The proliferation of human activities in outer space has fostered technological progress while creating a serious challenge: space debris. This paper examines the legal complexities of active debris removal (ADR) as a means to reduce collision risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of space operations. ADR is now technologically feasible, but its implementation faces legal, technical, and economic hurdles. Current international law, notably the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention, lacks explicit provisions on ADR responsibilities and liabilities, complicating cooperation and cost sharing. The absence of a universally accepted definition of space debris further hinders regulatory clarity and ownership issues. To address these challenges, the paper evaluates potential governance futures and proposes establishing a new international legal regime under the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Modeled on institutions including the International Civil Aviation Organization, such a regime would clarify liability, set standards, and strengthen cooperation for sustainable space use.

I. Introduction
II. Space Debris and Active Debris Removal
    A. Space Debris
    B. Active Debris Removal
III. Obstacles
    A. Legal Issues in Establishing an ADR Regime
    B. Geopolitical Issues
    C. Economic Issues
4. Possible Futures
    A. Clear Legal Structure: An ICAO Model
    B. Geopolitical Status Quo
    C. Strong Contractual Law
5. Conclusion

• Chandaphan Suwijak(Lecturer in Law at the School of Law, Mae Fah Luang University)
• P. J. Blount(Assistant Professor of Space Law at Durham University)