The Woomera Manual on the International Law of Military Space Operations

Military uses in space are rapidly changing and expanding, challenging both states and non-governmental agencies in identifying and applying the governing rules. In the midst of these challenges, states, policymakers, and practitioners must engage with new, real circumstances in space, not merely hypothetical threats or problems. As a contribution to the understudied but crucial field, The Woomera Manual on the International Law of Military Space Activities and Operations is interdisciplinary in nature-- drawing on space law, national security law, technology, international law, and diplomacy. Thus, The Woomera Manual serves as the first comprehensive examination of the field. In it, all three phases of military space interactions are analyzed (during times of peace, tension or crisis, and armed conflict), with relevance to both the public and private space sectors. Utilizing meticulous research and focusing particularly on state practice, it explores the interaction of different legal regimes, including space law, the UN Charter, other treaty-based regimes, as well as international humanitarian law. Through an extensive consultation process with state and NGO representatives from across the globe, The Woomera Manual serves as a practical and reliable resource in the emerging field of space law. This book is a critical resource for any entity navigating the increasingly consequential subject of space operations by providing an outline for more predictable and peaceful cooperation. Cover The Woomera Manual on the International Law of Military Space Activities and Operations Copyright Foreword Preface Contents Table of Cases Table of International Agreements and Treaties Other International Instruments National Instruments Introduction Overview of the Space Law Regime Note on Legal Connections between States and a Space Object Note on Outer Space vs Airspace (Delimitation of Outer Space) PART I: MILITARY SPACE ACTIVITIES DURING PEACETIME Introduction Section 1: Freedoms and Restrictions Related to the Use of Outer Space Rule 1 Freedom of Use, Access, Exploration, and Scientific Investigation and Principles of Cooperation Rule 2 Non-​Appropriation of Outer Space and Celestial Bodies Rule 3 Peaceful Purposes in Outer Space Rule 4 Restrictions on Specified Military Establishments and Activities on Celestial Bodies Rule 5 Weapons of Mass Destruction Rule 6 Military Space Activities and Intelligence Collection Rule 7 Jurisdiction Rule 8 Registration of Space Objects Rule 9 Ownership of Space Objects Section 2: Responsibility and Liability Rule 10 Responsibility of States for National Activities in Outer Space Rule 11 Responsibility of International Organizations Rule 12 International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects Section 3: Other Obligations Rule 13 Astronauts and Personnel of a Spacecraft Rule 14 Avoidance of Harmful Contamination Rule 15 Visits to Facilities on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies Part II: MILITARY SPACE ACTIVITIES DURING TIMES OF TENSION AND CRISIS Introduction Section 1: Legal Obligations and Prohibitions of Particular Relevance During Times of Tension and Crisis Rule 16 Zones Rule 17 Due Regard Rule 18 Harmful Interference Rule 19 ITU Harmful Radio Interference Rule 20 Non-​Intervention Principle Rule 21 Use of Force Rule 22 Threat of Force Rule 23 Armed Attack Section 2: Response Actions Rule 24 Retorsion Rule 25 Countermeasures Rule 26 Self-​Defence Rule 27 Collective Self-​Defence Rule 28 Collective Security Measures PART III: MILITARY SPACE OPERATIONS DURING ARMED CONFLICT Section 1: Characterization of Armed Conflict Rule 29 International Armed Conflict Rule 30 Non-​International Armed Conflict Section 2: Conduct in or Related to Attack Rule 31 Attack Rule 32 Distinction Rule 33 Direct Participation in Hostilities Rule 34 Military Objectives Rule 35 Medical Units and Religious Personnel Section 3: Precautions in Attack Rule 36 Verification Rule 37 Choice of Means and Methods of Attack Rule 38 Proportionality in Attack Rule 39 Suspension or Cancellation of Attack Rule 40 Warnings Rule 41 Precautions Against the Effects of Attack Section 4: Means and Methods of Warfare Rule 42 Means and Methods of Warfare Generally Rule 43 Natural Environment Rule 44 Prohibition of Perfidy Rule 45 Improper Use of Markings SECTION 5: OTHER OBLIGATIONS Rule 46 Constant Care Rule 47 Belligerent Reprisals Rule 48 Neutrality in Space Index