Legal and international considerations concerning the use of outer space in an armed conflict

Abstract

The advancement of modern military technology is very high, and new battlefields such as cyberspace and outer space have emerged in recent years. Unprecedented technical development and the will to dominate and gain strategic advantage are pushing the most technologically advanced countries to gain an advantage in space. The development of anti-satellite missiles, laser weapons, communication and targeting systems as well as the real-time image of the battlefield propel us to further space exploration. The current norms of international space law regarding its military use are highly outdated and do not comply with the current technical conditions, and the international custom allows, for example, the massive use of satellite espionage. In addition, there is no US will to work out a treaty that would prevent excessive armaments in the space sphere. In fact, space troops are established as new independent types of armed forces, which clearly shows the desire to gain an advantage in this very important area of ​​operations. This state of affairs creates a serious threat to life on Earth.