Overview of current international space law in the context of planetary defence

More than 50 years after the entry into force of the Outer Space Treaty, it is appropriate to continue to reflect on the significance of ensuring that outer space is properly protected from dangers that may ultimately jeopardise future space missions, as well as life on Earth. It is for this good reason that issues relating to the ‘safety, security and sustainability’ of outer space are frequently raised in multilateral fora such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (uncopuos), and its two Subcommittees. An overarching theme in these discussions relates to our future ability to utilise space, and the potential benefits that it may offer to humankind. In this sense, the notion of ‘planetary defence’ represents an important element.