International Space Law and the Governance of Outer Space
International Space Law and the Governance of Outer Space explains how international law governs activities beyond Earth while balancing exploration, security, commerce, science, sustainability, and common interest. This article examines the Outer Space Treaty, non-appropriation, peaceful purposes, state responsibility, private space actors, launch authorization, liability, registration, astronauts, rescue obligations, harmful interference, space debris, space traffic management, spectrum and orbital slots, remote sensing, lunar governance, space resources, planetary protection, dual-use systems, anti-satellite weapons, cyber operations, and military activity. It shows how outer space law must adapt from Cold War treaty architecture to crowded orbital infrastructure and commercial expansion. The article also addresses equity, developing-state participation, environmental protection, critical infrastructure, human rights, and future governance. By connecting doctrine, institutions, case studies, and lawyer-facing workflows, it shows how space law governs an increasingly strategic global commons today across contemporary international legal practice.









