Source: http://www.popsci.com/science/articl...laws-space-
yetOnly a few. Right now, the roughly 20,000 man-made objects
orbiting the Earth are less regulated than the cars on a morning
commute. Satellites are usually on a fixed path, so the traffic
control comes prelaunch. Most can move slightly to maintain
orbit, but only a few can maneuver on short notice to avoid a
collision. Satellite operators make sure they know where other
space objects are so that none come close enough to collide. The
International Telecom Union, a United Nations agency, assigns
satellites slots in a geosynchronous orbit 22,000 miles above
Earth. Operators must agree to follow ITU rules and to register
the orbit, broadcast frequency and purpose of their satellite.
Satellite owners also register an “end of life” plan, usually
giving a nonfunctioning satellite a boost into an
internationally recognized “graveyard orbit.” Other launches,
like those for space shuttles, don’t need any international
body’s approval but often need national