Legal considerations on a regional security organization for planetary defence.

Under the UN-Charter system, the maintenance of international peace and security is traditionally the primary responsibility of the UN Security Council as set forth in Chapter VII. Since the Security Council's competence for dealing with matters of international peace and security is not exclusive, other international bodies may take a role in addressing threats emanating from outer space. A regional security organization for planetary defence can be established under Article 52 UN-Charter and may provide for an alternative forum to decide upon the necessary steps for Near Earth Object (NEO)-deflection missions. The international legal personality of an international organization for planetary defence leads to the capacity of entering into treaties, the international responsibility for acts and omissions attributed to it and the enjoyment of privileges and immunities. Such organization can also declare acceptance of the UN Space Treaties. • The decision-making process of a regional security organization for planetary defence creates synergies with the functions of the Security Council. • Outer space can be understood as "region" in the sense of Art. 52 UN-Charter. • NEO-threats are matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security. • A regional security organization for planteray defence may incur international legal personality. • Such organization can be subject to international space law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]