Legal
Liability Convention
The 1972 UN Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, establishing state liability for space activities.
The Liability Convention (formally the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects) establishes international rules for compensation when space objects cause damage.
Key Principles
- Absolute Liability: Launching state is absolutely liable for damage on Earth's surface or to aircraft
- Fault Liability: Liability based on fault for damage in space
- Joint Liability: Multiple launching states may be jointly liable
Launching State Definition A state is a "launching state" if it:
- Launches the space object
- Procures the launch
- Provides territory or facilities for launch
Claims Process
- Claim presented through diplomatic channels
- One-year presentation deadline
- Claims Commission if no agreement
- Decision within one year of the Commission's establishment — binding only if the parties have so agreed, otherwise a recommendatory award (Art. XIX)
Historic Claims
- Cosmos 954 (1978): Soviet nuclear satellite debris in Canada
- Settlement: CAD 3 million
EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335) The proposal contains no liability or insurance rules for operators. State liability remains governed by the Convention; recourse against operators and insurance duties follow from national space laws.