Applying international space law precedent to space tourism, mining and settlement
- Paper number
IAC-06-E6.5.16
- Author
Prof. Edythe Weeks, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Legal precedent has been established in the field of international space law. Commercialization and privatization processes are now the norm for satellite telecommunications, remote sensing, space transportation and launch services, space stations and spaceports. U.S. law has served as a model, directing many of the international legal norms for outer space development. Considering this legal trend - from the formation and purpose of the COMSAT Corporation to the recent political and legal issues surrounding the U.S. Orbit Act - this paper entertains possible emerging legal trends, considering the historical influence that U.S. law has had on international space practices. Particularly, in light of the recent actions taken by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Executive Branch in articulating plans for the next steps for outer space. This paper interprets what recent actions may mean for space tourism, space mining and possibly outer space settlements as humankind takes its next steps to develop the final frontier.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E6.5.16.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.