Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. Frans von der Dunk, a leading authority on space law, presents a nuanced introduction to the topic, explaining the legal rules, rights and obligations applicable to activities in outer space and activities that precede operations in space. He analyzes the interaction of these elements as well as how international organizations relate to the core tenets of space legislation. Key features include: an accessible and engaging writing style a forward-looking approach to how technological developments will be addressed in law discussion of space law within the boundaries of technology, operations, economics and politics consideration of fundamental paradigm changes, such as the increasing commercialization and privatization of space activities. This Advanced Introduction is ideal for advanced students looking for a clear and concise overview of space law. It also provides an entry point for academics and practitioners who need to understand the relationship between space and law.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. Frans von der Dunk, a leading authority on space law, presents a nuanced introduction to the topic, explaining the legal rules, rights and obligations applicable to activities in outer space and activities that precede operations in space. He analyzes the interaction of these elements as well as how international organizations relate to the core tenets of space legislation. Key features include: an accessible and engaging writing style a forward-looking approach to how technological developments will be addressed in law discussion of space law within the boundaries of technology, operations, economics and politics consideration of fundamental paradigm changes, such as the increasing commercialization and privatization of space activities. This Advanced Introduction is ideal for advanced students looking for a clear and concise overview of space law. It also provides an entry point for academics and practitioners who need to understand the relationship between space and law.

The increasing involvement of private enterprise in the conduct of space activities raises key issues with respect to international space law which has left it to national law to implement relevant rules vis-a-vis private enterprise. Almost unavoidably, such national implementation regimes differ largely across individual states. This is also true in Europe, where the issue is further compounded by the fundamental - but fundamentally different - roles of ESA and the European Union. Focusing on Europe, the present book thus represents the first comprehensive effort to discuss national authorisation schemes not country by country but theme by theme, so as to allow for a real comparison of the lack of harmonisation or even coordination, and the possible problems which may result.

The scholarly contributions discussed in this timely research review address the special realm of legal rules applicable to space activities and their terrestrial applications. Outer space is generally considered a "global commons", so this review focuses on the international regime which is also the foundation of an increasing number of national space laws. Topics covered concern the development, character and structure of international space law, its relationship with national space law, and military and commercial aspects of space activities, including launching and satellite applications. This fascinating study provides a comprehensive overview of the most important matters relating to international space law and will be a valuable research tool for academics and practitioners alike.