International Space Law in the New Space Era Principles and Challenges

The increasingly commercial nature of space activities and the intent of States to expand space travel have spawned renewed attempts of changing the foundations of space law, most of which originated in the twentieth century. Understanding the principles of international space law is essential for ensuring a sustainable future for all in outer space.

International Space Law in the New Space Era addresses the international legal and regulatory aspects of outer space that govern developments in the field worldwide. It covers the five United Nations' space treaties along with soft law and other policies. With contributions from established experts in the domain of space law, the volume encompasses the entire gamut of international space law while simultaneously addressing inadequacies that have arisen in light of current developments such as space commercialization, space tourism, and space mining.

Space law as an academic discipline is gaining prominence in law schools across the globe and this book is the result of a joint endeavour of two prominent Indian law universities (NUJS, Kolkata & MNLU, Mumbai), which have specialized centres in air and space laws. With its balanced mix of theory and practice, this book provides a timely and accessible resource to understanding international law not only for students and academics, but also for policymakers, practitioners, and those working in the space industry.

Sandeepa Bhat, Professor of Law and Director - CASL, The WB National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata,Dilip Ukey, Vice Chancellor and Professor of Law, Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai,Adithya Variath, Assistant Professor of Law and Coordinator, Centre for Research in Air and Space Law, Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai


Prof. (Dr.) Sandeepa Bhat B. is working as a Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Aviation and Space Laws at West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata. He is the first person to be inducted as the UNIDROIT Correspondent for India. He is a member of four distinguished international bodies including the American Society of International Law. He also has the distinction of being a member of the Indian Space Research Organization's Expert Group for drafting the National Space Act for India.


Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Ukey is the Vice-Chancellor of Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai. Before joining MNLU Mumbai, he served as a Professor and the Head of the Department at the Department of Law, Savitribai Phule Pune University Pune. In the past, he was appointed as a Visiting Research Fellow by New South Wales University, Sydney


Adithya Variath is an Assistant Professor of Law and Coordinator of the Centre for Research in Air and Space Law at Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai. He was also a Research Fellow at the Information Society Law Center, University of Milan, Italy. He was also a Research Group Member at the Centre for AI and Digital Policy, Washington, DC, United States. He is the Founding Editor of the Indian Review of Air and Space Law.

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL SPACE LAW, Bhat B Sandeepa2. THE NEVER-ENDING PROBLEM OF DEMARCATION: ADDRESSING THE AIR/SPACE BOUNDARY ISSUE IN INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC LAW, Christopher J Newman3. THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE UNITED NATIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL SPACE LAW, Steven Freeland Anne-Sophie Martin4. OUTER SPACE TREATY AND FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES, Setsuko Aoki5. NORMS GOVERNING RESCUE AND RETURN, Adithya Variath6. STATE RESPONSIBILITY AND INTERNATIONAL LIABILITY, Sandeepa Bhat B7. REGISTRATION OF SPACE OBJECTS, Mahulena Hofmann8. THE MOON AGREEMENT-A SWAN SONG, Michelle LD Hanlon9. MOON AGREEMENT: KEY PROVISIONS, Fabio Tronchetti10. SOFT LAWS RELATING TO SPACE ACTIVITIES, Yun Zhao11. ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION IN REGULATING SPACE ACTIVITIES, Jennifer A Brobst12. THE ARTEMIS ACCORDS AND SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENTS, Melissa de Zwart Joel Lisk13. INTERNATIONAL SECURED TRANSACTIONS LAW IN OUTER SPACE, Hamza Hameed14. INTERNATIONAL NORMS ON THE SETTLEMENT OF SPACE DISPUTES, Mark J Sundahl15. THIRD WORLD APPROACHES TO INTERNATIONAL SPACE LAW, Kiran Mohan Vazhapully