PMF IAS World Geography Through Maps

Karman Line, Importance of Karman Line

Karman Line

Karman Line Layers of the Atmosphere

  • Context (TH): The Karman line that demarcates the Earth’s atmosphere from space plays an important role. It is an imaginary line located 100 km above sea level.
  • It was established in the 1960s by a record-keeping body called Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
  • Anyone individual who crosses the Karman line qualifies as an astronaut.

Physical Condition Change at the Karman Line

  • There is no drastic change in the physical condition within a short distance on either side of the line.
    • There is no significant difference in the pressure or the composition of air.
    • The Earth’s gravity continues to exert its pull here.
    • Even the earth’s atmosphere does not end here.

Importance of Karman Line

  • The Kármán Line was established to regulate airspace.
    1. It roughly marks the altitude beyond which a traditional aircraft can not fly. Any aircraft flying beyond it needs a propulsion system to pull away from the Earth’s tug.
    2. It also acts as a legal reference separating airspace that a country can claim to own from space itself, governed like international waters.
  • Outer Space Treaty (1967) ensures all countries’ freedom of exploration and use of outer space.
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