Introduction to Space Law

Introduction to Space Law, currently in its fifth edition, comprises major updates to the fourth edition of the long-time classic, reflecting new developments in space law and technology over the past five years. The relevance and substance of space law as a branch of public international law continue to expand. This updated version covers new or expanded material on the proliferation of non-state and commercial entities as space actors, legal aspects of innovations in space technology, the evolving international law of satellite telecommunication in a networked world, and the adoption of national laws and international soft law mechanisms that complement the international treaty regime adopted in the 1960s and 1970s.

In this latest overview of space law, the authors provide an easily accessible analysis of the governing framework and institutional landscape at the international, regional (with a focus on Europe) and national levels and the legal challenges of new and traditional areas of space activity, including:
- the peaceful uses of outer space, including issues of dual-use, export control and cybersecurity;
- protection of the Earth and space environment;
- telecommunication;
- the commercial use of space resources;
- human space flight;
- small satellites and large constellations;
- Earth observation; and
- global navigation satellite systems.

Furthermore, the five United Nations Treaties on space are included as Annexes for easy reference by students and professionals alike.

This thoroughly updated Introduction to Space Law furnishes 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-expanding field of space activities.