The Elusive Boundary: Why Defining Airspace and Outer Space Matters

Abstract

The Space Age has witnessed a dramatic rise in humanity's exploration and utilization of outer space. This expansion has necessitated the development of a sophisticated legal framework known as international space law to govern these activities. However, a fundamental and persistent issue continues to plague this legal domain: Absence of well-defined boundary between airspace and the outer space. For over five decades, the question of where air ends and space begins has remained perplexingly unresolved. Despite the lack of an official demarcation line, significant problems have not yet materialized. Nevertheless, concerns persist among both political and legal specialists regarding potential future complications. This study explores the causes of the current controversy and the repercussions of this legal loophole. This study investigates the difficulties presented by the rise of novel "aerospace objects" - vehicles that function in both atmospheric and outer space conditions. The study advocates for a renewed emphasis on defining the border between space and outer space by taking into account the effects of these technological breakthroughs. The examination examines the reasons why a distinct boundary may become more significant in the future, even if it hasn't been crucial up to this point. In conclusion, the paper highlights the importance of continuous research and dialogue on this subject 1 to 2 provide a strong legal structure for the always changing field of space exploration.