International law concerning the use of space

The fundamental legal framework of space law is composed of five international treaties (namely the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, the Rescue Agreement of 1968, the Liability Convention of 1971, the Registration Convention of 1976 and the Moon Agreement of 1979), and five sets of principles governing outer space, (i.e.

The Outer Space Treaty There is no claim for sovereignty in space; no nation can “own” space, the Moon or any other body. Weapons of mass destruction are forbidden in orbit and beyond, and the Moon, the planets, and other celestial bodies can only be used for peaceful purposes.

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With the input of a team of global practitioners and academics in the field of international space law and general international law, the SpaceLawPedia aims to be the definitive source of peer-reviewed reference material for anyone practising, conducting research on or teaching international space law." .

What is the declaration of legal principles governing space exploration?

The Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space (1963) All space exploration will be done with good intentions and is equally open to all States that comply with international law.
No one nation may claim ownership of outer space or any celestial body.

What is the law governing space activity?

The law currently governing activity in space is based on international law, convention, treaties and diplomacy.
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs ("UNOOSA") is the United Nations entity dedicated to promoting international cooperation amongst States in the exploration and peaceful use of space.

How many international treaties are underpinning space law?

There are five international treaties underpinning space law, overseen by the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS)

The signing of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967

Credit: United Nations The treaty is the foundation of international space law for signatory nations (108 in 2019)

What is a space law guide?

This guide is designed to help researchers identify relevant secondary sources (treatises, books, and journal articles) about space law and to quickly locate the full texts of primary law materials, including treaties and soft law instruments at the international level, and domestic laws and regulations at the national level

“Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Ce…

Type of extra-territorial zone

An international zone is any area not fully subject to the border control policies of the state in which it is located.
There are several types of international zones ranging from special economic zones and sterile zones at ports of entry exempt from customs rules to concessions over which administration is ceded to one or more foreign states.
International zones may also maintain distinct visa policies from the rest of the surrounding state.

How nations operate the orbital research complex

Politics of the International Space Station have been affected by superpower rivalries, international treaties and funding arrangements.
The Cold War was an early factor, overtaken in recent years by the United States' distrust of China.
The station has an international crew, with the use of their time, and that of equipment on the station, being governed by treaties between participant nations.