Abstract: | As orbits are becoming overcrowded the need for a space traffic management system to track space objects, prevent collisions and interference and deal with debris is pressing. Serious political and economic barriers to its creation include the tendency for countries to seek unilateral solutions to safeguard individual nations and moves towards the weaponization of outer space. However, only a cooperative global body will be able to manage space efficiently and fairly. This viewpoint discusses the (lack of) institutions and instruments already in place to manage space and outlines the type of institutional arrangements that might work, suggesting ICAO as a possible model. |