The Legality of Antisatellite Weapons

Satellites are scattered along the Earth’s orbit fulfilling a myriad of applications, such as remote sensing, direct broadcasting, navigation and communication. As distant as they are, they impact the lives of millions every day. Satellite communications are an important military asset and have been used in many military interventions such as the Vietnam War, the 1983 Grenada Invasion, the 1986 Operation Eldorado Canyon in Libya and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Their crucial use in military operations makes them prime targets for Antisatellite (ASAT) weapons. The thesis completed as part of the requirement for a Master's in Public International Law examines the legality of ASAT weapons in terms of International Law and the various treaties that may be relevant for governing their use.