Legal Mechanisms for Preventing the Militarization of Outer Space and their Environmental Significance

The militarization of outer space poses not only geopolitical risks but also significant threats to the environmental sustainability of the near-Earth orbit. This article explores the international legal mechanisms aimed at preventing the deployment and use of weapons in space. It analyzes the foundational treaties, including the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, the Liability Convention of 1972, and other UN resolutions and soft law instruments. Particular attention is paid to the environmental implications of space militarization, such as the increase in space debris and the risks of contamination from nuclear-powered satellites and anti-satellite weapon tests. The paper argues for the strengthening of legal frameworks to ensure both the peaceful use of outer space and the protection of its fragile environment, proposing a harmonization of space law and environmental law principles.