The Future of the Outer Space Treaty – Peace and Security in the 21st Century

This paper analyses the ongoing debate surrounding proposed amendments to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The paper aims to outline the multiplicity of suggested amendments and practically reconcile them with the developing geopolitical climate and international legal principles. It assesses the several key aspects of the OST which remain in contention; addressing the economic, national security, and environmental concerns through a holistic approach, considering the relevant articles of the OST and how these articles have been interpreted. It finds that growing access to resources and militarization makes cooperation on certain issues impractical, and that the adoption of transparency and confidence-building measures, coupled with the independent development of opinion juris by subordinate IGOs, represents the most viable opportunity for amendments to be incrementally instituted by consensus. The adoption of transparency and confidence-building measures will facilitate mutual trust and understanding between UN members, reinforce the rule of law, and preclude the possibility of competition and conflict in outer space. This analysis provides an updated insight into developments within international law jurisprudence, and represents an exhaustive record of proposed OST amendments.