Another Slip

SpaceX’ next launch attempt has apparently been slipped to mid-February, due to a thrust-vector control issue. The static test firing will still occur this weekend, though.

Space Law Bleg

Did the Chinese violate any treaties about not making messes in space when they destroyed their own weather satelllite? My dim understanding is that this issue remains unsettled in the Liability Convention, due to an inability to agree on a definition of the word “debris.” Any space lawyers out there more up to date?

I’d think that, at a minimum, if any of the bits strike someone’s satellite, or ISS, that the Chinese could be held liable under the OST. If it could be proven that it resulted from this event, that is (probably a difficult thing to do).

Biting Commentary about Infinity…and Beyond!