Legal and technical considerations of space debris

This thesis deals with the technical and legal measures presently available to combat space debris. Space debris is not as far out as it sounds. The issue is real and may become severe if no action is taken.Focusing on existing legal instruments, this study shows their inadequacy in addressing space debris. As space debris was not considered an actual or a legal problem at the time of drafting, the provisions of international space law fail to provide solutions in certain areas.Recommendations for the future are made. Considering the increase in outer space activities, solutions for the space debris threat are a necessity. Developing technology will only solve some of the problems as the amount of space debris proliferates in collisions of existing debris. Therefore, legal challenges will also be faced, some of which are discussed herein