We kindly invite you to a lecture by Annie Kazarjan entitled “Unlimited Use of Low Earth Orbit – Monopolizing the Orbital Space Environment?”, which will take place as part of Tuesday Meetings on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11 a.m., in the library of the Institute of Criminology at the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana.
The Earth’s orbital space environment constitutes a finite natural resource. At the same time, the number of launches into low-Earth orbit (LEO) has increased exponentially in recent years, further exacerbating challenges related to the existing space debris environment. This rapid development can largely be attributed to the growing deployment of large LEO constellations, which follow a first-come, first-served approach based on the so-called “freedom principle” set out in Article I of the Outer Space Treaty. This approach has resulted in an escalating imbalance in the use of orbital space, raising concerns about the pontential monopolization of the LEO domain.
In her presentation, the lecturer will examine whether the prevailing growth-driven mentality can be sustained within the constraints of a finite LEO environment. Additionally, she will explore how international law may help promote a more equitable and sustainable use of orbital space.
Annie Kazarjan is an international jurist and a PhD student at the University of Vienna. Her research focuses on the protection of the orbital space environment. In addition to her academic work in the field of space law, she has served as a consultant for the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), contributing to project activities concerning the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
