ABSTRACT
The number of space debris is increasing yearly as space activities, launching and operating space objects, are also growing especially with the development of the “new space” that includes small satellites deployment or new activities such as services in orbit. This chapter discusses the legal issues and risk assessment along with potential transfer to a dedicated market (such as insurance) or States. It not only focuses on risks created by space debris, but also risks associated with remediation projects, that can create new risks. The chapter reviews the paths that could be followed by the insurance market to support the development of space debris remediation projects. The international space regime provides for the concepts to be used in order to assess the liability of a State. The chapter also reviews the application of space third party liability insurances in the case of damages caused by space debris and secondly in the context of debris removal projects.
