The Nuances of Responsibility of Artificial Intelligence for Irresponsible Space Activity

Abstract

The article examines various aspects of responsibility for irresponsible space activities related to the use of artificial intelligence. It is stated that the existing legal instruments for regulating AI do not allow us to fully make space law effective and compatible with this technology, as well as the risks that this technology can bring. An analysis of the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1971) is carried out, an interim conclusion is made that its norms apply to spacecraft that used AI technology. It is found that the “problem of many hands” inherent in space activity leads to difficulties in tracing the causal relationship between the action of a particular person in the chain of creation, maintenance, use of AI, etc. and the damage caused by an autonomous spacecraft. The article reveals the key contradictions of the current norms of AI responsibility for irresponsible space activities and suggests ways to solve them by developing and adopting comprehensive rules of conduct in space activities.

Keywords

• responsibility
• artificial intelligence
• space activity
• intent
• guilt
• inaction
• harm
• liability convention