India needs strong legal group to persue Space Science:MADHAVAN NAIR

Bangalore, Nov 30 (UNI) With International Space Law losing its relevance following the newer developments in Space, the country need to build a strong Legal group to take up Space Science in a forceful manner, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman G Madhavan Nair has said.

Speaking on 'Legal issues relating to Space' at a seminar organised by the Indian Law Institute here last night, he said that India occupied a prominent place among space faring nations. It's activities had grown many folds with emerging space based services.

This called for creating adequate legal capacity.

"ISRO had recognised this need and took a few initiatives towards capacity creation. We held International Space Law Conference here last year and host IAF in Hyderabad next year. We have begun having links with Law Societies and Colleges within India," he added.

Mr Nair said international space law had so far led orderly development in space activities but advancement of technology had opened up new possibilities. International legal fraternity and space scientists will have to work together to face new challenges like Space debris, security of Space Assets, weaponisation of Space and dual use applications.

He said the United Nations (UN) formulated several treaties keeping outer space clean. India had played crucial role in all the organs of the UN related to space, in some form or the other. India which presently held the Chair had worked for COPUOS bureau and helped draw space debris mitigation guidelines and set up SPIDER, a organisation to work on disaster management.

He said during 1960-80, termed as the active phase, UN succeeded in bringing about five important treaties. India had signed and ratified all the treaties except the moon treaty which was now no more active.

Extended debate had continued in the UN and outside, for bringing in a comprehensive legal regime. "There is a need to replace the entire set of treaties by a comprehensive space Law," he added.

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