Space law

Space law is a type of international law dealing primarily with conduct in the area of space above Earth's lower atmosphere, i.e. outer space. At present this type of law is in its infancy.

History

U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower introduced the concept in 1957, in connection with disarmament talks, and the launch of the first Russian space satellite.

Main treaties

• The nuclear test ban treaty of 1963 banned the test of nuclear weapons in outer space.
• The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 governed the activities of states in space exploration.
• The rescue agreement of 1968 dealt with the rescue and return of astronauts and the return of objects launched into space.
• The liability convention of 1972 dealt with damages caused by space objects.
• The registration convention of 1974 covered the registration of objects launched in outer space.
• The moon treaty of 1974 dealt with the activities of states on the moon and other bodies.

Space law today

In theory the International Space Station is governed by this type of law.

External links

• Overview of space law
• International Space Law