The first analysis of the influence the concept of space exercised on the emergence and continuing operation of international law.

International space law is less than 50 years old. Although the work on the codification of space law started in the late 1950s, the Outer Space Treaty was only adopted in January 1967. However, much earlier than that, even as early as 1932, the first ideas about legal rules for human activities in outer space were being considered. Very little is known about these early drafts and proposals, and the pioneering work of early scholars in the field remains relatively unknown. This volume seeks to redress this by analysing the biographies and contributions to international space law of eleven such early "pioneers”, whose ground-breaking and original work helped to develop the field in important ways. The collection starts in the 1930's with the Czech author Vladimir Mandl, and dwells at length on the 1950's, the early time of space flight. The section on each "pioneer" is written by different members of the International Institute of Space Law, making this a lively, fascinating and unique collection of essays, of interest to the whole community of space lawyers.

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

The scholarly contributions presented in this timely collection address the special realm of legal rules pertinent to space activities and their terrestrial applications. Outer space is generally considered a "global commons", so this volume focuses on the international regime which is also the foundation of an increasing number of national space laws. Topics covered concern the development, character and structure of international space law, its relationship with national space law, and the military and commercial aspects of space activities, including launching and satellite applications. Together with an original introduction by the editor, this fascinating collection provides a comprehensive overview of the most important matters relating to international space law and will be a valuable research tool for academics and practitioners alike.

International Space Law and the United Nations is a comprehensive collection of writings by the author on this latest branch of international law. The book covers a number of subjects highlighted by discussions of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its Legal Subcommittee. The book also takes into account the influences that international organizations have had on the development of space law and includes several perspectives of developing countries on this subject. This publication is an outstanding educational and reference tool, as the author tackles this complex subject in an organized and rational manner. The author, a key participant at the United Nations in the development of international law relating to activities in space, traces the history of that development, giving clear insight into the workings of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, and establishes space law as a distinct legal discipline. Subsequent chapters are devoted to the various issues that have given rise to the growth of this discipline, including arms control; economic and social development; specific provisions contained in the outer space treaties and how they relate to practical matters, such as dispute resolution; private sector growth and commercialization in space activities; international cooperative programmes, particularly those developed under the auspices of the United Nations, and recent developments and future issues facing the space-faring community. The book is an excellent source for further research in the field of space law. It is a must for students and practitioners and those interested in international organizations.

This book's twenty-six articles fully examine the major developments and issues of the law governing human activities in space, those of states as well as those of private entities. Topics include the legal framework evolved by and through the United Nations; the legal status of astronauts, satellites, and outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies; the military and commercial use of outer space; environmental protection; governmental responsibility for space activities; liability for damage caused by space objects, communications satellites; television broadcasts; remote sensing; commercial launchings; and the application of national laws on board spacecraft, space stations, and on the moon and other celetial bodies.