This blog post is designed to inspire students studying law or economics by highlighting how their area of study can intersect with planetary defense. While the examples below offer a starting point, we encourage proposals that explore other ideas and approaches. Additionally, students are not required to submit a proposal directly related to their degree focus.
Planetary defense isn't just about science and engineering; it requires a strong foundation in legal and economic frameworks to ensure preparedness and effective responses. From liability and accountability to funding and resource allocation, these fields play a critical role in addressing asteroid risks and building resilient systems for both prevention and recovery.
Key law & economic aspects of planetary defense:
- Space Law Development: Crafting international agreements on asteroid deflection missions and ensuring compliance with treaties like the Outer Space Treaty and the Partial Test Ban Treaty.
- Liability for Impact Events: Establishing who is legally responsible for damage caused by asteroid impacts or failed mitigation efforts, including proposals for future international legal arrangements on handling liabilities in the case of such failed efforts.
- Insurance Models: Developing insurance systems to protect against financial losses from asteroid-related disasters, taking into consideration existing or future liability-related legal obligations.
- Funding Mechanisms: Proposing economic frameworks for funding planetary defense efforts, including global taxes or public-private partnerships.
- Disaster Preparedness Policy: Drafting local and international policies for evacuation plans and resource allocation before an impact event.
- Resource Allocation Post-Impact: Establishing systems for distributing aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and compensating affected populations after an asteroid impact.
- Global Equity in Planetary Defense: Addressing how limited resources for asteroid mitigation are shared fairly among nations.
- Economic Impact Analysis: Evaluating the cost of asteroid deflection missions versus the potential economic losses from an impact, including the role of the private sector in such missions.
- Post-Impact Legal Structures: Designing legal frameworks for accountability and compensation in the aftermath of an asteroid strike.
- Ethical Considerations in Decision-Making: Examining how economic and legal systems balance risks and benefits, especially when impacts disproportionately affect certain regions.
Resources for Further Exploration
- The Outer Space Treaty (1967) – A foundational document governing space activities. UNOOSA
- Legal Aspects of Planetary Defence: A comprehensive analysis of legal and policy considerations in mitigating Near-Earth Object threats. Brill
- Economic Challenges of Financing Planetary Defense: An examination of the financial hurdles in supporting planetary defense measures. Springer Link
- Dilemmas for Planetary Defense Posed by the Current International Law Framework: A discussion on the challenges international law presents to planetary defense efforts. Planetary Defense
- Planetary Defense: Risks, Options, and Costs: An overview of the various risks associated with asteroid threats and the strategies to address them. New Space Economy
- Planetary Defence Legal Overview and Assessment: A report providing a legal assessment of planetary defense activities. Cosmos
- International Legal Consideration of Cosmic Hazards and Planetary Defense: An exploration of international legal perspectives on planetary defense. Springer Link
- Security, Policy and Legal Challenges of Planetary Defense: An analysis of the security and policy issues related to defending Earth from Near-Earth Objects. SSRN
- The Economic Aspects of Implementing Planetary Protection Measures: A look into the economic factors involved in planetary protection efforts. Skysift
- Legal Aspects of Planetary Defense and Asteroid Mining: A study on the legal considerations of planetary defense and the utilization of space resources. Skysift
Planetary defense in national space documents: An analysis of how different nations address planetary defense in their space policies. Planetary Defense