Introduction To Space Law

The relevance and substance of space law as a branch of public international law continues to expand. The fourth edition of this long-time classic in the field of space law has been substantially rewritten to reflect new developments in space law and technology of the past ten years. This updated text includes new or expanded material on the proliferation of non-state and commercial entities as space actors, the appearance of innovations in space technology, the evolving international law of satellite telecommunications in a networked world, and the adoption of national laws and international soft law mechanisms that complement the international treaty regime. In this up-to-date overview of space law, the authors offer a clear analysis of the legal challenges that play a role in new and traditional areas of space activity, including the following: - the peaceful uses of outer space; - protection of the space environment; - the emergence of new legal mechanisms in space law; - the role of Europe in space; - telecommunications; - the commercial use of space resources; - human space flight; - small satellites; - remote sensing; and - global navigation satellite systems. Additionally, the five United Nations Treaties on space are included as Annexes for easy reference by students and professionals alike. In light of the many new developments in the field, this thoroughly updated Introduction to Space Law provides a clear overview of the legal aspects of a wide array of current and emerging space activities. Lawyers, policy-makers, diplomats, students, and professionals in the telecommunication and aerospace sectors, with or without a legal background, will find concise yet comprehensive guidance in this book that will help them understand and address legal issues in the ever-changing field of space activities. The authors are close former collaborators of the late pioneers of space law and authors of the earlier editions of this volume, Isabella Diederiks-Verschoor and Vladimír Kopal.

The enormous growth during the last decade of outer space operations like direct broadcasting by satellite and the exploration of natural resources by remote sensing satellites have brought space law into dramatic prominence among the fields of international law. International, because the fundamental principle of space law since the cornerstone Outer Space Law of 1967 clearly requires that outer space and celestial bodies are free for exploration and use by all states in conformity with international law and are not subject to national appropriation. It is in light of the many new considerations now falling under the scope of international law because of their connection with space that this new edition of the best-known handbook in the field now appears.

The opening of space to exploration and use has had profound effects on society. Remote sensing by satellite has improved meteorology, land use and the monitoring of the environment. Satellite television immediately informs us visually of events in formerly remote locations, as well as providing many entertainment channels. World telecommunication facilities have been revolutionised. Global positioning has improved transport. This book examines the varied elements of public law that lie behind and regulate the use of space. It also makes suggestions for the development and improvement of the law, particularly as private enterprise plays an increasing role in space.

Frans von der Dunk, a leading authority on space law, presents a nuanced introduction to the topic, explaining the legal rules, rights and obligations applicable to activities in outer space and activities that precede operations in space. He analyzes the interaction of these elements as well as how international organizations relate to the core tenets of space legislation.

This handbook is a reference work providing a comprehensive, objective and comparative overview of Space Law. The global space economy reached $330 billion in 2015, with a growth rate of 9 per cent vis-à-vis the previous year. Consequently, Space Law is changing and expanding expeditiously, especially at the national level. More laws and regulations are being adopted by space-faring nations, while more countries are adapting their Space Laws and regulations related to activities in outer space. More regulatory bodies are being created, while more regulatory diversity (from public law to private law) is being instituted as increasing and innovative activities are undertaken by private entities which employ new technologies and business initiatives. At the international level, Space Law (both hard law and soft law) is expanding in certain areas, especially in satellite broadcasting and telecommunications. The Routledge Handbook of Space Law summarises the existing state of knowledge on a comprehensive range of topics and aspires to set the future international research agenda by indicating gaps and inconsistencies in the existing law and highlighting emerging legal issues. Unlike other books on the subject, it addresses major international and national legal aspects of particular space activities and issues, rather than providing commentary on or explanations about a particular Space Law treaty or national regulation. Drawing together contributions from leading academic scholars and practicing lawyers from around the world, the volume is divided into five key parts: • Part I: General Principles of International Space Law • Part II: International Law of Space Applications • Part III: National Regulation of Space Activities • Part IV: National Regulation of Navigational Satellite Systems • Part V: Commercial Aspects of Space Law This handbook is both practical and theoretical in scope, and may serve as a reference tool to academics, professionals and policy-makers with an interest in Space Law.

The prominence of space law has grown in recent years as private companies rapidly expand their spaceflight capabilities and open new markets in outer space. With this transition, the space industry has many new opportunities and must also confront increased risks. Well thought-out laws that govern spaceflight activities minimize the risk to people and property in outer space and on the ground. This book examines some of these laws and subsequent court cases.

The purpose of this book is to provide readers with the basic introduction of outer space law. It contains full, detailed and generic clarification and explanation of the provisions of the United Nations outer space treaties and resolutions.