Use of Satellites in Terms of the Principle of Exploration and Use of Space for Peaceful Purposes

Year 2023, Volume: 43 Issue: 2, 615 - 638, 31.12.2023

Kerem Batır , Pervin Şeker

https://doi.org/10.26650/ppil.2023.43.2.1274126

Abstract

Space is now a predominant area for technological development, and its importance is increasing. This area was initially dominated by military activities but has hosted numerous agents over time. The launch of the Sputnik I satellite on October 4, 1957, marked a turning point in space exploration. This event signaled the beginning of the Space Age as the major powers continued their race for space. Activities involving space have increased in momentum since that time. The protection and regulation of space have become important because of interstate competition. The approaches of space powers and historical events were effective in the legal regulations. Moreover, some universal and unchangeable principles have been defined in legal regulations. In this context, the principle of “exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes” is significant. This principle has been interpreted in various ways, depending on the perspectives of actors vis-à-vis space. The current scenario of diversified actors and the expanding and changing structures of space-related activities necessitates a reevaluation of this principle, whose structural ambiguity renders the legality of some space activities controversial. Satellites represent one of the oldest and most important application areas of the space industry and their use evinces visible transformations. The dual use of satellites creates uncertainty in the context of the stated principle. The current circumstances thus necessitate a reconsideration of the relationships between space applications and the principle of peaceful use. This study examines the dual-use nature of satellites, citing examples of the principle of exploration and use of space for peaceful purposes.

Keywords

Space law, Space age, Satellite technology, Peaceful exploration and use of outer space, Dual-use technologies

Uzayın Barışçıl Amaçlarla Keşif ve Kullanımı İlkesi Bakımından Uyduların Kullanımı

Abstract

Uzay, giderek artan önemiyle günümüzde teknolojik gelişmenin en önemli alanlarından biri haline gelmiştir. Başlangıçta askeri faaliyetlerin yoğunlukta olduğu bu alan zaman içerisinde çok sayıda aktöre ev sahipliği yapmıştır. Alanın gelişimine yönelik kırılma 4 Ekim 1957 tarihinde Sputnik I uydusunun fırlatılmasıyla gerçekleşmiştir. Dönemin uzay güçleri arasındaki yarış sürerken yaşanan bu gelişme Uzay Çağı’nı başlatmıştır. Bu dönemden itibaren uzay faaliyetleri giderek hız kazanmıştır. Devletler arası rekabet hali, alanın korunması ve düzenlenmesini önemli hale getirmiştir. Alana yönelik oluşturulan hukuki düzenlemelerde dönemin uzay güçlerinin yaklaşımları ve tarihsel olaylar etkili olmuştur. Bununla birlikte hazırlanan andlaşma ve ilkelerde bazı evrensel ve değişmez ilkeler belirlenerek bu doğrultuda hareket edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bu bağlamda alanın kullanımına ilişkin önemli evrensel ilkelerden biri ‘uzayın barışçıl amaçlarla keşif ve kullanımı’ ilkesidir. Bu ilke aktörlerin alana yönelik yaklaşımları doğrultusunda farklı biçimlerde yorumlanmıştır. Günümüzde ise gerek aktörlerin çeşitlenmesi gerekse alana yönelik faaliyetlerin artan ve değişen yapısı kavramı yeniden değerlendirmeyi gerektirmektedir. Bununla birlikte, kavramın yapısındaki belirsizlik hali bazı uzay faaliyetlerinin hukuki açıdan uygunluğunu tartışmalı hale getirmektedir. Uzay endüstrisinin en eski ve önemli uygulama alanlarından olan uydular, bu değişimin yaşandığı alanlardan biridir. Bugün gelinen noktada uyduların çift yönlü kullanımı bu bağlamda belirsizlik yaratmaktadır. Dolayısıyla gelinen durum, uzay uygulamalarının uzayın barışçıl amaçlarla keşif ve kullanımı ilkesiyle ilişkisini yeniden gözden geçirmeyi gerektirmektedir. Bu bağlamda makale, uyduların çift yönlü kullanımını uzayın barışçıl amaçlarla keşif ve kullanımı ilkesi bağlamında örnekler üzerinden incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır.

Keywords

Uzay hukuku, Uzay çağı, Uydu teknolojisi, Uzayın barışçıl amaçlarla keşif ve kullanımı, Çift yönlü teknolojiler

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