In 1958, the UN Ad Hoc Committee opined that freedom of space overflight is allowed under which condition?

• A. The satellites were being operated for peaceful purposes.
• B. The satellites carried no nuclear, chemical, or biological materials.
• C. The satellite owners got permission before overflying them.
• D. The satellites were unarmed.

Answer: (A)

The key idea being tested is that overflight of space is allowed only if the activities are for peaceful purposes. In 1958, the UN Ad Hoc Committee stated that outer space is open for exploration and use by all states, and that freedom of space overflight exists as long as the satellite operations are peaceful. This means a satellite can pass over other countries’ skies without needing prior permission, as long as its mission isn’t aimed at aggression or weapons in space. This principle laid the groundwork for later space law, including the Outer Space Treaty, which reinforces freedom of exploration and use while prohibiting weapons of mass destruction in space and requiring responsible conduct by states. The other options miss the central requirement: the defining condition is peaceful purpose, not merely the absence of dangerous materials, prior permission, or being unarmed.