Routledge Handbook of Space Law

This Handbook is a prestigious reference work providing a comprehensive, objective and comparative overview of space law.

Space law is changing and expanding fast, especially at national level. More laws and regulations are being adopted and adapted by space-faring nations while more countries are adapting their space laws and regulations related to activities in outer space. More regulatory bodies are being created, while more regulatory diversity (from public law to private law) is being instituted with increasing and innovative activities being undertaken by private entities which employ new technologies and business initiatives. At the international level, space law (both hard law and soft law) is expanding in certain areas, including satellite telecommunications, international trade, space security and sustainability.

The Routledge Handbook of Space Law summarises the existing state of knowledge on a comprehensive range of topics and will try to set the future international research agenda by indicating gaps and inconsistencies in the existing law and highlighting emerging legal issues. Unlike other books on the subject, it addresses major legal aspects (irrespective of their source) applicable to particular activities (applications) and issues, rather than providing commentary on or explanations about a particular space law treaty or national regulation.

Drawing together contributions from leading academic scholars and practising lawyers from around the world, the volume is divided into three key parts:

• Part I: General Principles of International Space Law
• Part II: International Law of Space Applications
• Part III: National Regulation of Space Activities

This Handbook is both practical and theoretical in scope, and will be a vital reference tool to academics, professionals and policy makers with an interest in space law.