A Fresh View On The Outer Space Treaty

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty this book gives a first insight into where the next generation considers room for further improvement of the Outer Space Treaty in order to cope with upcoming aspects such as providing solutions for the emerging commercial, economic, environmental and social questions. At the time of the adoption of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967 the purpose of this treaty was to avoid conflicting military situations in space. However, 50 years later the Outer Space Treaty is in demand to meet the ever increasing space activities and the different actors involved such as the rise of the private sector players.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty this book gives a first insight into where the next generation considers room for further improvement of the Outer Space Treaty in order to cope with upcoming aspects such as providing solutions for the emerging commercial, economic, environmental and social questions.t the time of the adoption of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967 the purpose of this treaty was to avoid conflicting military situations in space. However, 50 years later the Outer Space Treaty is n demand to meet the ever increasing space activities and the different actors involved such as the rise of the private sector players.

This book is neither a historical treatise on the genesis and development of space law, nor a survey of the corpus, nor even a work of legal makebelieve, but simply an essay pursuing a line of enquiry opened up by the members of the European Centre for Space Law. It sets out to chart future trends in the light of the emergence of space law as a branch of international law and of the development of space activities themselves (new activities, new players, interpenetration of space law and national laws), a branch in which the rules and forms of international cooperation acquire a new dimension, transcending the concept of `global' law. It is essentially prompted by a deep aspiration to see a rebirth - a revival - of that law.

The United Nations currently has five effective international space treaties, namely the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, Space Rescue Agreement of 1968, Space Liability Convention of 1972, Space Registration Convention of 1975, and Moon Agreement of 1979. However, with recent competition and movements to mine and exploit natural resources from such entities as the moon, asteroids, etc., these outdated treaties no longer address current advancements. It is imperative that new research is undertaken to urge and progress new space laws and policies that strengthen international cooperation and joint undertakings into the exploitation of natural resources from outer space. Global Issues Surrounding Outer Space Law and Policy grants a general understanding for the current issues and methods of solution in the field of outer space law and policy in the global society. It suggests a revision of the five international space treaties and presents a new International Space Agency (ISA) that would use international cooperation and an International Court of Air and Space Law to promote the speed of work and fairness in trials of air and space law cases. Additionally, solutions for the cooperation of the global community towards joint undertakings and exploitation of natural resources in celestial bodies is explored. This book is ideal for lawyers, professors, government officials, space agencies, academicians, researchers, students, and anyone looking to understand the complicated problems and methods of solution in international space law and policy.

This book is neither a historical treatise on the genesis and development of space law, nor a survey of the corpus, nor even a work of legal makebelieve, but simply an essay pursuing a line of enquiry opened up by the members of the European Centre for Space Law. It sets out to chart future trends in the light of the emergence of space law as a branch of international law and of the development of space activities themselves (new activities, new players, interpenetration of space law and national laws), a branch in which the rules and forms of international cooperation acquire a new dimension, transcending the concept of 'global' law. It is essentially prompted by a deep aspiration to see a rebirth - a revival - of that law.

This book shares a range of new and diverse insights on On-Orbit Servicing (OOS), and examines its implications especially from political, legal, economic, and security perspectives. OSS has been evolving rapidly and presents both challenges and opportunities, such as in-space repairs, refuelling, refurbishment of spacecraft and servicing satellites, which could play a critical role in extending satellite lifecycles, while also representing a valuable next step in debris mitigation. At the same time, many legal questions have arisen in connection with OOS: the need to prevent hostile actions under the pretext of OSS; the distinction between governmental and non-governmental OOS operators; the status of re-worked and recycled space objects; the issue of control in terms of operations performed in orbit, i.e., in the international sphere; the status of objects manufactured in orbit and applicable law, including liability and registration; and the impacts on insurance law and risk management. Finally, the book examines the implications of OOS for emerging space actors in the Global South, and recommends a paradigm shift to help developing countries fully recognise the necessity and urgency of being involved in discussions on OSS, as opposed to leaving it up to the developed space actors. This book will be of great interest to practitioners, academics, and students working in the space sector and related fields.

This contributed volume addresses the future development of space law in light of our ever-growing space activities, the multiplicity of new space actors and the challenges posed by novel space technologies. Unlike existing space law literature, it sets its sights on the future, envisaging how space law could and should evolve in coming decades. Written by experienced professors, academics and practitioners in the field, this edited volume constitutes a valuable tool for understanding the current state of space law, the challenges it is called upon to address and the new phase it is about to enter. In addition, this book initiates a discussion de lege ferenda, addressing the letter and spirit of space law in the world of modern and future space activities. These papers were presented at “The Space Treaties at Crossroads: Considerations de lege ferenda,” held on August 28 to 29, 2015, in Athens, Greece. The conference was jointly organized by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Institute of Air and Space Law of McGill University