re-entry due to atmospheric friction. However, some larger pieces pose a more significant threat when they make it through the atmosphere and fall back to Earth.

Notable Incidents

In recent times, there have been noteworthy incidents of space debris falling back to Earth. For instance, a considerable chunk of a 25-tonne Chinese rocket fell into the Indian Ocean in 2021, sparking global concern about the potential hazards posed by such uncontrolled re-entries.

Threats to Life, Property, and Environment

The presence of space debris poses several threats to life, property, and the environment:

  1. Human Safety: Space debris that falls in populated areas can pose a direct threat to human life and property. While the probability of such events is relatively low, the potential consequences are severe.
  2. Environmental Impact: Even when space debris falls into oceans or uninhabited regions, it can still have detrimental effects on marine life and contribute to pollution.
Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects

To address the potential damages caused by space objects, the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects was established. This convention supplements the Outer Space Treaty, a comprehensive framework governing countries’ conduct in space.

Key Provisions of the Liability Convention:
  1. Absolute Liability: The launching country is held “absolutely liable” for any damage caused by its space object to the Earth or to other space assets. This means that the launching country must pay compensation for any harm caused.
  2. Eligibility for Compensation: The country where the falling space junk causes damage can stake a claim for compensation if it has suffered any harm.
  3. Compensation Amount: The amount of compensation is determined “in accordance with international law and the principles of justice and equity.” This ensures that the compensation is fair and reasonable.
Past Instances of Compensation

The Liability Convention has led to compensation payments on only one occasion. In 1978, Canada sought damages from the Soviet Union when a satellite containing radioactive material fell into an uninhabited region of Canada’s northern territory. The Soviet Union agreed to pay 3 million Canadian dollars in compensation.

Important Points:

  • The Australian Space Agency confirmed that a large object found in western Australia is debris from an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rocket, highlighting the issue of space debris falling back to Earth.
  • Space debris consists of objects like spent rocket stages and defunct satellites that re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere, with smaller fragments typically burning up due to atmospheric friction.
  • Notable incidents of space debris falling back to Earth include a large chunk of a 25-tonne Chinese rocket falling into the Indian Ocean in 2021.
  • Space debris poses threats to life, property, and the environment, including direct threats to human safety in populated areas and potential harm to marine life and pollution even when falling into oceans or uninhabited regions.
  • The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects supplements the Outer Space Treaty and governs liability for damages caused by falling space junk.
  • The Liability Convention holds the launching country “absolutely liable” for any damage caused by its space object on Earth or to other space assets and requires compensation to be paid for such harm.
  • The country where the falling space debris causes damage can claim compensation for the harm suffered.
  • The amount of compensation is determined “in accordance with international law and the principles of justice and equity.”
  • The Liability Convention has led to compensation being paid only once, with Canada receiving 3 million Canadian dollars from the Soviet Union for a satellite with radioactive material that fell into an uninhabited region in 1978.
Why In News

The Australian Space Agency has officially verified that the significant object discovered along the shores of western Australia is indeed the wreckage of an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rocket. As investigations continue, this finding strengthens international cooperation and underscores the importance of responsible space exploration and debris management.

MCQs about Space Debris

  1. What is the primary concern posed by space debris falling back to Earth?
    A. Threat to national security
    B. Environmental pollution
    C. Economic losses
    D. Disruption of satellite communications
    Correct Answer: B. Environmental pollution
    Explanation: The presence of space debris can lead to pollution, especially when large objects fall into oceans or uninhabited regions, causing harm to marine life and the environment.
  2. Which international agreement governs liability for damages caused by falling space debris?
    A. Outer Space Treaty
    B. Vienna Convention on Space Law
    C. Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects
    D. United Nations Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines
    Correct Answer: C. Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects
    Explanation: This convention complements the Outer Space Treaty and holds launching countries “absolutely liable” for any damage caused by their space objects on Earth or to other space assets, ensuring fair compensation for the harm.
  3. What was the outcome of the 25-tonne Chinese rocket incident in 2021?
    A. The rocket disintegrated entirely in the atmosphere.
    B. The rocket caused significant damage to a populated area.
    C. The rocket fell into the Indian Ocean without any consequences.
    D. The rocket resulted in a claim for compensation from a neighboring country.
    Correct Answer: C. The rocket fell into the Indian Ocean without any consequences.
    Explanation: In the 2021 incident, the large chunk of the Chinese rocket safely fell into the Indian Ocean, causing no harm.
  4. How many times has the Liability Convention led to compensation payments for space debris incidents?
    A. Once
    B. Twice
    C. Thrice
    D. Never
    Correct Answer: A. Once
    Explanation: The Liability Convention has led to compensation being paid only once. Canada sought damages from the Soviet Union when a satellite with radioactive material fell into its uninhabited region in 1978, resulting in the Soviet Union paying 3 million Canadian dollars in compensation.

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