Espreso. Global
OPINION

How Ukraine can rein in Musk

14 September, 2023 Thursday
21:06

International space law does not yet fully regulate the issue of fair use of outer space for all earthlings/countries (experts in this narrow area of international law can correct me)

client/title.list_title

For example, despite the sharp increase in the number of satellites (both active and expired, which are actually space debris that is already causing harm), Elon Musk's companies alone have been given permission to launch 4,425 satellites in 83 orbits (from 1,110 to 1,325 km from the Earth), which will be several times higher than the number of existing satellites.

Perhaps, similar to greenhouse gas emissions, we should introduce a quota principle, according to which each country will have the right to launch and place a certain number of space objects into orbit? Countries that do not have space programs or compete in the development of near-Earth space can sell their quotas to those who will increase the number of space objects many times over the next 10–15 years.

Then Elon Musk will not play geopolitics or sue the Ukrainian company for the name Starlink, but will probably turn to Ukraine to buy a quota or offer an agreement on partial participation in projects and joint use.

Perhaps, our experts in this field should look at whether there are options for making appropriate changes to the already outdated "Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects" or propose a draft of a new international agreement that would regulate this issue.

In any case, Ukraine should be very active in this area. This is a matter of national security!

Source

About the author. Valeriy Chaly, diplomat, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States.

The editors do not always share the views expressed by the authors of the blogs.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Wednesday
12 February
10:15
Ukraine, Russia hold low-level, non-political talks — Ukrainian ex-minister
09:57
Russian missile attack on Ukraine kills one, sparks fires across multiple regions
09:36
Russia loses 1,150 soldiers and over 200 units of equipment in day of war in Ukraine
2025, Tuesday
11 February
21:15
Exclusive
Corruption in Ukraine’s MoD is only one of problems, says member of Public Anti-Corruption Council
20:45
U.S. will not send troops to Ukraine – Pentagon chief Hegseth
20:22
Exclusive
Trump signals end to free support, lend-lease considered — Defense Express
20:01
"Do you want a civil war?" How Russia tailors propaganda for every Ukrainian
19:40
Interview
“We face a monster with vast resources”: Ukrainian historian on fight against Russian cultural colonization
19:20
Exclusive
Ukraine lacks resources to halt Russian advance efforts in Kupiansk direction
18:55
Exclusive
Political expert: No signs of peace plan being paused
18:36
Tucker Carlson spreads fake that Kyiv sells U.S. weapons to Mexico — Ukraine responds
18:14
Four children rescued from Russian-occupied territories and returned to Ukraine
17:55
Secretary Rubio: U.S. aims to foster peace in Ukraine, Middle East
17:36
Japan grants $58 million to Ukraine for reconstruction
17:14
U.S. President to impose tariffs on Ukrainian steel: Kyiv seeks solutions
16:55
OPINION
Putin must realize that military victory is impossible to achieve peace in Ukraine
16:35
Exclusive
EU's plan to seize Russia’s shadow tankers: Global fight for environmental security – Lakiichuk
16:15
U.S. Congress proposes reviving Lend-Lease program for Ukraine
15:55
Russia removed all limits on violence against Ukrainian POWs since war's early weeks
15:33
U.S. to push EU to buy more American weapons for Ukraine
15:14
Drones now leading cause of civilian deaths in Ukraine war — UN
14:53
Does Ukraine’s "Sivalka VM8" stand a chance against Russia’s TOS-1 Solntsepyok?
14:34
Exclusive
Ukraine's strikes on oil depots, airports threaten Russian bombers: military expert on Saratov attacks
14:15
Russia forces toddlers in occupied Kherson region to support military
14:10
Updated
Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff's plane allegedly in Moscow, Kremlin has "nothing to say"
13:55
Ukrainian forces retake positions in Pishchane, Russia advances near 7 settlements
13:34
Exclusive
Slowly but surely pushing Russian troops toward border north of Kharkiv — Ukraine’s Khartia brigade
13:16
North Korea sends 200 long-range artillery pieces to Russia, Seoul says
12:57
Ukrainian forces confirm hit on oil refinery in Russia's Saratov region
12:20
North Korea threatens citizens for “spreading rumors” about soldier casualties in Russia-Ukraine war
11:56
Review
Ukrainian Atlas project aims to shield 1,300 km of frontline from Russian drone attacks. Serhiy Zgurets’ column
11:37
Trump says Ukraine "essentially agreed" to give U.S. access to its $500 billion in minerals
11:17
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 29 – February 5
Russian troops are getting closer to Kostiantynivka, targeting Ukraine's defensive rear
10:39
Ukraine reports 139 combat clashes on frontline, Russia actively storms Pokrovsk direction
10:17
OPINION
Trump and Putin's secret talks: no concrete agreements exist
09:51
Russia loses 1,390 soldiers, 44 artillery systems and air defense system in day of war in Ukraine
09:36
Trump announces meeting with Zelenskyy, confirms Kellogg's upcoming visit to Ukraine
2025, Monday
10 February
21:30
Exclusive
Ukrainian major: Kellogg supports us more than other Trump associates
21:10
Russian forces struggle with equipment shortages despite infantry strength – 3rd Assault Brigade
20:50
Representatives of Trump's team to visit Ukraine this week - Zelenskyy
More news