Space Law

The Outer Space Treaty, formally known as the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, is the primary international treaty governing space law.

The Outer Space Treaty states that outer space is a global commons, meaning that it is not subject to national appropriation by any state.

The principle of non-interference in space law prohibits states from interfering with the activities of other states in space, placing weapons in space, and conducting military exercises in space.

The principle of liability in space law states that states are liable for damages caused by their space activities, their space objects, and their astronauts.

The principle of rescue and return in space law requires states to rescue and return both astronauts and space objects in distress.

The principle of non-discrimination in space law prohibits states from discriminating against other states in their space activities, their access to space, and their use of space.

The principle of cooperation in space law encourages states to cooperate with each other in their space activities, share information about their space activities with each other, and provide assistance to each other in their space activities.

The principle of peaceful use of outer space prohibits states from using outer space for military purposes, weapons testing, and military exercises.

The principle of freedom of exploration and use of outer space states that states are free to explore and use outer space for peaceful purposes.

The principle of common heritage of mankind states that the resources of outer space are the common heritage of all mankind.

The principle of due regard for the interests of other states in space law requires states to take into account the interests of other states when conducting their space activities.

The principle of prevention of harmful interference in space law requires states to take all necessary measures to prevent harmful interference with the space activities, space objects, and astronauts of other states.

The principle of responsibility for damage caused by space objects states that states are liable for damage caused by their space objects, their astronauts, and their space activities.

The principle of settlement of disputes in space law states that disputes between states concerning space law are to be settled peacefully, through negotiation, and through mediation.

The principle of international cooperation in space law encourages states to cooperate with each other in their space activities, share information about their space activities with each other, and provide assistance to each other in their space activities.