Building Blocks for the Development of an International Framework for the Governance of Space Resource Activities

Introduction 1
1 Mission 1
2 Composition and Functioning of the Working Group 2
3 Face-to-Face Meetings 3
4 Commentary 5

Building Blocks 7

Commentary 17
1 Objective 17
1 Text 17
2 Explanation 17
3 Legal Basis 19
4 Alternatives Discussed 20

2 Definition of Key Terms 22
1 Text 22
2 Explanation 23
3 Legal Basis 25
4 Alternatives Discussed 25

3 Scope 26
1 Text 26
2 Explanation 27
3 Legal Basis 28
4 Alternatives Discussed 29

4 Principles 31
1 Text 31
2 Explanation 31
3 Legal Basis 34
4 Alternatives Discussed 38

5 International Responsibility for Space Resource Activities 40
1 Text 40
2 Explanation 40
3 Legal Basis 41
4 Alternatives Discussed 42

6 Jurisdiction and Control over Space-Made Products Used in Space Resource Activities 43
1 Text 43
2 Explanation 43
3 Legal Basis 44
4 Alternatives Discussed 45

7 Priority Rights 46
1 Text 46
2 Explanation 46
3 Legal Basis 47
4 Alternatives Discussed 48

8 Resource Rights 50
1 Text 50
2 Explanation 50
3 Legal Basis 51
4 Alternatives Discussed 53

9 Due Regard for Corresponding Interests of all Countries and Humankind 54
1 Text 54
2 Explanation 55
3 Legal Basis 55
4 Alternatives Discussed 57

10 Avoidance and Mitigation of Potentially Harmful Impacts Resulting from Space Resource Activities 58
1 Text 58
2 Explanation 59
3 Legal Basis 61
4 Alternatives Discussed 63

11 Technical Standards for, Prior Review of, and Safety Zones Around Space Resource Activities 64
1 Text 64
2 Explanation 65
3 Legal Basis 67
4 Alternatives Discussed 70

12 Monitoring and Redressing Harmful Impacts Resulting from Space Resource Activities 70
1 Text 70
2 Explanation 71
3 Legal Basis 71
4 Alternatives Discussed 74

13 Sharing of Benefits Arising out of the Utilization of Space Resources 74
1 Text 74
2 Explanation 75
3 Legal Basis 76
4 Alternatives Discussed 78

14 Registration and Sharing of Information 79
1 Text 79
2 Explanation 80
3 Legal Basis 83
4 Alternatives Discussed 85

15 Provision of Assistance in Case of Distress 86
1 Text 86
2 Explanation 86
3 Legal Basis 87
4 Alternatives Discussed 88

16 Liability in Case of Damage Resulting from Space Resource Activities 88
1 Text 88
2 Explanation 89
3 Legal Basis 89
4 Alternatives Discussed 91

17 Visits Relating to Space Resource Activities 91
1 Text 91
2 Explanation 92
3 Legal Basis 92
4 Alternatives Discussed 93

18 Institutional Arrangements 93
1 Text 93
2 Explanation 94
3 Legal Basis 95
4 Alternatives Discussed 97

19 Settlement of Disputes 98
1 Text 98
2 Explanation 98
3 Legal Basis 99
4 Alternatives Discussed 103

20 Monitoring and Review 103
1 Text 103
2 Explanation 103
3 Legal Basis 104
4 Alternatives Discussed 104

Appendix I Consortium Partners, Members & Observers of the Working Group 105
Appendix II Report of the Technical Panel 113
Appendix III Report of the Socio-Economic Panel 133