Please read and analyze the following post regarding current treaties that regulate space operations and provide a response. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

 

"There are several treaties that currently regulate space operations including Outer Space Treaty or OST, The Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, and The Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space. The Outer Space Treaty is also referred to as the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space was adopted in 1997. Considered the cornerstone of space law, this treaty covers the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. The primary objectives that began this treaty are to mitigate the weaponization of space, in order to best ensure the peaceful exploration of outer space, as well as promoting international cooperation. The Rescue Agreement which was adopted in 1968 promotes the safe return of astronauts as well as having any objects launched into space returned. This treaty highlights the obligations of the territories to provide assistance and rescue to astronauts in distress, regardless of their nationality, as well as returning astronauts and the objects launched into space to their correct countries. The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects was adopted in 1972. This convention helped to establish each states own liability for any damage caused by their space objects. The convention also outlines principles for fault-based liability and liability for damage caused on the Earth's surface or to aircraft in flight by their space objects or crafts. The Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space was adopted in 1975 requiring each state to have their space objects registered. Each object launched was to be registered to by them with the United Nations. Through this convention the primary objective was to better regulate the identification of objects going into outer space. I personally believe that the current treaties in place provide a reasonable balance between regulating all space activities between countries. The current treaties provide a solid framework for peaceful exploration and use of outer space, while preventing the pollution or destruction of space by promoting international cooperation and set guidelines to avoid interference or harm. As space exploration and commercial activities progress, I believe updating or setting additional treaties addressing issues would be beneficial. Increasing the presence of private entities in space raises questions regarding liability, resource extraction, and property rights. Though it is also important to ensure that any restrictions in place do not prevent scientific research, or the exploration of space. Future treaties could provide clearer guidelines on these matters to foster responsible and sustainable space operations. Continuing this international cooperation among nations is essential in evolving the opportunities for space exploration.

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