Human exploration of the Moon requires clear rules for the use of lunar orbits and the celestial body itself: otherwise, there is a risk of littering them and losing the opportunity to explore the Moon in the future, said Irina Chernykh, head of the G.P. Zhukov Center for International Space Law at RUDN.
According to Chernykh, the disordered use of lunar orbits can lead to the appearance of space debris. An increase in the number of objects sent to the Moon can also cause difficulties in conducting astronomical research and limit the number of stable orbits for all interested parties.
She also recalled that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is responsible for the radio frequency spectrum. In 2027, at the next ITU conference, states will discuss the use of lunar space and orbits around the Moon — including radio astronomy, the use of repeater satellites, and the allocation of the radio frequency spectrum.
