International Responsibility vis-à-vis Natural Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and their Possible Implications

MAUREEN WILLIAMS

PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SPACE LAW

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

Lugar: Washington; Año: 2009; p. 275 - 283

                                                         A B S T R A C T IAC-08-E8.4.1 International Responsibility vis-à-vis natural near-Earth objects (NEOs)                                    and their possible implications                                                            and their possible implications                                                            and their possible implications                                                                                                                            by Professor Dr. Maureen Williams                                             University of BuenosAires/Conicet                            Chair of the ILA Space Law Committee (HQ London)                      maureenw777@yahoo.co.uk and swilliams@derecho.uba.ar Introduction The Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of Copuos has been addressing this topic for some time now and the moment appears ripe to embark in the analysis of NEOs from a legal angle. The subject, currently in a somewhat stormy infancy, calls for a permanent interdisciplinary approach. This paper is a first step in the legal approach to some of the major aspects involved in the presence of natural near-earth objects, their characteristics, implications and threats, in light of the Outer Space Treaties, the UN Principles and UNGA Resolutions and Declarations on Outer Space, and other rules of international law which might be applicable. Emphasis will be given to issues of international responsibility and liability, having in mind the dangers the presence of these objects may entail to mankind.