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Space Traffic Management (STM) is becoming increasingly important as new space activities emerge, such as mega-constellations, on-orbit servicing etc. These developments, although promising great advances, nevertheless present complicated issues that demand stringent technical constraints. Effective STM necessitates extensive rules to ensure the safety, sustainability, and orderly execution of space operations. This research emphasizes the critical need for updated technical regulations that address the operational complexities involved with these new activities. It seeks to build a secure and collaborative space environment by establishing detailed legislative frameworks and emphasizing international cooperation, so ensuring the long-term profitability and success of space exploration and usage. Through meticulous analysis, the paper identifies regulatory gaps and proposes a robust framework capable of accommodating the evolving landscape of regulations. Drawing upon humanity's collective experience across different domains, the proposed framework aims to foster responsible growth in outer space while safeguarding its integrity for future generations. This paper examines the existing regulatory framework applicable to four distinct categories of New Technologies and Activities in space; identifies gaps where they exist; and suggests a capable and robust regulatory framework. This framework leverages humankind's experience in other domains to nurture and assist responsible growth in the outer space domain while ensuring proper stewardship of that domain, now and in the future. This paper is based on the report prepared by members of working group 4.2 of the Space Traffic Management Committee (TC 26). • Examined regulations across national, supranational, and international levels, distinguishing between Hard Law and Soft Law. • Supported ISO Standard 24330 for space systems on rendezvous, proximity operations, and on-orbit servicing, with updates. • Promoted development of Alternative Dispute Resolution guidelines for Space Environment Management and related technologies. • Encouraged dialog among IGOs, NGOs, commercial entities, and stakeholders on Space Operations and Management, and Traffic Management. • Advocated global commercial standards via industry associations and proposed a UN-level International Spacefaring Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As humanity continues its space exploration, understanding biological evolution in extraterrestrial environments will become crucial. On Earth, organisms have adapted to new environments, and some genetic data indicate positive natural selection. This paper investigates the impact of space environments, such as high radiation and microgravity, which may lead to high mutation rates and positive selection, on biological evolution, using numerical analysis. It quantifies the evolutionary rates and the time until a new mutation reaches fixation (100 % frequency within population) beyond Earth. The findings reveal accelerated evolution rates, 1,000 to 10,000 times faster than on Earth for beneficial mutations, with the time until fixation being 0.002 to 0.004 times shorter, assuming mutation rates are 10–100 times higher. These results offer insights into various areas, including space facility design, space agriculture, astrobiological exploration, and life sustainability beyond Earth and Solar System, illuminating the potential for a 'Big Bang of Evolution' in outer space. • High radiation and microgravity in space accelerate evolutionary rates. • Beneficial mutations evolve 1,000–10,000 times faster in space than on Earth. • Mutation fixation time in space is 0.002–0.004 times shorter than on Earth. • Findings impact space habitats, agriculture, and biodiversity in space. • Organisms may adapt rapidly in space, leading to a "Big Bang of Evolution." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beyond the gravitational pull of Earth, space travel poses substantial public health hazards pertaining to the physical and mental well-being of astronauts and passengers, in addition to a possible threat to the populace of Earth upon re-entry. Exposure to cosmic radiation, cranial pressure from microgravity, weakened immunity to contagion, and the potential for depression and psychosis are all risks. Public health crises of this nature are to be expected as the duration of missions extends, as is the case with Mars settlement. In contrast to national space programmes, which have regarded these obstacles as human factors effecting the mission, public health law in common law British nations approaches them from the perspective of social justice and the preservation of human life and societal welfare. Countries including Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom continue to apply traditional common law principles of public health law, which provide a sensible and enduring method for reconciling competing public and private interests. Common law permits the violation of civil liberties through the use of force in public health restraint, forced medication, and quarantine, but only if necessary, reasonable, and equitable. While the understanding of the health challenges associated with long-duration spaceflight may be in its infancy for national space programmes and civilian space ventures, the application of common law public health principles could aid in the establishment of health and safety protocols in which human reactions to crises in space resemble those observed on Earth. This may, nevertheless, necessitate the enactment of a more comprehensive federal public health statute. Embedded in both public health common law and international space law, the pre-eminence of preserving and respecting human life and well-being continues to be a cornerstone of humane justice despite the perilous conditions of space. • National space programmes have historically been required to develop mitigation strategies for the severe health hazards. • In a situation where one individual may expose other crew members to contagious illness or violence, the stakes are high. • The occurrence of crises during extended missions diminishes the probability of a successful return to Earth and legal repercussions. • The potential for severe risks to crew members on various levels is heightened as the duration of spaceflight increases. • The potential emergence of mental health crises during space travel presents supplementary risks to public health and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global space industry is booming. While governmental agencies used to dominate outer space activities, private space organizations (PSOs) now launch rockets, operate strategic satellites, and even take tourists on space expeditions. How can we explain this emergence of PSOs? Building on organizational ecology theory and drawing on a novel dataset of 1751 space organizations and 52 semi-structured interviews, this paper finds that mutualistic relations between governmental space agencies and PSOs have been instrumental in the rise of PSOs. This emphasis on mutualism challenges the prevailing belief that a few visionary private entrepreneurs create the space industry from the ground up. It also refutes the notion that PSOs simply out-compete a stagnant public sector. PSOs have not superseded governmental space agencies; they are nurtured by and developed with them. This paper is one of the first to explain how private actors can emerge in a field historically dominated by governmental actors. In so doing, it contributes to studies on public-private interactions by showing how mutualism can structure a nascent industry. It also opens up new avenues for research on the political economy of outer space by making available a rich dataset of space actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Privately owned infrastructures play a central role in the unfolding of geopolitical conflicts. While academic contributions generally support this argument, businesses are mostly treated as enablers or spoilers of state action rather than actors in their own right. This article develops a theoretical framework around the relationship of state and transnational corporations in times of intense global competition, combining it with a political–economic perspective on how private ownership of transnational infrastructures shifts this relationship. It argues that private businesses develop and operate infrastructures for profit-seeking purposes, but that this logic can be amended by preferences for political outcomes. The article undertakes an analysis of the role of Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation owned by US-based company SpaceX, in the events following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It reconstructs SpaceX's initial decision to enable Starlink in Ukraine and its ensuing strategic readjustment that limited Ukraine's abilities to retake Russian-occupied areas. The findings support the relevance of both profit-seeking and political motives for explaining businesses' decision-making, with substantial implications for contemporary state–business relations. SpaceX viewed the war in Ukraine as an opportunity to secure capital and contracts, largely from the United States; at the same time, it sought to appease other states on which it depends, most centrally China. The findings furthermore demonstrate that states will seek to reestablish independence from private infrastructure where other forms of hedging fail. While China and the European Union opted to build their own satellite constellations, the United States relied on its economic pull to ensure SpaceX's cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes, are promising for water-processable coatings due to their excellent electrical, thermal, and optical properties. However, depositing hydrophilic MXene nanosheets onto inert or hydrophobic polymer surfaces requires plasma treatment or chemical modification. This study demonstrates a universal salt-assisted assembly method that produces ultra-thin, uniform MXene coatings with exceptional mechanical stability and washability on various polymers, including high-performance polymers for extreme temperatures. The salt in the Ti3C2Tx colloidal suspension reduces surface charges, enabling electrostatically hydrophobized MXene deposition on polymers. A library of salts was used to optimize assembly kinetics and coating morphology. A 170 nm MXene coating can reduce radiation temperature by ~200 °C on a 300 °C PEEK substrate, while the coating on Kevlar fabric provides comfort in extreme conditions, including outer space and polar regions. Salt-assisted assembly has been developed to achieve large-scale coating of MXene on polymer substrates. The process includes a library of salts and polymer substrates, opening new applications such as thermal management in extreme conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the relevant results of an analysis of the process of regulating private space activities. At the same time, the separate focus is on the development of space law and the main problems that currently exist in space law, including those related to the confrontation between public space law and private space law, for example: regulation of space traffic; determination of ownership of objects obtained as a result of space activities; mining and other aspects of commercialization of space activities. Additionally, a list of the main legal tasks in private space activities that require an early solution is identified, and the steps that have already been taken in this direction are described, namely, new variants of terminology, interpretation, and classification of objects and subjects of space activities, space law, and space legal relations as well as a new theory for determining the legal status of outer space are proposed. In the final analysis, it was concluded that it is necessary to continue research in further formation and improvement of the elements, interpretations, and structure of Space Private Law. To this end, the author proposed an option for further scientific research on the formation of the structure of Space Private Law based on the establishment and definition of the basic principles, concepts, and elements of such law. At the same time, the author identified the main goals, objectives, object, and subject of such research, and also, preliminary, determined the research methodology that is vital to obtain the most effective scientific results. According to the author, the results of the study on the formation of the structure of Space Private Law will be base for future foundations for regulating private space activities and preventing many legal conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subambient daytime radiative cooling enables temperatures to passively reach below ambient temperature, even under direct sunlight, by emitting thermal radiation toward outer space. This technology holds promise for numerous exciting applications. However, previous demonstrations of subambient daytime radiative cooling require surfaces that directly face the sky, and these cannot be applied to vertical surfaces that are ubiquitous in real-world scenarios such as buildings and vehicles. Here, we demonstrate subambient daytime radiative cooling of vertical surfaces under peak sunlight using a hierarchically designed, angularly asymmetric, spectrally selective thermal emitter. Under peak sunlight of about 920 watts per square meter, our emitter reaches a temperature that is about 2.5°C below ambient temperature, corresponding to a temperature reduction of about 4.3° and 8.9°C compared with a silica-polymer hybrid radiative cooler and commercial white paint, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the US government's denial that outer space is a global commons, and the heated discussion in China regarding property rights in outer space resources, this article looks at this controversial term: "global commons". It finds that this term was mostly adopted as a political, rather than legal, term. As a result of the over-emphasis on the implications of global commons on the property rights to outer space resources, states that plan to develop private space mining may avoid calling outer space a global commons. This article argues that this response may not be necessary. It then examines the real purpose of the global commons discourse by analogizing the tragedy of commons and thus puts forward the suggestion to adopt the non-exclusive use standard to govern the activities of space resource extraction by private parties. This solution will allow countries to continue to view outer space as a global commons while liberalizing private parties' activities in outer space resource development and extraction. Moreover, China's initiative of the global community of shared future possesses the potential to serve as the overarching concept to govern its future outer space activities, including space mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the effectiveness of reframing Wadi Rum's narrative from the currently common emphasis on its resemblance to outer space terrain and the moon to reframe it in line with adventure, heritage and cultural tourism. The study's design adopts qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to contrast the perception of tourists from different age groups with their preferences and expectations. The tourists were asked to specify their age group and explain their decision to visit Wadi Rum in writing. The study reveals a generational difference impacting the expectations and preferences of tourists informed by existing and emerging alternative frames and representations of Wadi Rum. The study recommends adopting translation as reframing in promoting Wadi Rum to account for the expectations of different age groups. The findings reveal that the translation of Wadi Rum needs to pay attention to staged authenticity and exoticism considerations to meet the needs of diverse tourist preferences. The study also recommends monitoring the emergence of alternative narratives because they are dynamic entities and are always expected to be subject to changes, and monitoring them is a contributing factor to sustainable tourism growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The militarization and weaponization of outer space are increasing continuously with the development of new and more advanced space weapon systems by a growing number of nations. This is a direct consequence of the high and growing strategic value of outer space for defense, security, and warfare. This paper reviews trends in space weapon systems and analyzes the implications of anti-satellite military weapons for human activities in outer space. A direct consequence of the completion of anti-satellite military tests is that the amount of orbital debris has increased significantly. We use a simple physical – economic model to illustrate how anti-satellite military tests, particularly those using direct-ascent weapons, dramatically increase the probability that the Kessler syndrome will occur. Whereas the long-run impact of low altitude anti-satellite tests is limited because of atmospheric drag, at high altitude direct-ascent anti-satellite tests are persistently harmful for human activities in space. The paper also provides a simulation of the long-run effects of a war in space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel physical effect has been found to be illuminated of being physically self-consistent to take into account in further calculating the dynamics of magnetically-induced asteroid rotation, surface of which has mostly a conducting structure (whereas such mostly metallic-formed asteroid is assumed to be moving in an external magnetic field of planet but in the meantime to be orbiting preferably outside its sphere of effective attraction). The last condition of asteroid surface's having conducting structure means the existence of the applied external torques stemming from the physical interactions between external magnetic field and iron asteroid itself (including long-term effect due to torques stemming from arising eddy-currents on metallic surface of asteroid). Such eddy-currents should heat the conducting surface of asteroid with further non-uniformly re-directing the heat flow from surface of asteroid into outer space via fluxes of thermal photons which carry momentum (in orthogonal direction to the surface which is in most cases far from the ideal surface of sphere). This leads by taking into account the overall outcome of heat flow (from the non-ideal surface of asteroid) to a kind of long-term magnetic second-grade YORP effect. System of Euler equations for aforementioned dynamics of asteroid magnetic rotation has been investigated in regard to existence of semi-analytical solution. Various perturbations (such as collisions, YORP effect) may destabilize the rotation of asteroid deviating it from the current spin state, whereas the electric(eddy)current-induced dissipation of energy reduces kinetic one of asteroid spin. So, dynamics of the asteroid rotation should result in a spinning about maximal-inertia axis with the proper spin state corresponding to minimal energy with a fixed angular momentum. • New physical effect is found for magnetically-induced metallic asteroid rotation. • Metallic-formed asteroid is assumed to be moving in an external magnetic field. • Conducting structure means torques stemming from an eddy-currents on its surface. • Overall outcome of non-iniform heat flow forms magnetic second-grade YORP effect. • Evolution of spin towards rotation about maximal-inertia axis is approximated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The text discusses the passage of legislation by major spacefaring nations allowing for the extraction and ownership of space resources, which violates the non-appropriation principle of the Outer Space Treaty. The lack of consensus among the Signatories of the Treaty on narrowing the interpretation of this principle poses a significant challenge. The text recommends the creation of a new multilateral treaty to define terms like "appropriation" in a space mining context and address safety zones and dispute resolution mechanisms, as well as an advocacy campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated space mining and the need for internationally agreed-upon regulations. [Extracted from the article]

Human activities are territorialising and commodifying Mars. Areopolitically reexploring the planet is a pressing necessity as outer space actors have increasingly been operating there for several decades, intensifying thus the interaction. This paper argues that territory and resources are being made on the basis of a novel theoretical framework in the involved sub-fields of geography that it formalises, utilises, and advances: the resources-state-territory nexus and, more specifically, the resources-territory sub-nexus. The unprecedented application of a nexus thinking on areopolitics allows to analyse both sectors simultaneously. This study is informed by the Foucauldian apparatus and is grounded in the conceptual breakthroughs of object-oriented ontology. The discourses and materials, actually conceivable as objects, of the Martian endeavour are that way critically investigated to uncover the dynamics of the nexus. It results that areometrics not only creates territory but influences the creation of resources and, parallelly, that commodity frontiers not only create resources but influence the creation of territory. This interdependence is the core of the sub-nexus. Besides, the exclusive robotic mediation of the relationship with the Red Planet calls for an examination of its implications. Pointing out probe-power further brings to light the bonds between the territorial sub-elements, terrain and land, and resources through the stress it exercises on these interconnections. It also strengthens territory by creating a bridge between its constitutive sub-elements. Hence, the terrain- and land-resources bonds prove to be more substantial than the main sub-nexus, which renders the questions of territory and resources even more inseparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space exploration and research are uncovering the potential for terrestrial life to survive in outer space, as well as the environmental factors that affect life during interplanetary transfer. The presence of methane in the Martian atmosphere suggests the possibility of methanogens, either extant or extinct, on Mars. Understanding how methanogens survive and adapt under space-exposed conditions is crucial for understanding the implications of extraterrestrial life. In this article, we discuss methanogens as model organisms for obtaining energy transducers and producing methane in a simulated Martian environment. We also explore the chemical evolution of cellular composition and growth maintenance to support survival in extraterrestrial environments. Neutral selective pressure is imposed on the chemical composition of cellular components to increase cell survival and reduce growth under physiological conditions. Energy limitation is an evolutionary driver of macromolecular polymerization, growth maintenance, and survival fitness of methanogens. Methanogens grown in a Martian environment may exhibit global alterations in their metabolic function and gene expression at the system scale. A space systems biology approach would further elucidate molecular survival mechanisms and adaptation to a drastic outer space environment. Therefore, identifying a genetically stable methanogenic community is essential for biomethane production from waste recycling to achieve sustainable space-life support functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the scanning path plan strategy of a rover team composed of three rovers, such that the team explores unknown dark outer space environments. This research considers a dark outer space, where a rover needs to turn on its light and camera simultaneously to measure a limited space in front of the rover. The rover team is deployed from a symmetric base station, and the rover team's mission is to scan a bounded obstacle-rich workspace, such that there exists no remaining detection hole. In the team, only one rover, the hauler, can locate itself utilizing stereo cameras and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Every other rover follows the hauler, while not locating itself. Since Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is not available in outer space, the localization error of the hauler increases as time goes on. For rover's location estimate fix, one occasionally makes the rover home to the base station, whose shape and global position are known in advance. Once a rover is near the station, it uses its Lidar to measure the relative position of the base station. In this way, the rover fixes its localization error whenever it homes to the base station. In this research, one makes the rover team fully scan a bounded obstacle-rich workspace without detection holes, such that a rover's localization error is bounded by letting the rover home to the base station occasionally. To the best of our knowledge, this article is novel in addressing the scanning path plan strategy, so that a rover team fully scans a bounded obstacle-rich workspace without detection holes, while fixing the accumulated localization error occasionally. The efficacy of the proposed scanning and localization strategy is demonstrated utilizing MATLAB-based simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving year‐round energy savings in buildings holds great significance toward reaching carbon neutrality and sustainability. Switchable thermal‐management materials offer an energy‐free solution to dynamically regulating internal building temperatures, by passively emitting heat into cold outer space in summer, and absorbing heat from hot sunlight in winter. In addition to dynamic thermal regulation, color display is another pursuit for addressing aesthetic considerations; however, most current dynamically switchable materials lack color options, due to an optical conflict between adaptive solar reflection and selective visible absorption, limiting their wide adoption in aesthetic scenarios such as commercial exterior walls. Herein, a colored temperature‐adaptive cloak (CTAC) that achieves dynamically switchable thermal management in an energy‐neutral way without sacrificing year‐round vibrant color display is reported. This is realized by decoupling solar reflectivity modulation and color display through the choice of two individual constituent components, including thermochromic microcapsules, and fluorescent dyes. Moreover, compared to single‐mode samples with similar colors, the CTAC with dual modes stays 5.6–3.4 °C warmer during cold winter and 14.9–7.9 °C cooler during hot summer (peak solar irradiance: ≈735 and 1030 W m−2, respectively), exhibiting a remarkable potential to achieve year‐round building energy savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive radiative cooling is a zero‐energy consumption approach, which can dissipate heat to outer space by emitting infrared radiation through the transparency window. Traditional cooling materials, such as photonic films, metafabrics, and polymer foams, still suffer from complex preparation processes and high costs. In this work, it is reported that natural cellulose can be converted into a "green" optical metamaterial by rational structure reconfiguration at the micro/nano level via scalable ball milling technology for efficient daytime radiative cooling. Specifically, fine‐tuning the shearing kinetics in the mechanochemistry process, cellulosic optical metamaterial (COM) with ≈98% solar reflectivity and ≈0.97 infrared emissivity has been successfully achieved, which can break through the theoretical value of photonic crystals as well as the conventional synthetic optical materials. The COMSOL simulation reveals that the excellent optical properties of the cellulose metamaterial are explained by the "confined scattering" effect caused by the rearranged heterostructure at the micro/nano level. Outdoor tests demonstrat that the COM‐based coating exhibits a daytime radiative cooling efficiency of 5.7 °C in hot Nanjing. Meanwhile, the COM can be produced into different scattering materials via spray coating, freeze casting, and solution casting technology. This study will facilitate the development of scalable and sustainable optical metamaterials for mitigating energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the legal basis and framework for the United Nations registration process for space objects. UN registration processes are compared against and contrasted with national and regional registration processes to highlight potential adjustments in light of the need for a space traffic management system. While there are shortfalls in compliance and monitoring of States' responsibility to adhere to UN registration requirements, the growing importance of space traffic management is providing a catalyst for reform and recommitment to the ideals upon which the 1975 UN Registration Convention was based. Since the data provided to national registries and the UN register is not detailed enough and is not sufficient for creating a space traffic management regime, it is recommended that (1) the recommendations concerning the registration of space objects belonging to a large constellation that were agreed by the UNCOPUOS Working Group on the Status and Application of the Five United Nations Treaties on Outer Space in 2023 are implemented to ensure uniformity of registration practice regarding large constellations; (2) States incentivize good registration practices by other States, for instance by requiring that satellites of commercial actors are registered by the relevant launching State as a condition for market access; (3) the importance of furnishing additional information on the subsequent activity and status of objects, as required by the Registration Convention, UN General Assembly resolutions 1721 (XVI) B and 62/101 and Guideline A.5 para 2 of the UNCOPUOS Guidelines on the Long-Term Sustainability of Space Activities, be underlined. • Overview of the UN registration process, including hard law and soft law, in light of space traffic management. • Analysis of the registration processes and practices of the USA, China, Russia and ESA. • Suggestions on enhancing registration practices and processes in light of space traffic management. • Overview of primary sources on registration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give a complete description of the embeddings of direct products of nonabelian free groups into Aut(FN) and Out(FN) when the number of direct factors is maximal. To achieve this, we prove that the image of each such embedding has a canonical fixed point of a particular type in the boundary of Outer space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the controversy surrounding the colonization of Mars, presenting arguments from both proponents and critics. Proponents, such as Elon Musk and Robert Zubrin, argue that colonizing Mars is crucial for human survival and technological progress. However, critics like Mary-Jane Rubenstein and Deondre Smiles raise ethical concerns about the rights of microbial life, rocks, and indigenous peoples. The article also mentions the growing opposition to space colonization, calling for regulation and consideration of anti-imperialism. It emphasizes the importance of considering diverse perspectives and not underestimating the opposition to private space travel. [Extracted from the article]

The increase in the number of space activities in recent decades has led to a concomitant increase in space debris in orbit around Earth. Space debris pose a risk not just for specific satellites, but also on a systemic level, as a collision cascade can result in the near-Earth orbits becoming unusable. In turn, this would entail a loss of the services currently provided through satellites. The international community has recognised this risk. Despite this, states are reluctant to negotiate and conclude international legal rules to address the proliferation of space debris. This article explores a root cause of this discrepancy. It argues that while law is typically seen as the regulator of uncertainty, international law's regulation of outer space – under the interests of global capital investors – is directed by principles that support processes of commodification (i.e., the freedom of use), rather than principles that manage the risks associated with the proliferation of space debris as these would constrain (or are perceived to constrain) the expansion of capital (e.g., the precautionary principle). Therefore, international law – at the level of principles – is a co-producer of uncertainty. This conclusion is reached by exploring the proliferation of space debris through Ulrich Beck's world risk society and by incorporating capital and economic power into his work. This inclusion reveals (i) that it is the accumulation of capital that generates risks and (ii) that capital exploits the socially constructed nature of risk to legitimise its expansion. International law – as both a regulator and co-producer of uncertainty – plays an essential role in legitimising these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space‐wall‐climbing robots face the challenge of stably attaching to and moving on spacecraft surfaces, which include smooth flat areas and rough intricate surfaces. Although adhesion‐based wall‐climbing robots demonstrate stable climbing on smooth surfaces in outer space, there is scarce research on their stable adhesion on rough surfaces within a microgravity environment. A novel adhesive material is developed inspired by the adhesion mechanism and locomotion of the Gekko gecko. This material exhibits exceptional adhesion across various materials and surface roughness. A variable‐stiffness gecko‐inspired paw is engineered, generating substantial adhesion forces while minimizing detachment forces. Impressively, this paw generates up to 180 N of adhesion force on smooth surfaces and achieves detachment without external forces. By integrating such variable‐stiffness paws with a wall‐climbing robot, a gecko‐inspired robot effectively operating in a microgravity environment is created. The robotic satellite surface climbing experiments and robotic satellite capture experiments are conducted using a simulated microgravity environment and a satellite model. The results unequivocally demonstrate the gecko‐inspired robot's proficiency in executing various functions, including stable motion and capture on both smooth and rough spacecraft surfaces within a microgravity environment. These experiments underscore the potential of adhesion‐based gecko‐inspired robots for in‐orbit services and spacecraft capture and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on a series of connections between space infrastructures and environments in northern Sweden. Swedish space professionals often highlight the centrality of outer space for contemporary imaginaries about the planet as an interconnected whole. At the same time, the country's sounding rocket range outside the city of Kiruna relies on deep-seated constructions of the subarctic environment as empty wilderness. With the ongoing development of small satellite launch capability, the surrounding landscape needs to be sustained as an impact area, with the consequence that Sámi land practices are increasingly pushed to the sidelines. By turning to reindeer herders' own uses of satellite technology, I delineate an oligoptic-satellitarian environment that runs athwart panopticonic understandings of satellite vision. Rather than trying to see everything from nowhere, the herders bring into view a limited set of more-than-human relations in order to challenge conceptions of the landscape as empty and exploitable. While showing that space activities in Sweden fold into and reproduce colonial histories, the article also argues that space infrastructures contain the potential for their own reconfiguration by eliciting the other worlds that are already being performed from within dominant socio-technical regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give a complete description of the embeddings of direct products of nonabelian free groups into Aut(FN) and Out(FN) when the number of direct factors is maximal. To achieve this, we prove that the image of each such embedding has a canonical fixed point of a particular type in the boundary of Outer space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper reformulates and improves a previously proposed determinant-based second-order multi-reference perturbative formalism. Through a rather simple modification of the energy denominators, this formalism takes into account the interactions between the model space determinants, which are repeated in outer space. The method has been shown to be size-consistent when the model space is a complete active space, which is a severe limit. It is shown here that the completeness of the model space is not necessary to keep this property, provided that the zero-order function satisfies some conditions. For instance, size consistency may be obtained from truncated complete active spaces. It may even be satisfied from Singles and Doubles Configuration Interactions, provided that a coupled electron pair approximation is used in the definition of the model space wave function. The physical content of the method is illustrated by a series of model problems, showing its robustness. A major benefit of the fact that the perturbers are single determinants is the possibility to revise with full flexibility the model-space component of the wave function, i.e., to treat the feedback effect of the dynamic correlation on the valence component of the wave function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION. This article examines the space laws adopted by Luxembourg in 2017 and 2020, which allow private persons, subject to the conditions provided by these laws, to explore and use the natural resources of celestial bodies. At the same time, the authors proposed an international legal assessment of these laws.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study of the designated laws of Luxembourg is based on the scientific works of domestic and foreign specialists in international space law, especially in terms of the analysis of previously adopted national legislation on space activities. Both general scientific methods of cognition and methods of legal sciences, including formal-legal and comparative-legal, are used. RESEARCH RESULTS. The analysis of Luxembourg laws in the general context of applicable international law presented in the article shows that these laws have basically adopted the new US legal space policy, initially outlined in the US Commercial Space Launch Competition Act of 2015. At the same time, Luxembourg laws on space activities have proposed a number of legal mechanisms that differ from the US ones, which further exacerbates the interstate competition for a more favorable legal environment for private persons to invest in economic activities in space. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. International legal issues of the use of outer space, including those affecting the status of celestial bodies, have long been resolved at the universal level, primarily on the basis of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. The situation has changed with the involvement of the United States since 2020 of an increasing number of states in a separate treaty-legal regime of space activities created by the Artemis Agreements, concluded by the United States with more than 40 states. These agreements, in turn, adopted the basic provisions of the new US legislation on natural resource activities in space, starting with the aforementioned US Law of 2015. The basic “space” laws of Luxembourg - the Law on the Exploration and Use of Space Resources of 2017 (which established the national legislative basis for the commercial exploration and use of natural resources of celestial bodies) and the Law on Space Activities of 2020 (which clarified this legislative system), while creating a favorable environment for investments by individuals and legal entities of this state in the development of natural resources of celestial bodies, also have negative international legal consequences for the community of states: Luxembourg, with these laws, supported the separate policy of the United States aimed at revising universal international space law, according to which the use of outer space, including celestial bodies, constituting the “patrimony of all mankind”, “is carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries” (Article I of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967).

The article reveals the latest perspectives of global digital governance for space exploration. Approaches to the formation of a general concept of global digital governance, which is focused on ensuring security, stability and inclusiveness in the digital space, are analysed. It was revealed that the formation of a model of global digital governance is characterized by certain trends that reflect the aspirations of states to ensure national security, technological leadership and economic growth. The key trends in the formation of digital governance have been identified. The importance of global digital governance for space law is determined. The main possibilities of global digital governance for space exploration are highlighted: development of international coordination and cooperation; ensuring security and infrastructure protection; development of technological innovations; expansion of economic opportunities and inclusiveness; development of science and education in the field of space law; guaranteeing environmental responsibility.

Energy production, transportation, and industrial operations, which have higher carbon footprints, are frequently the focus of climate change mitigation measures. It is important to keep in mind that the processes involved in outer space launch operations, such as manufacturing, shipping and infrastructure construction have environmental impacts as well. It is critical to take into account the possible effects of space launches on the Earth’s climate from a legal and regulatory perspective as the space industry is expanded rapidly. When rocket propellants burn, carbon dioxide (CO2) and harmful gases are released into the atmosphere, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions from space launches. This research paper in Part II elaborates on human rights perspective to climate change. Part III investigates the influence of outer space activities on climate. In Part IV, the evaluation of the disproportionate effects of space launch emissions on marginalised and vulnerable populations is discussed, with an emphasis on the concepts of climate justice and equity. Part V conducts a study of national laws, international environmental treaties, space law and policy procedures asserting liability and determining compensation for potential climate damage resulting from space launch activities. Part VI proposes establishment of specific liability frameworks and policy considerations through international cooperation for space launch operations liable for any negative climate repercussions along with incentivizing sustainable propulsion technologies and supporting green infrastructure.

UV radiation presents a substantial challenge to the stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), limiting their applications in harsh environments such as outer space. Herein, UV‐resistant molecule octinoxate (OCT) is introduced to mitigate the adverse effects of UV irradiation. OCT additive demonstrates the capability to modulate the crystallization process, resulting in perovskite films with larger grains and enhanced crystallinity. Moreover, OCT doping also facilitates charge extraction in PSCs. The PSCs with OCT doping exhibit an enhanced efficiency, increasing from 22.46% to 24.64%, along with improved stability with a T85 of 1000 h under continuous light exposure. Functioning as a sunscreen material, OCT mitigates UV‐induced degradation by absorbing irradiation and hindering I2 escape. Even after continuous exposure to 18.7 kWh m−2 UV illumination, the OCT‐doped PSCs maintain over 92% of their initial efficiency, meeting the 15 kWh m−2 UV exposure requirement specified in the IEC:61215 PV robustness testing standard. This study offers a straightforward approach to enhance the durability of PSCs under UV radiation, opening avenues for their application in extreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the US government's denial that outer space is a global commons, and the heated discussion in China regarding property rights in outer space resources, this article looks at this controversial term: "global commons". It finds that this term was mostly adopted as a political, rather than legal, term. As a result of the overemphasis on the implications of global commons on the property rights to outer space resources, states that plan to develop private space mining may avoid calling outer space a global commons. This article argues that this response may not be necessary. It then examines the real purpose of the global commons discourse by analogizing the tragedy of commons and thus puts forward the suggestion to adopt the non-exclusive use standard to govern the activities of space resource extraction by private parties. This solution will allow countries to continue to view outer space as a global commons while liberalizing private parties' activities in outer space resource development and extraction. Moreover, China's initiative of the global community of shared future possesses the potential to serve as the overarching concept to govern its future outer space activities, including space mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The unsustainable nature of energy‐intensive and environmentally unfriendly traditional air conditioning systems, compacted with recent climate change effects, show an urgent need for more sustainable and efficient thermoregulation solutions. Innovations in passive daytime radiative coolers (PDRCs) and selective solar absorbers (SSAs), which utilize natural resources, the "cold" outer space and "hot" sun from the sky, offer an environmentally friendly and cost‐effective alternative. However, various factors significantly impede the commercial viability of these technologies, such as lack of emphasis on advancements for practical application, the challenge of reversible functionality between PDRCs and SSAs, inconsistent performance evaluation, and the absence of effective mass production strategies. Here current challenges and future development trends of PDRC and SSA‐aided innovation are discussed. Specifically, challenges and opportunities relating to application conditions, evaluation parameter standardization, and strategies are considered for large‐scale production, all of which are critical for realizing the full potential of PDRCs and SSAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eliminating space debris in valuable Earth orbits is an urgent challenge for the sustainable development of outer space, and active removal is considered the most effective measure for debris elimination. In terms of legal jurisdiction, any country intending to remove space debris belonging to other countries undergoes a legality review encompassing obligations and liabilities. According to the fundamental principles of international space law, both threatened and capable countries possess the right to actively remove identifiable space debris of foreign nations, subject to strict legal obligations towards the registry country unless authorized by the United Nations, granted an agreement on jurisdiction transfer of debris, or justified by emergency necessity. Moreover, active removal may result in third-party space objects or personnel damage, imposing a substantial liability burden that could restrict space operation. Henceforth, it is imperative to establish a more rational legal regime for space liability allocation purposes. The international community can establish a mechanism for liability sharing and cross-waiver agreements among relevant countries while also considering potential fund establishment, involvement of non-governmental entities in cost-sharing efforts, and promoting commercial recycling initiatives as potentially motivating measures towards active removal. • Existing liability regimes in space law lack flexible mechanisms for sharing the liability of removing space debris. • Excessive international obligations and responsibilities imposed on removal countries discourage their active engagement in removal operations. • An international mechanism facilitating liability allocation negotiations before and after active removal is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outer space is often described as a frontier – an unsettled, mysterious or wild place that should be explored and eventually inhabited. The metaphor evokes a pioneer spirit and a sense of freedom, but it is also bound up with violent histories of settler colonialism and social injustice. Although the frontier narrative remains prevalent in political, commercial and media discourses in the United States and elsewhere, we know little about whether the public understands space exploration in this way. We also lack studies about how those working to popularise space exploration and make it comprehensible to a global audience understand and apply the frontier narrative. A long-term ethnographic study of their work shows that their understandings of the space frontier are refracted through everyday forms of sociality and experience that they cultivate near Boca Chica in South Texas, where SpaceX builds and tests Starship prototypes. The labour of imagination performed by SpaceX fans and space creators upends the problematic myth of the frontier and points towards alternative ways of understanding space exploration. • We lack studies that analyse whether the public really understands space as a frontier. • Their labour of imagination rather than the frontier narrative binds space creators. • The work of SpaceX fans points to alternative ways of imagining space exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite limited progress within international institutions, the need for articulating a regulatory framework for cyber operations in outer space is becoming a pressing concern. One precondition for regulation is to share cybersecurity and outer-space common terminology that can inform the negotiation of standards, policies and laws. While the UN Institute for Disarmament Research has recently issued a baseline policy glossary, binding technical definitions are missing, and the lack of a binding international cybersecurity regime adds to the obsolescence of a binding outer-space regime tracing back to half a century ago. As the IEEE SA embarks on the drafting of the first-ever technical standard for cybersecure-by- design outer-space missions, scoping and conceptual challenges abound. Technical standards are US-centred, non-binding, engineering-intensive exercises, where lawyers and Asian jurisdictions are only marginally involved; nevertheless, as China's framework for cybersecurity is refined and its involvement in outer-space policing deepens, its disengagement from Western-driven standard-setting bodies appears unsustainable. Drawing on the specific challenge of defining what makes a cyber system 'mission-critical', I expose the necessity to examine how domestic cybersecurity laws from a diverse range of States identify 'critical' information infrastructure. Generalising therefrom, I advocate a jurisdictionally inclusive process that combines American supremacy in technical standard-setting for outer-space missions with Chinese normative contributions to cybersecurity regulation, including on data localisation and mandatory multilevel cyber-hygiene requirements. I further argue that involving legal experts from a diverse range of jurisdictions and sociolegal cultures may enhance the global reception of standardisation outputs, thus securing higher degrees of voluntary compliance therewith. This could foster cooperation and promote regional and global satellite cybersecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]