Space Law and Its Historical Development

Entry

In our country and in the international arena, apart from a few powerful states, the field of space law has not been given the necessary importance compared to other branches of law and some problems have been experienced in its general principles. Despite the arrangements made under the umbrella of the United Nations to solve these problems, the debates about the bindingness of these arrangements continued. Technological developments and innovations played an active role in the formation process of space law and contributed to the development of this branch of law. After these rapidly increasing developments in the last century, the space activities of the states started and studies on space law were made. As can be understood from all these explanations, space law is a young and current field of law. Due to the fact that the development process has a direct connection with technological studies, the importance and interest shown in this field is increasing considerably.

1. Definition and General Principles of Space Law

Space law is a field of law that covers and regulates the work of humanity in the fields of space and aviation. The basis of space law is international treaties signed by states. However, the principles formed as a result of economic, environmental and scientific developments are also a part of the foundations of this field. These treaties and principles are extremely important in the context of the systematic and control of actions in space. Compiling and putting into effect the mentioned treaties also contributed a lot to the development of international space law. As a result of the developments we have explained above, some general principles have emerged in the international community in the context of space law.

Let's talk about these principles:

First, it is forbidden to claim ownership and sovereignty in space. It is agreed that space is a common space allocated to humanity.

Opinions have been expressed that states should act jointly with regard to the study of space and celestial bodies.

The authority over the spacecraft and satellites sent from the earth will be in the hands of the sending state. The governments in question will also be held responsible if these vehicles and objects cause damage or danger to the earth.

The Peaceful Use Principle must be taken into account in activities to be carried out in outer space. Dangerous attitudes, behaviors and espionage activities are prohibited.

Studies carried out in the field of space will be carried out on behalf of humanity in order to benefit humanity.

These principles have been accepted by the states as a result of the studies and have become the rule of customary international law.

2. Historical Development Processes of Space Law

In 1910, when space activities and space law had not yet developed, Emile Laude carried out the first studies on space law. In 1926, V.A. Zarzar has carried out studies on the need for a vertical boundary of the space airspace region. II. During the World War II, the great powers of the period, America and the Soviet Union, carried out important studies in the field of space technology. In 1957-1958, the USA and the Soviet Union competed with each other to reach the world orbit and send satellites. This rivalry marked the beginning of the Space Age, which will continue in the following years. As a result of the Soviet Union's launch of the Sputnik-1 spacecraft into world orbit in 1957, the competition and competition in the field of space increased. The USA responded to this action within 4 months and sent its first satellite into orbit with the Explorer Project. In the second satellite they launched after Sputnik-1, the USSR sent a live dog named Laika into space for reconnaissance. In 1961, with the Vostok Project, a Russian cosmonaut named Yuri Gagarin became the first human to be successfully sent to earth orbit. After these achievements of the USSR, America became the first country to reach the moon with the Apollo Project in 1969 under the leadership of US President Kennedy. The first person to set foot was Neil Armstrong, who said the famous phrase: "One small step for man, but one giant leap for mankind." As a result of all these activities gradually increasing and becoming violent, America and the Soviet Union mutually agreed to put an end to their fierce rivalry in the field of space. Afterwards, studies on compiling the sources of international space law were started.