The issues of regulating the use of commercial satellites in the military sphere

Abstract

The Pentagon was the first to appreciate the benefits of using civilian satellites for military purposes (CSMP).
Washington hopes this tool will help cement the United States' leadership in space. Taking advantage of the lack of clear regulation of the use of commercial satellites in the military sphere, the US Space Development Agency is moving from the deployment of military intelligence and communications satellites to the use of small commercial satellites. Moreover, commercial satellites are put into service in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The principles of international humanitarian law (IHL) require a clear separation of military and civilian objects. Responsibility for the consequences of the destruction of the CSMP lies with the operating country or the country of launching the satellite. The commercialization of space requires the adoption of agreements that limit the use of the CSMP and regulate the exploration of outer space in the interests of the entire world community.