%0 Journal Article %T International responsibility of states for damages caused by space debris and the dispute resolution mechanism thereof %J Public Law Studies Quarterly %I University of Tehran %Z 2423-8120 %A Abdollahi, Mohsen %A Hoseini, Seyed Mohamad %D 2016 %\ 01/21/2016 %V 45 %N 4 %P 533-562 %! International responsibility of states for damages caused by space debris and the dispute resolution mechanism thereof %K environment %K outer space %K responsibility of states %K space debris %K space law treaties %R 10.22059/jplsq.2016.56439 %X Launching the Sputnik 1 satellite by the former Soviet Union is the dawn of outer space activities of the states. Although there were just a few state, capable of launching satellite and outer space activities but gradually more states got involved in such activities. In company with plethoric benefits of outer space activities of states for human kind, the misusing of this area has been caused outer space and earth environment pollution. Space debris is a good example of such pollutions which not only is a huge threat to the orbiting satellites but also may cause bad effects on earth environment. While drafting main international space law treaties, there were no proper attention to the environmental aspects of outer space activities and no body mentioned the important issue of control and prevention of producing space debris. International entities, committee on the peaceful uses of outer space in particular, has made some efforts but the outcome was not gratifying. Responsibility of states for damage is one of the subjects which has been clarified in space law treaties. One of the most complicated subjects of space law treaties, is the concept of space debris and responsibility of states for damages cause by such debris; which in absence of a proper definition for debris in the treaties, states responsibility proof is very recondite. Consequently dispute resolution mechanisms have lost their efficiency and amending the present obligations or codifying new rules in this area, is mandatory. %U https://jplsq.ut.ac.ir/article_56439_cfbe5694cec0ee8711c8764f3a19ebb4.pdf