The opening of space to exploration and use has had profound effects on society. Remote sensing by satellite has improved meteorology, land use and the monitoring of the environment. Satellite television immediately informs us visually of events in formerly remote locations, as well as providing many entertainment channels. World telecommunication facilities have been revolutionised. Global positioning has improved transport. This book examines the varied elements of public law that lie behind and regulate the use of space. It also makes suggestions for the development and improvement of the law, particularly as private enterprise plays an increasing role in space.

    Chapter 1 Introduction: Actors, History and Fora; Chapter 2 Sources of Space Law; Chapter 3 The Outer Space Treaty, 1967; Chapter 4 Space Objects: Control, Registration, Return and Liability – The Treaties and the Practice; Chapter 5 Astronauts; Chapter 6 The Air/Space Boundary Question; Chapter 7 The Moon and Other Celestial Bodies; Chapter 8 Radio and the International Telecommunication Union; Chapter 9 Orbits, Direct Broadcasting and Solar Power; Chapter 10 Environmental Regulation; Chapter 11 Telecommunication Organisations; Chapter 12 Global Navigation Satellite Systems; Chapter 13 Remote Sensing; Chapter 14 Space Activities and International Trade Law; Chapter 15 Commercial Activities and the Implementation of Space Law; Chapter 16 The Military Use of Outer Space; Chapter 17 The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI); Chapter 18 The Future;

    Biography

    Professor Lyall is Emeritus Professor of Public Law at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Paul B. Larsen is Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, USA.

    'Space Law: A Treatise contains a font of knowledge. It is not only an ambitious work but one that makes good reading. It will become a standard reference work for those consulting and interacting with the space community. Its title is truly reflected by its content.'
    Space Policy

    'Fundamental knowledge of the subject and vast experience of the authors make this treatise a valuable source of information for students, practitioners and all those interested in the origins and development of this exciting legal discipline. Readers will gain a good insight into the current state and many challenges facing the legal regulation of outer space activities.'
    V.S. Vereshchetin, Honorary Director of the International Institute of Space Law and Former Member of the International Court of Justice

    'Brilliant treatise, written by two outstanding scholars, covering the entire gamut of issues involved in space law. It is written with clarity necessary for comprehension of the complex issues covered from the speculative beginnings of space law to its practical applications in governmental and commercial space activities. An outstanding educational and reference tool that may well be used by generations of scholars and practitioners.'
    Nandi Jasentuliyana, International Institute of Space Law, The Netherlands

    'This treatise, authored by two of the leading experts in the complicated and rapidly-developing field of outer space law, is a unique asset.  It is both comprehensive (covering a wide swath of public and private law issues) and current (providing both the historical background and the up-to-the-minute details of contemporary controversies), and its many footnotes provide citations to documents that are both obscure and important.  It is sure to become an indispensable component of any space lawyer's bookshelf.'
    David A. Koplow, Georgetown University, USA