Suppose a relatively minor space faring government or a private company had permission to dock with the International space station. But then, due to their incompetence they caused a major problem. For example, suppose their vehicle malfunctioned while docked, thrusting the ISS into a spin and burning out the ISS reaction wheels. Now the ISS is permanently spinning too fast for anyone to dock and repair the damage.
In a case like this, who picks up the tab? What if those responsible cannot or will not pay? Are there international laws regarding liability and use of the ISS? Is a scenario along these lines a possibility?
