be noted that in practice no difficulties have so far arisen from the lack of precise definition of a space object, and we do not foresee the emergence of serious problems for some time in the future." No definition was given to "component parts." It has been suggested that the definition of a space object is, in effect, a "non-definition." This outcome resulted from the opinion of the COPUOS Legal Sub-committee that the term "space object" had a reasonably understood and clear meaning and that it was only necessary to include in a definition all the component 44 parts and equipment of a space object which could cause damage." The "payload" of a space object, as an aspect of its component parts, must be conceived of in a practical sense. Such a payload will include everything associated with the operating space object, both inside of it and attached to it on the outside. For example, the sensing and communications systems directed to observing and maintaining contact with the Earth and other objects in orbit, as well as the life support systems of the object, are encompassed in the term component parts and are a part of the "payload." It can be assumed that the component part would also include the hardware involved in the collection and transmission of high altitude solar energy from a geostationary orbiting space object to earth via microwave frequencies. To the present there has been no disposition to prohibit the installation of such sensing, transmitting, and other electronic equipment on space objects. Nor is it anticipated that such a prohibition claim could ever be made or justified, since Ibid., pp. 9-10. Foster, op. cit., p. 145. Ibid.
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