Space Law

"Paper satellites" and the free use of outer space

Online guide to the issues surrounding the demand for and allocation of slots for satellites in the geostationary orbit (GSO) written by Iulia-Diana Galeriu who has been a Legal Intern at IATA (International Air Transport Association) (2014-2015) and an International Institute of Air and Space Law Alumna. The guide was published in 2015 on the Globalex website and made freely available by the Hauser Global Law School Program at the New York University School of Law.

Planetary Protection Obligations of States Pursuant to the Space Treaties and with Special Emphasis on National Legislations Provisions

Article by lawyer Gustavo Boccardo, published on New York University's Globalex website and last updated in 2018. Discusses contamination of space by space exploration missions and the reverse, where potentially dangerous organisms are bought back to Earth in samples for scientific analysis. Covers the Outer Space Treaty and to the planetary protection policies of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). Also gives an overview of planetary protection provisions in the national law of states who are parties to the Outer Space Treaty.

Space Asset under the Space Protocol of the Cape Town Convention

Online guide to the term ‘Space Asset’ written by Pai Zheng who is Assistant Professor at the International Law School of East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL) in Shanghai, China and Ruo Wang an LL.M. Candidate (Public International Law) at ECUPL. The guide was published in 2014 (and updated in 2023) on the Globalex website and made freely available by the Hauser Global Law School Program at the New York University School of Law.

International Space Law

This section of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) website provides access to legal materials and background documents about international space law. These include treaties (bilateral and multilateral); General Assembly resolutions; a database of national laws and official documents relating to outer space (including a directory of space law courses, 'Educational opportunities in space law'); and studies by UNOOSA.

International Institute of Air and Space Law

Website of the International Institute of Air and Space Law, which is based at Leiden University in the Netherlands. The institute's work includes teaching at graduate and post-graduate level, conducting research and providing advice and information to governments, international organisations and airlines. Its website includes information about the work of the Institute, the Hague Space Resources Governance Working Group and the International Air Law Moot Court.

European Centre for Space Law

Website of the European Centre for Space Law (ECSL), a research organisation set up by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 1989 with the aim of "improving space law research, education and practice in Europe." ECSL's website has course information, publications and a newsletter. Also included are ESA laws and regulations, bibliographies and other information.

International Institute of Space Law

Website of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), a membership organisation founded in 1960 and based in France. The purpose of the IISL is cooperation with national and international space law organisations and the development of space law. The site provides information about the Institute's activities, which include annual colloquia and joint symposia with the European Centre for Space. Standing committee reports, an online newsletter and conference and workshop proceedings can be downloaded from the site.

Satellites and Law

Satellites and Law is a research programme based at the Centre for Law and the Environment at University College London. The programme deals with issues surrounding the use of satellites for monitoring and enforcing environmental laws. The site has information on research projects taking place looking at the use of satellites in legal systems, privacy issues in using satellite imagery in courts and national and international experience of using satellite imagery as a legal monitoring and compliance tool.

European Space Policy Institute

Website of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), a body established by the European Space Agency ESA and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) in 2003 with the aim of providing decision-makers with an ¶independent view and analysis on mid- to long term issues relevant to the use of space.÷ The site gives details of ESPI members, governing bodies and staff. A selection of reports dealing with issues and trends in the global space sector are available to download along with articles and presentations by ESPI staff.

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