Reviewed case brief

Cosmos 954 Incident (Canada v Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)

1981 XXIII UNRIAA 270 (diplomatic settlement)

## Summary

PILspace-lawabsolute-liabilityliability-conventionnuclear
Court
Diplomatic Settlement (Liability Convention 1972)
Year
1978
Subjects
Public International Law
Reviewed
2026-06-18

Rule established

Absolute liability under Article II of the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972) applies without proof of fault for damage caused by a space object on the earth's surface.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        1981 XXIII UNRIAA 270; verified via UN Reports of International Arbitral Awards

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.