Outer space and international law in the 21st century : a need for reform?

Abstract

This thesis is inspired by the intriguing struggle of law and technology. Technology continues to produce changes in society by the day, and law, as a foundation of civilisation, must endeavour to keep pace with these developments and promote beneficial changes. This is not always simple, as can be seen in the legal field which deals with Outer Space. This work seeks to investigate the origins and development of Space Law from an international perspective. This background which this provides allows for a thought-provoking appreciation of the legal nature of the current legal regime, highlighting its main features and examining whether it is faced with any problems. The next goal is to analyse the current international regime of Space Law, with a focus on clarifying the current situation as well as identifying and introducing any legal problems which may be present within this framework. The third objective is to investigate specific issues faced by Space Law. . The problems which are investigated exemplify the depth and scope of the diverse difficulties that plague the corpus juris spatialis,1 and demonstrate the variety of possible legal avenues which can be pursued on an international level. Through such research it is possible to conclude that the body of international Space Law in its current state does not appear to adequately serve as a comprehensive force of governance for human activities connected with Outer Space. The final part of this work discusses the various changes which may occur.