Legal issues---using earth observation satellite for pre-disaster management

Earth observation satellites provide useful information for early warnings of coming disasters. Theoretically, Principle XI in the Principles Relating to Remote Sensing of the Earth from Outer Space posits that states having access to information about potential natural disasters should promptly transmit this data and its related information to states endangered by the disaster. This thesis analyzes the legal issues related to this duty, liability, remuneration, and the status of international organizations and private entities. It concludes that liability and remuneration issues are unclear. However, due to the time needed to finalize a legally-binding treaty, a United Nations resolution is the way to formulate the regime. Furthermore, the United Nations can promote cooperation between the have and have-not countries, not only in the legal context but also by raising awareness; promoting standardized, compatible data; and supporting the expense of providing remote sensing data to countries without satellites.