The Impact of International Outer Space Commerce on the Environment

Commercial ventures in outer space can be expected to affect the environment. Space commerce will generate waste and pose a risk of harmful contamination to the Earth and other celestial bodies. Some commercial activities in space may create long-term adverse changes in the Earth's environment. There presently exist no adequate means for assessing the international environmental effects of outer space commerce. The article examines the nature of potential space commerce, the legal regime of outer space, and the potential environmental consequence. The paper proposes a framework for pre-launch environmental assessment of commercial space activities.