Property in Outer Space in International Law and Philosophy: The Province of All Mankind?

Exploring the concepts of territory, sovereignty and jurisdiction, this forward-thinking book brings together international lawyers and political philosophers to discuss the complex issues raised by property in outer space. It provides innovative insights into the future of domestic and international law on resource extraction and other forms of public and private exploration and exploitation of celestial bodies.

Chapters evaluate the confluence between public and private international law in outer space, the prospects of an international law of spatial commons, the protection of the international spatial environment, as well as the equitable sharing of scientific benefits from outer space. Reflecting on important questions relating to political equality, representation and participation in space law-making processes and institutions, the book invites readers to revisit the sources of both public and private international law. Expert contributors argue for the revival of the international law of science, providing protections against the commercialisation of spatial exploration.

Property in Outer Space in International Law and Philosophy is a vital read for scholars and practitioners of both private and public international law. Political theorists and philosophers of science will also benefit from its insights into matters of sovereignty and the scientific commons.