The Business of Outer Space: Commercial and Legal Issues

The Business of Outer Space assesses selected legal issues associated with commercial space activities. The book begins by explaining the historical background that has given rise to the diverse and expanding contemporary commercial space industry, including important milestones that have facilitated the growth of the industry. The book explains the various segments or categories that make up the commercial space industry including their associated goods and services. This provides the reader with the context needed to comprehend the growth and diversification of commercial space activities from space manufacturing to satellite data services.

The book continues with a series of topical case studies of relevance to various space activities. For example, the book dedicates a chapter to examining the close connection that exists between commercial and military space activities and analysing how dual-use technologies offered by commercial entities have an important role to play in military space operations. The book continues with a deep dive into the emerging connections between the artificial intelligence industry and space industry, and the risks and opportunities therein. A significant and timely case study within the book is the regulation of satellite (mega) constellations. This case study examines commercial and regulatory issues associated with the deployment of satellite constellations, paying close attention to how current international space legal frameworks might regulate such activities. Of particular relevance to many space businesses is the topic of intellectual property. The book described in detail the application of patent law in the context of space activities and discusses how international space law and certain domestic laws may provide greater certainty for space actors with regards to intellectual property and space activities. Finally, considering the complex engineering considerations faced by many space companies, the book provides the reader with a detailed analysis of how a system-of-systems risk management approach can assist with some of the challenges associated with designing and operating commercial space missions.

The work contained in this book is intended to provide the reader with series of select case studies examining topics related to commercial space activities. The book will appeal to a broad range of reader from policy makers, space lawyers, regulatory bodies, space businesses, national space agencies as well as academics, researcher, and students.