[European Trajectories in Space Law](/)
By Jean-Louis van de Wouwer & Francois Lambert
Law and Policy Above the Sky
"There are so many benefits to be derived from space exploration and exploitation; why not take what seems to me the only chance of escaping what is otherwise the sure destruction of all that humanity has struggled to achieve for 50,000 years?"
-- Isaac Asimov, speech at Rutgers University
SPACE EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION ARE HAPPENING NOW!
With all their legal problems
… it is time to act
Space-Law.net and Homes International bring you European Trajectories in Space Law, in a joint publication with Bruylant and the Office for the Official Publications of the European Union.
European Trajectories in Space Law gives a thorough account of the most recent developments in the fields of space law and policy and contributes to a prior objective, i.e. the awareness that space policy is one of the key elements of Europe’s importance in the world.
European Trajectories in Space Law describes three distinctive phases in space law in order to highlight the problems authorities and actors in space must be aware of for the future: the period before 1960, the period between 1960 and ca. 2000 and the period which starts from ca. 2000 on.
“This book elaborates on three different periods of outer space law: the times before 1960, the years between 1960-2000, and after 2000. A good overview of the overall development of outer space law is provided. The book concludes that outer space has become a key factor of European foreign policy. Yet, this does not mean that the EU is interested in a militarization of outer space, rather that it will seek to prevent this from happening in order to maximize its security. The European States would best achieve their goal if they were able to maintain a common, unified position.”
-- The 2009 National Model United Nations (NMUN), Position Paper for General Assembly Plenary
During the first period, before 1960, it became apparent that space law had to be assessed under a separate international legal framework; space is not a location but a source of activities which have to be regulated, and under many aspects a prolongation of air law.
With respect to principles, the principle of liberty of space – extended to celestial bodies – was internationally accepted under the auspices of the United Nations. This was consolidated by the principle of liberty of access by two other conventions. Furthermore, it was accepted that only civilian developments could take place in space, space law being a branch of international law.
“This book on Europe’s trajectories in space law is published at the right time. This document gives a thorough account of the most recent developments in this field and contributes to a prior objective, i.e. the awareness that space policy is one of the key elements of Europe’s importance in the world.”
-- Prof. Philippe Busquin, European Commissioner in charge of research between 1999 and 2004; Member of the European Parliament (Foreword)
During the second period (1960 until ± 2000) a number of specific treaties were proposed for signature by Member States of the United Nations Organization:
the Outer Space Treaty (1967); the Rescue Agreement (1968); the Liability Convention (1968); the Convention on Registration of Objects launched into outer space (1974); the Conventions establishing and specifying the European Space Agency (1975-1980); the International Telecommunication Union Convention (1973 and developments); the Inter-Governmental Agreement on the International Space Station (1988) with the commercial development plan proposed by NASA (1998).
With space activity contributing remarkably to telecommunication improvements, navigation systems by satellite navigation, remote sensing, energy resources (solar power, etc.) as well as awareness of space travel it became apparent that orbiting space debris and pollution were of concern.
“The book offers a thorough account of the developments of space law, and the problems still to be solved through valuable comments of the authors. It covers in particular the role of Europe and the commitment of the European Union to space as an integral part of its policies that will influence the day-to-day life of European citizens.”
-- Journaal Luchtrecht, August 2008 (LR 2008)
The third period in space law starts around the millennium change. Institutional convergence between the European Commission and the European Space Agency, a White Paper on space policy (2003) and reference made to space in the draft European Convention are great steps forward.
Coherence is sought in matters of defence, satellite navigation system, cooperation with third countries, reflexion on the international role assigned to the International Space Station, commercial private space travel, and developments in the International Telecommunications Union. Multilateral solutions need to be found against increasing environmental damage originating in space. Insurance of space activities has to be adapted. Space competition, claims and dispute resolution are other challenges.
Probably the most important concerns for European citizens are “space security”, control of concentration in the aerospace industry through sound EU procurement rules in relation to space policy and a European independent common defence procurement platform. Thus, space law requires new instruments and regulations which are advocated strongly in this book.
“...space is for everybody. It's not just for a few people in science or math, or for a select group of astronauts. That's our new frontier out there, and it's everybody's business to know about space.”
-- Christa McAuliffe, STS-51L astronaut, December 6, 1985
“THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR THE SERIOUS SPACE ACHIEVER”
Space law is a field of law which is still in its infancy. It is a field where things are changing and developing constantly at a tremendous pace. European Trajectories in Space Law is the perfect companion for the serious legal practitioners and policy makers eager to take part as forerunners in the development of space law and to contribute in shaping humanity’s future beyond the frontiers of planet Earth.
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](/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=6&Itemid=) Please note that the Table of Content is in English for all languages.
What you will get in the book:
« Core space law principles and instruments chronologically explained and actualised from a true European perspective
« Cross-analysis of these principles with space policy fundamentals (space law is highly dependent on space policy)
« Professional anticipation on Europe’s strategic vision for space and its role in shaping this emerging field of international law
« Presentation of actual limitations and problems and author’s comments/recommendations to tackle them
« Hints and suggestions for policy makers and space actors to better cope with “regulations awareness”
« A complete set of supporting documents in annexes and extensive list of references and links
« ... and much more!
“It's human nature to stretch, to go, to see, to understand. Exploration is not a choice, really; it's an imperative.”
-- Michael Collins, Gemini and Apollo astronaut
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“The greatest gain from space travel consists in the extension of our knowledge. In a hundred years this newly won knowledge will pay huge and unexpected dividends.”
-- Professor Wernher von Braun
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