美俄卫星相撞的法律责任分析

The Liability Analysis on Russia and American Satellites Collision

发生在2009年2月10日的美俄卫星相撞事件,是有史以来首次完整卫星的在轨相撞,给《外空物体损害赔偿责任公约》的适用提供了一次机会。依据公约关于外层空间侵权的责任原则,首先需要分析当事方的过错,根据过错程度来确定责任。俄方的卫星属于报废卫星,而仍然长期占用轨道,没有进行报废处理。这可以认为是一种过错。美方规避不及时,也存在一定过错。结论是双方都应当承担责任,但以俄方为主。根据责任公约,赔偿应该以恢复原状为原则,直接损失和间接损失都应当赔偿。若相撞给第三国造成损害,美俄应负共同的赔偿责任。中国是航天大国,今后几年的航天发射活动日益频繁。本次美俄卫星相撞的责任问题对中国有重要的现实意义。

The collision of Russia and American satellites happening on February 10, 2009. is the first time of two satellites colliding in the outer space and this may be an opportunity for the outer space law researchers to analyze the legal liability of such cases. The tort liability occurring in the outer space is based on fault. In other words, it must be important who is to be blamed before deciding the liability between the parties. The Russia satellite is already out of use for many years but the American satellite is still working. According to the general rule s of law, a man should not put the others in danger. So the most part of fault should be in Russia. The United States may be also in fault but it is not so important compared with Russia. Should this case happen like this, the lunching states may pay more attention to deal with their out of use satellites and the outer space will be safer for mankind.