Artificial Intelligence in Outer Space: The Responsibility of the State of the Software Developer

I. Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly caused another technological revolution. Many day-to-day applications, such as credit card approvals, financial decisions, online trading and home appliances are handled by AI. We might not realise it, but AI is becoming “omnipresent” in our daily interactions. Whether it is scrolling through our feeds on social media, shopping for products online or being connected to automated phone operators - which sometimes truly test the patience of the caller - there is a more or less intelligent algorithm working behind the scenes to make our experience seemingly better and more efficient.[i] Outer space, historically always one of the most technologically advanced domains, did not remain untouched by AI for long. Due to its suitability for the outer space environment, AI is increasingly being used in space applications.

However, the integration of AI into space applications raises some important legal questions, particularly concerning the responsible State for potential damages caused by the AI. This short article investigates the interaction of AI and the responsibility provisions of Article VI Outer Space Treaty and intends to provide a step towards the question of responsibility for the development of AI software. This short piece explores whether the use of AI, and the corresponding development of an AI space industry, could give rise to the responsibility of the State of the software developer.

II. Narrow AI: A Brief Overview

Before we can delve deeper into the legal analysis, it seems prudent to discuss what this article means when speaking of narrow AI. This explanation serves mainly two purposes, to (1) familiarise the reader with what the present research means when it speaks of AI, and (2) to clearly limit the scope of this article. Narrow AI refers to AI that is programmed to solve problems of a similar nature and is thus narrow in its application while general AI, in contrast, is AI that is highly advanced, autonomous, can solve problems in any domain, is human-like in its behaviour, and often built on machine learning.[ii]

For our purposes, this author will adopt Jacob Turner’s definition of AI as “the Ability of a Non-Natural Entity to Make Choices by an Evaluative Process“.[iii] Since all AI used in space applications currently relies on narrow AI, we will limit our inquiry to this specific definition of AI rather than look at more advanced general AI and the problems that such type could cause in space applications.

III. Narrow AI, Space Law, and State Responsibility

In simple terms, State responsibility relates to the answerability of subjects of international law, ordinarily States, for their actions or omissions which lead to a breach of an international obligation when that breach is attributable to the State.[iv] Attribution generally arises for actions of State organs, persons or entities equipped with governmental authority, or person or entities acting under the instruction or control of the State. Provided that none of these circumstances are present, a State is generally not responsible for the actions of private entities or persons.[v]

Article VI changes this formulation. In the context of space activities, Article VI specifically addresses responsibility in Article VI. What makes this treaty provision unique is that it holds States directly responsible for the actions of non-governmental entities (i.e., private entities and individuals) in outer space. As long as the activities can be considered “national activities in outer space” State Parties to the treaty accept direct international responsibility and a separate inquiry into attribution as an action on behalf of the State is not necessary.[vi]

With the increased use of AI in space applications it seems prudent to consider whether the State where the software was developed can be held responsible under Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty. For responsibility to arise, the software development needs to be considered a national activity in outer space.

IV. National Activities in Outer Space

Therefore, the interpretation of the term “national activities in outer space” is an important aspect of our legal analysis. Interestingly, the treaty does not define this term, which leaves room for interpretation and has caused an academic debate. To find a suitable interpretation, it is essential, in our view, to take the broader context and objectives of the Outer Space Treaty into consideration.

Authors seem to agree that any activity, even if taking place on Earth, should be considered an activity in outer space so long as it is primarily and intentionally directed toward the outer space environment.[vii]

Michael Gerhard for example thinks that “any ‘activity’ in outer space is subject to Article VI.”[viii] Bin Cheng supports this view and likewise does not limit responsibility to specific activities.[ix]

The term “national” adds an additional layer of complexity and has been debated. Generally, two views seem to emerge: one view links national activities to domestic law, that is municipal law determines what qualifies as “national,” while other authors favour an interpretation grounded in the Outer Space Treaty itself and not domestic legislation.[x] The latter view is preferable as responsibility is a question of international law and not national legislation.

As mentioned previously, Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty sets up a unique responsibility framework, making States directly responsible for the actions of non-governmental actors involved in space activities. This express departure from the customary rules of State responsibility under international law is evidence of the commitment of the State Parties to cast a wide net ensuring the international responsibility for space activities, regardless of whether it involves a governmental or non-governmental entity.

Perhaps it was most clearly enunciated by Judge Manfred Lachs when he emphasized that”[t]his [Article VI] is intended to ensure that any outer space activity, no matter by whom conducted, shall be carried on in accordance with the relevant rules of international law, and to bring the consequences of such activity within its ambit”.[xi]

V. State Responsibility for Software Development in the Context of AI

In light of the above discussion and by applying the definition of national activities in outer space to the realm of AI development, I am of the view that the State of the software developer can and should be held responsible under Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty. The development of specialized AI intended for the use in outer space should qualify as a national activity in outer space. The development of software specifically targeted for space applications is arguably primarily intended for the outer space environment.

Further, the “national” character is established through the jurisdiction and control that the State exercises over the software developer on its territory. Only the State in which the software developer is situated is in a position to effectively authorize and provide continuing supervision of the software developer, who, for the purposes of the Outer Space Treaty, is a non-governmental entity.[xii]I n other words, only that State would be able to adhere to the authorisation and supervising obligations set out within the framework of Article VI. Thus, the State of the software developer, having jurisdiction and control over the entity developing the AI, assumes direct responsibility under Article VI to comply with the Outer Space Treaty and public international law.[xiii]

As this author has argued earlier, and wants to underline here again, a national activity in outer space does not mean physical occurrence in outer space. Instead, it includes any activity which is primarily directed towards the outer space environment. This interpretation also makes sense in light of the evolving nature of space activities when technological advancements often go beyond traditional boundaries.

States will therefore have to make sure to put adequate legislation in place to be indemnified in instances when the AI, which was developed in their territory, gives rise to State responsibility.

VI. Conclusion

As AI continues to be used in space activities, some preliminary considerations are necessary to address pre-emptively some emerging challenges. This short article argued that the State of the software developer could be considered a responsible State under Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty. The development of AI software intended for use in space applications can fall within the scope of the term “national activities in outer space” and make the State, in which the software developer is located, responsible for any issues arising from the use of AI. Moreover, this State would also be under the obligation to authorise and provide continuing supervision.

The space law community will inevitably have to deal with the intersection of AI and space law. Just like in the past, space law, indeed international law, will continue to apply to new technologies. As the field of AI progresses and is being more widely used in and adapted to space applications, continued legal analysis based on the lex lata will be necessary to address new challenges and maintain the integrity of international law. In our view, States have not yet put adequate national legislation in place to satisfy the continuing supervision and authorization requirement of Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty. Many proposals, if they are targeted toward the regulation of AI, are mostly still in the drafting stage and there has not been any meaningful effort to regulate AI intended to be used in space applications.[xiv]

This article, this author hopes, serves as a stepping stone in this ongoing discourse and offers a preliminary legal perspective on the State of the software developer as a responsible State.

Mr. Stefan-Michael Wedenig*, DCL candidate, Executive Director, Institute of Air and Space Law, McGill University.

This commentary represents the personal views of the author.