Space gateway to mankind’s future

Visakhapatnam: Space is gateway for mankind’s future, but the States are interested only in reaping the benefits of space, but not ready to take up responsibility, observed National Law School of India University Vice-Chancellor Prof. R Venkata Rao here on Friday.

He inaugurated the international conference on ‘Peace on earth and space for global security and human development’ jointly organised by GITAM School of Law, Global Network against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space and Centre for Cultural, Educational, Economics and Social Studies Indian Chapter at GITAM University.

Addressing a gathering, Prof R Venkat Rao observed that beyond five space treaties, no new treaty has come into existence till date, rather a plethora of non-binding resolutions have come. He pointed out that space treaties, particularly the outer space treaty, and the liability convention both address liability for damage caused by space objects and not space activities.

He briefed that the treaties talk about damages resulting from material objects, but not of damages resulting in from electro-magnetic radiation or signals. He said that the activities of non-governmental entities in outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, shall require authorisation and continuing supervision by the appropriate state part to the treaty.

GITAM president Dr M V V S Murthy said that strong nations are always suppressing the weak nations and to avoid this UN must give equal importance to all the Security Council members to raise their voice against destructive actions of such nations. GITAM University Vice-Chancellor Prof M S Prasada Rao presided over the function.

GITAM School of Law Director Prof Y Satyanarayana said that the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, signed by 90 countries, affirms ‘the peaceful purposes’ of outer space and forbids ‘weapons of mass destruction’ from being deployed in space.Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space Coordinator Bruce K Gagnon was present.