试论近空间的法律地位 ——兼谈空气空间和外层空间的定界问题

近空间是指距离地面高度为20公里到100公里的空间,并非传统的航空器和航天器飞行的领域。近年来随着近空间飞行器的出现和对近空间的军事化利用,近空间的法律地位问 题成为首先应当明确的问题。近空间的法律地位取决于空气空间和外层空间的定界这一古老的、悬而未决的命题。文章探讨了当前国际文件以及各国实践中对这一问题的立场,归纳针对这一问题的理论观点,并在此基础上提出对近空间法律地位的认定的建议。

On the Legal Status of the Near Space:The Demarcation of Air Space and Outer Space

The near space,the region between 20 and 100 km above the earth,offers new capabilities not accessible to orbiting satellites or maneuvering aircraft.In recent years with the emergence of near space crafts and its potential militarization,the legal status of the near space becomes a hot issue.This article argues that the legal status of the near space depends on the demarcation of the air space and the outer space.It explores international documents and state practice relating to this issue,summarizes the t...