Space Laws
- Outer Space Treaty (1967) Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Key provisions include the peaceful use of space, prohibition of weapons of mass destruction in space, and international responsibility for space activities.
- The foundational framework for international space law.
- Prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space.
- Ensures the exploration of space is conducted for the benefit of all countries.
- States that outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, is free for exploration and use by all states.
- Rescue Agreement (1968) Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts, and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space. Mandates the rescue of astronauts in distress and the return of space objects.
- Provides for the rescue of astronauts in distress and the return of space objects.
- Obligates signatory states to assist astronauts in emergencies.
- Liability Convention (1972) Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects. Establishes liability for damage caused by space objects to other countries or their space objects.
- Establishes the liability of states for damages caused by their space objects.
- Provides for claims and compensation mechanisms.
- Registration Convention (1976) Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space. Requires states to register space objects launched into Earth orbit or beyond and provide details about their launch and ownership.
- Requires states to register space objects with the United Nations.
- Helps to track objects and prevent potential conflicts.
- Moon Agreement (1984) Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Outlines principles for the use of lunar resources and international governance of lunar activities. Not widely adopted.
- Governs the activities of states on the Moon and other celestial bodies.
- Emphasizes that the Moon should be used for peaceful purposes.
- Not widely ratified and therefore less influential.
