detached from the space object within or upon which it has been installed. Although it is certainly property on board the space object, it is also equally certainly a component part of the object. In support of the view that the transmitting equipment is a part of the space object, it can be asserted that such parts include all of the mechanisms actively used to further the functions and objects of the space object. On the other hand, it would be possible for "property on board" not to have utility in furthering such functions, especially those not having a relationship to the external contacts or activities of the space object. Thus, it is possible to maintain that component parts include those needed to allow the space object to achieve its assigned mission, including obtaining an orbital position, and having arrived there to facilitate the successful functioning of the orbital goal. That such goal was sensing, or broadcasting of words or images, or forwarding energy via microwave emissions to Earth would all seem to be equally supportable. Misuse of space objects, including component parts, in the furtherance of such objectives would result in liability under the 1972 Convention if damage had been produced thereby. In view of the foregoing it is clear that a launching State would be internationally liable for harm produced by microwaves emanating from a space object, including its component parts. 6.4.3 Harmful Interference and the Matter of Damages The third issue involving national liability for the use of the space environment relates to microwave transmissions that may constitute a harmful interference with other radio broadcasts or electronic transmissions. As a sub-issue is the question of whether a country so interfered
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