The evolving landscape
of aerospace technologies, including suborbital flights, reusable rockets, and
satellite constellations, blurs the traditional distinction between airspace
and outer space. This article examines the legal implications of this
convergence, highlighting the need for a clear and internationally recognized
spatial delimitation. It argues that such a delimitation is crucial for
addressing jurisdictional, sovereignty, and liability issues and ensuring
effective space traffic management (STM) and equitable access to outer space.
The paper proposes a hybrid legal framework for vehicles operating in the
transitional zone, enhanced international cooperation, and revised liability
models to accommodate autonomous systems (AS).