An Overview of Legal Aspects related to Remote Sensing Cynthia Jimenez Monroy UN/Russian Federation/ European Space Agency Workshop on Use of Micro-Satellite Technologies for Environmental Monitoring and Impact to human Health. Moscow, Russia

Flow of the presentation International space law regime UN Principles Remote Sensing Principles Frequent questions about legal aspects of RS PhD Project Conclusions

International space law regime United Nations Treaties Outer Space Treaty Registration Convention Liability Convention Moon Agreement Rescue of Astronauts Agreement

Principles and declarations Principles adopted by the General Assembly Declaration of Legal Principles Governing Space Activities. Broadcasting Principles Remote Sensing (RS) Principles Nuclear Power Sources Principles Declaration on International Cooperation

Remote sensing activities Principles Relating to Remote Sensing of the Earth from Outer Space. (1986) 1. Legality of remote sensing activities 2. Main purposes of RS: natural resources management, land use, protection of the Earth’s natural environment (Principle I (a), Principle X) and protection of mankind from natural disasters (Principle XI) = SD

Frequent questions about legal aspects of RS 1. Does the sensing State need to inform the sensed State when is sensed its territory? Is it legal that sensing States take pictures of other countries without their consent?

Answer 1 The sensing State does not need prior consent from the sensed State. Freedom of observation is inferred from the RS Principles and the OST by some experts. Permanent sovereignty over wealth and national resources (Principle IV)

Frequent questions about legal aspects of RS 2. In the role of sensed State: can I ask to the sensing State for data concerning my territory? Is it legal that information concerning my territory is at the disposal of third parties?

Answer 2 Yes, the sensed State shall have access to information concerning its territory on a non discriminatory basis and on reasonable cost terms (Principle XII) Freedom of dissemination of information Data policy National regulations. Restrictions on access to some data, for instance: VHR imageries

Frequent questions about legal aspects of RS High cost of space activities. 3. How developing countries could participate in remote sensing activities.

Answer 3 International cooperation in RS activities International and regional agreements Examples of international cooperation: CEOS, IGOS, The International Charter for Natural Disasters

PhD Project Minisatellite constellation for RS applications (Faster, Cheaper, Better) Regional agreement Reaching solutions to regional problems Effective use of Outer Space

Conclusions 1. There is an international legal framework for space activities (5 Treaties & 5 Principles) 2.Principles of RS= legality of RS activities 3. Regional cooperation is crucial for Latin American countries to perform long term space projects in order to solve common problems

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