Despite increased economic opportunities in the solar energy sector, policy-based social inequities still pose barriers to progress. Martin Pasqualetti is a professor at the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning and former co-director of the Energy Policy Information Council. According to him, solar power presents many unique advantages over other sources.
The global push for sustainable energy solutions has sparked interest in Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) as a transformative innovation. This review article explores SBSP through the dual lenses of legal frameworks and sustainable development. It provides an analysis of the legal landscape governing SBSP, focusing on international treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty and the Moon Agreement
Decarbonisation plans across the globe require zero-carbon energy sources to be widely deployed by 2050 or 2060. Solar energy is the most widely available energy resource on Earth, and its...
Different countries have formulated solar energy policies to reducing dependence on fossil fuel and increasing domestic energy production by solar energy. This paper discusses a review about the different solar energy policies implemented on the different countries of the world.
India has committed to sourcing nearly half its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, with solar power contributing at least 60% of its renewable energy mix. As part of its ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, solar power leads the charge, leveraging India''s abundant sunlight.
Examines the legal frameworks and global regulations governing SBSP deployment.
Assesses the environmental and social impacts of SBSP, including energy equity and space sustainability.
Identifies challenges to SBSP adoption and proposes strategies for overcoming legal, technical, and economic hurdles.
Firstly, the treaty mandates that States Parties to the treaty, including those involved in SBSP projects, must avoid harmful contamination of both the Earth and other celestial bodies. This provision is particularly significant in the context of SBSP, as it underscores the importance of mitigating any potential adverse environmental impacts associated with SBSP deployment. For instance, the construction, operation, and decommissioning of SBSP infrastructure could potentially introduce contaminants or pollutants into the Earth''s atmosphere or outer space. By adhering to the principles of the Outer Space Treaty, States are not just encouraged but obligated to implement measures to minimise contamination risks and safeguard the integrity of the environment.
This means that any space-based solar power activities that do not harm the environment or interfere with other activities in outer space must be conducted. The Outer Space Treaty provides a framework for the peaceful and responsible exploration and use of outer space, and it is a crucial document for the development of space-based solar power activities.
The principle of the common heritage of mankind, enshrined in the Moon Agreement, asserts that celestial bodies like the Moon are the collective inheritance of humanity, not subject to national appropriation. This principle was established to ensure that outer space resources are utilised for the collective benefit of humanity rather than being exploited by individual nations for their exclusive gain. While the Moon Agreement lacks the widespread ratification of the Outer Space Treaty, it embodies essential principles that can inform discussions surrounding space-based activities, including space-based solar power (SBSP) projects [6].
Due to their vast scale, space-based solar power projects would likely require collaboration among multiple countries. The construction and operation of space-based infrastructure for solar power generation would necessitate expertise, resources, and funding from various nations. This underscores the importance of international cooperation in such projects.
Delving into the intricate and multifaceted framework of international space law and its Applicability to space-based solar power endeavours is a task that demands a meticulous and comprehensive examination. Grasping the various legal aspects that govern SBSP, including principles established in international treaties and customary international law that have evolved, is crucial. The principles of sovereignty, liability, and dispute resolution shape the legal landscape for SBSP. Sovereignty, for instance, pertains to a state''s authority to exercise control over its territory and airspace [16]. In the context of SBSP, it becomes imperative to ponder how much a state can exert sovereignty over its territory in space and utilise space-based resources for solar power generation.
The legal framework for space-based solar power (SBSP) is firmly rooted in principles established in international treaties and customary international law [20]. These principles, universally recognised rules and norms, serve as the bedrock for regulating activities in outer space. SBSP, in this context, refers to using solar power satellites to collect sunlight in space and transmit it wirelessly to Earth. These principles ensure that SBSP endeavours are conducted fairly, safely, and per the international community''s shared interests. They underscore the importance of international cooperation and equitable access to space resources.
International treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty [4] and the Moon Agreement [5] establish fundamental principles governing the peaceful use of outer space, the exploration and utilisation of celestial bodies, and the equitable sharing of benefits derived from space activities. These treaties affirm the principle that outer space is the common heritage of mankind, emphasising the importance of international cooperation, equitable access to space resources, and the prevention of harmful interference in space activities. By adhering to these treaties, States participating in SBSP projects commit to upholding these principles and ensuring that SBSP endeavours are conducted in a manner that promotes the collective interests of humanity.
The legal framework for SBSP is not just a set of rules but a collective effort. It is grounded in principles established in international treaties and customary international law, which provide the foundation for regulating space activities. Abiding by these principles is not just a responsibility but a shared commitment to ensure that SBSP endeavours are conducted fairly, safely, and per the collective interests of the international community. Adherence to these principles is a testament to this collective effort and contributes to the long-term sustainability and success of SBSP projects.
The regulations and policies governing space activities are not just about safety and responsibility. They are also about the future of space exploration. To understand this future, delve into the national regulations and policies of critical space-faring nations like the United States, Russia, China, and India. These countries are not just players in the space race; they are the ones shaping its course.
In the United States, space activities are primarily governed by the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, which created NASA and gave the agency the responsibility for civil space activities. The US government regulates commercial space activities through the Federal Aviation Administration''s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, which oversees the safety and environmental impact of commercial space launches and re-entries [23]. Conversely, Russia has established the Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), which is responsible for space activities and oversees all aspects of Russia''s space program, including the development and operation of launch vehicles and space stations [24].
In international space law, liability regimes significantly regulate space-based activities, including space-based solar power projects. These regimes typically focus on the liability for damage caused by space objects [28]. Liability for damage caused by space objects refers to the responsibility of a state or entity that launches a space object for any damage that the object may cause to other objects or property on Earth [28]. This type of liability is governed by the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and the Liability Convention of 1972.
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