## 1 Introduction  
The rapid development and deployment of mega-constellations, consisting of numerous small satellites operating in a low Earth orbit (LEO), have significantly transformed the landscape of space activities. In 2018, the UNOOSA recorded 2075 satellites in orbit, which, based on projections and simulations, is expected to increase. By 2021, the number of satellites, both active and defunct, had increased by over 50% in just two years, reaching approximately 5000 satellites. This number has since increased, reaching, by the end of 2023, an estimated 11,330 satellites [1]. Companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, Amazon, and Telesat are leading this trend, with SpaceX intending to add 11,000 more satellites to its Starlink mega-constellation, having already filed for permission for an additional 30,000 satellites [2]. This surge in satellite deployment is driven by the need to provide global broadband internet coverage and other communication services, leveraging the advantages of smaller, more cost-effective satellites over traditional, larger ones.  
However, the proliferation of mega-constellations presents significant legal and regulatory challenges. The current international legal framework, primarily governed by the Outer Space Treaty and other related agreements, is struggling to keep pace with the rapid advancements in satellite technology and the sheer volume of satellites being launched. For instance, the Outer Space Treaty is not detailed regarding regulations or punishments in the event of violation and has ambiguous terminology, such as outer space, national appropriation, debris, space object, harmful contamination, and interference, among others. These are not clearly defined and there is no agreed upon definition, thus rendering it futile in addressing issues such as liability for collisions, space debris management, and the potential for orbital slot monopolization [3; 4; 5; 6]. The lack of binding international rules on satellite design and operation exacerbates these challenges, necessitating a coordinated global effort to develop new regulations and norms. As the number of satellites in orbit increases, with projections indicating tens of thousands more in the coming years, the international community, while acknowledging the work conducted so far, must urgently address these legal and regulatory gaps to ensure the sustainable and equitable use of outer space [2; 4].  
Furthermore, due to the rapid rise of mega-constellations, there is a need test their applicability against two of the key principles described in the Outer Space Treaty: the principle of equitable access and the principle of non-appropriation. These principles play a key role in the development of outer space in that, regarding equitable access, the rising number of satellites--in this case, mega-constellations--raises questions regarding equitable access through the distribution of orbital slots, as well as the possible domination of space, hindering equitable access to it. Secondly, regarding the principle of non-appropriation, questions have been raised regarding whether the occupation of substantial orbits constitutes appropriation. This paper therefore explores the challenges posed by mega-constellations within the context of the international space law framework by examining their intersection, with the aim of paving the way for the equitable and sustainable use of outer space.  
The subsequent sections are organized as follows: Section 2 introduces the legal status of mega-constellations under international space law; Section 3 addresses the legal challenges posed by mega-constellations to the existing international space law regime; Section 4 analyzes the applicability of mega-constellations in light of the principles of equitable access and non-appropriation; Section 5 proposes both policy and technical recommendations regarding the issues discussed; and Section 6 presents the conclusions.