Envisioning space crimes of tomorrow: Post-imaginaries and existence

Nehal Emam, Abdulellah Al Nawayseh, Shadi Alshdaifat

Article ID: 9942
Vol 9, Issue 1, 2025


Abstract


The increasing complexity of space activities has introduced new challenges in categorizing and addressing crimes beyond Earth. These space crimes, influenced by unique environmental and psychological factors, require specialized legal expertise and innovative defense strategies. The harsh conditions of outer space and other planetary bodies add another layer of complexity to these issues. Despite their diversity, space crimes can often be classified using terrestrial crime definitions, though interpretations and justice methods may vary internationally. This research aims to explore the multifaceted nature of space crimes, influenced by factors such as environmental stress, emotional strain from family separation, constant safety concerns, and the nature of space occupations. The goal is to understand how these factors impact individuals’ behavior and resilience in space. Recent incidents, like the alleged first crime in space involving NASA astronaut Anne McClain, underscore the urgent need for clear legal frameworks as space activities expand. With over 50 nations now engaged in space endeavors, the legal landscape for space crimes will continue to evolve, particularly with the growth of space tourism, militarization, and commercial activities. This study seeks to provide insights into the classification, causes, and potential solutions for space crimes, aiming to contribute to a safer and more regulated space environment.

Keywords


space crimes; legal frameworks; environmental crimes; international law; space activities; psychological factors

Full Text:

PDF


References


Adeola, A. O., et al. (2023). ‘Advances in the Management of Radioactive Wastes and Radionuclide Contamination in Environmental Compartments: A Review’ Environmental Geochemistry and Health https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01378-7 accessed 28 September 2024.

Arjun Raj,(2020). ‘The Challenges Posed by Space Crimes to the International Legal System’ https://medium.com/@arjunrajs.work/the-relevance-of-space-crimes-with-the-existing-space-laws-269039187219 accessed 30 September 2024.

Carolyn Collins Petersen, (2022). ‘Astronauts’ Brains Altered by Extended Trips to Space’ (Universe Today).

Davies, J. (2021). ‘The Militarisation and Weaponisation of Space’

Deplano, R. (2021). THE ARTEMIS ACCORDS: EVOLUTION OR REVOLUTION IN INTERNATIONAL SPACE LAW? International and Comparative Law Quarterly, 70(3), 799–819. doi:10.1017/S0020589321000142

Ennedy, W. (2021). “Space Crime Continuum: Discussing Implications of the First Crime in Space.” Boston University International Law Journal.

Ireland-Piper, D., Freeland, D. (2020). ‘Star Laws: Criminal Jurisdiction in Outer Space’ 44(1) Journal of Space Law 44.

Johnson, R. (2021). “Reforming Space Industry Oversight: Insights from the NASA and Boeing Fraud Investigation.” Journal of Space Policy.

Juliette Restier-Verlet et al, (2021). ‘Radiation on Earth or in Space: What Does It Change?’ International Journal of Molecular Sciences https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22073739 accessed 28 September 2024.

Layal Liverpool,(2023). ‘What Russia’s Continued Participation in the ISS Means for Science’ https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01558-0 accessed 26 September 2024.

Lee, R. J. (2012) ‘Economic and Technical Prospects of Mining on Celestial Bodies’ in Law and Regulation of Commercial Mining of Minerals in Outer Space (Springer, Dordrecht) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2039-8_2 accessed 24 September 2024.

Leonard, D. (2023). ‘Space Mining Startups See a Rich Future on Asteroids and the Moon’

Liz Boatman,(2022). ‘Sixty Years After, Physicists Model Electromagnetic Pulse of a Once-Secret Nuclear Test’ https://www.aps.org/apsnews/2022/11/electromagnetic-pulse accessed 29 September 2024.

Marazziti, D., Arone, A., Ivaldi, T., Kuts, K., & Loganovsky, K. (2022). Space missions: psychological and psychopathological issues. CNS Spectrums, 27(5), 536–540. doi:10.1017/S1092852921000535

Mosteshar, S. (2020). “Loopholes and Lacunae in International Space Law.” Oxford Journal of International Space Law.

Neuneck, G. (2008). China’s ASAT test—A warning shot or the beginning of an arms race in space?. In: Schrogl, KU., Mathieu, C., Peter, N. (eds) Yearbook on Space Policy 2006/2007. The Yearbook on Space Policy, vol 1. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-78923-0_9

Paladini, S. (2021). Tiangong: China may gain a monopoly on space stations—here's what to expect. https://phys.org/news/2021-05-tiangong-china-gain-monopoly-space.html#google_vignette accessed 20 September 2024.

Peng, K. L., Kou, I. E., Chen, H. (2024). ‘An Overview of Space Tourism’ in Space Tourism Value Chain (Springer, Singapore) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-1606-7_1 accessed 20 September 2024.

Power, E., Arn Keeling, (2018). ‘Cleaning up Cosmos: Satellite Debris, Radioactive Risk, and the Politics of Knowledge in Operation Morning Light’ 48 The Northern Review https://research.library.mun.ca/14515/1/754-1-1581-1-10-20181017.pdf accessed 30 September 2024.

Prashant Rajpoot & Suyash Kumar Vishwakarma, (2024), Commercial Space Activities: Legal Framework and Challenges, Volume 5 Issue 3, ASIAN JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH & REVIEW, 72-87.

Roesch, E. (2023). “Environmental impacts of SpaceX’s Tesla Roadster launch”.

Ruairidh, J. M., Leishman and Lesley Jane Smith, (2019) ‘Up, up and Away: An Update on the UK’s Latest Plans for SpaceActivities’44(1) AirandSpaceLaw 1 https://kluwerlawonline.com/journalarticle/Air+and+Space+Law/44.1/AILA2019001 accessed 30 September 2024.

Rummel, J. D., Race, M. S., G Horneck and the Princeton Workshop Participants, (2012). ‘Ethical Considerations for PlanetaryProtectio in Space Exploration: A Workshop’Astrobiology https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2012.0891 accessed 27 September 2024.

Sachdeva, G. S. (2019). Space Commercialization: Prospects, Challenges and Way Forward (Pentagon Press LLP, New Delhi).

Sachdeva, G. S. (2023). Future Crimes in Space: A Visualisation. In Crimes in Outer Space (pp. 75-107). SpringerLink.

Showstack, R. (2023). ‘Planetary Protection: Enabling Space Exploration While Safeguarding Against Biological Contamination’ 73(3) BioScience 161 https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biad006 accessed 26 September 2024.

Smith, J. (2023). ‘Battle for Space: Statecraft, Diplomacy and Defence Strategy’ 64(2) Astronomy & Geophysics https://doi.org/10.1093/astrogeo/atad012 accessed 24 September 2024.

Soroka, L. (2022). Criminal Responsibility for Crimes Committed in Space: Contemporary Challenges and Looking to the Future. Advanced Space Law, Volume 10, 73- 75.

Soroka, L. (2023). Modern Views on Criminal Liability for Crimes in Outer Space, Philosophy and Cosmology 30.

Venturini, G. (2020). The Legal Regime of the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Space Missions’ in J Black-Branch and D Fleck (eds), Nuclear Non-Proliferation in International Law - Volume V (TMC Asser Press, The Hague https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6265-347-4_5 accessed 30 September 2024.

Wall, M. (2019). ‘SpaceX’s Starman and Elon Musk’s Tesla Have Made a Lap Around the Sun’ https://www.space.com/spacex-starman-tesla-falcon-heavy-first-orbit-sun.html accessed 26 September 2024.

Weinzierl, M and Sarang, M. (2021). ‘The Commercial Space Age Is Here: Private Space Travel Is Just the Beginning’, Harvard Business Review, Business, and Society, https://hbr.org/2021/02/the-commercial-space-age-is-here accessed 22 September 2024.

Wolverton, M. (2012). ‘Burning the Sky’ https://archive.org/details/burning-the-sky-operation-argu-mark-wolverton/page/n11/mode/2up?view=theater accessed 29 September 2024.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd9942

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2025 Nehal Emam, Abdulellah Al Nawayseh, Shadi Alshdaifat

License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.