Space Debris: Legal and Policy Aspects in Marine Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction – European Marine Directives as an Analogy

This paper explores the environmental and legal challenges of space debris in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction, emphasizing policy aspects for effective mitigation and restoration. It begins with a definition of space debris and an overview of its regulatory framework under space law, focusing on the impact of debris on marine ecosystems in unregulated regions. A significant part of the analysis examines regional approaches, particularly the European Union directive, as a model alongside other international standards for debris mitigation. The article highlights that current frameworks are inadequate for assessing and addressing space debris damage in marine areas and advocates for new standards to enhance mitigation and restoration efforts, aiming to achieve 'optimal' or 'good environmental status' for affected waters. Additionally, it calls for a reassessment of space actors' accountability for 'backward contamination' under Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty, aligning responsibilities with updated environmental standards to support marine biome recovery.