The Geostationary Orbit in the Light of the Common Heritage of Mankind (International Legal Aspects)

Abstract

Background/Objectives: since the geostationary orbit, is a limited resource located in the outer space, it seems necessary to regulate its use in order to avoid conflicts. In this article, the concept of common heritage of mankind will be examined as an instrument to address questions related to the fair use of this natural resource by developing and developed countries. Methods: the author used scientific methodological approach which facilitates determining the whole canvas of the research, identifying the main aspects and concepts of the study. The research used scientific methods of cognition, i.e. analysis, dialectics and synthesis, the method of generalization and system-structural method. Results: in this article, the author examines the concept of common heritage of mankind and its principles in the field of the geostationary orbit and presents a functional model to administer its affairs. Applications/Improvements: by declaring the geostationary orbit as common heritage of mankind, it would be possible to use them as an instrument to filling the gap between developing and developed countries concerning use of the orbit.