International Space Law

Module 1 — Foundations of International Space Law

Students are introduced to the principal sources of international space law, including the Outer Space Treaty and related United Nations space treaties. The course examines the principle that outer space activities are governed by international law.

Module 2 — Peaceful Uses and Non-Appropriation

Students examine the peaceful-use principle and the prohibition on national appropriation of outer space and celestial bodies. The course distinguishes lawful space activities from claims of territorial sovereignty.

Module 3 — Space Objects and Registration

Students learn the legal significance of identifying and registering space objects. The course introduces registration obligations and the relationship between registered space objects and the States responsible for them.

Module 4 — State Responsibility and Liability

Students examine the international responsibility of States for national space activities and the liability framework applicable to damage caused by space objects. The course distinguishes responsibility from liability.

Module 5 — Astronauts and Rescue Obligations

Students are introduced to the legal status and protection of astronauts and the international obligations concerning assistance, rescue and return. The course emphasises cooperation between States in responding to space emergencies.

Module 6 — International Cooperation and Emerging Space Activities

Students examine international cooperation in space activities and consider emerging issues involving commercial operators, space resources, sustainability and orbital debris. The course emphasises compliance with existing international obligations.

Knowledge Test

1. Which treaty is a foundational instrument of international space law?

The Outer Space Treaty The Chicago Convention The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations The Convention on International Maritime Law

2. What is the principle of non-appropriation in outer space law?

Outer space and celestial bodies are not subject to national appropriation Every State may claim any planet as sovereign territory Private companies automatically acquire sovereignty over celestial bodies Space objects cannot be registered

3. Why is registration of space objects important?

It helps identify space objects and establishes an important legal connection to a registering State It gives the object territorial sovereignty It removes State responsibility It makes the object exempt from international law

4. What is the difference between State responsibility and liability?

Responsibility concerns compliance with international obligations, while liability concerns legal responsibility for applicable damage under the relevant framework They are always identical Neither concept applies to space activities Liability only concerns astronaut training

5. Why is international cooperation important in space activities?

Space activities can affect multiple States and require coordinated compliance with international obligations Space activities never cross national interests Only one State can legally use outer space International cooperation is prohibited