Space Law is one of the major developments of both international and private law of the last half century. The exploration of space is important in itself but the commercial exploitation of space has had an immediate impact on the life of all of us. The era of privatization in the 1990s and the entry of many states into space activities produced a period of development and flux. As Space Law now enters a period of relative stability, this volume provides a timely analysis and assessment of how the law serves current and foreseeable needs.The work critically explores how the law has evolved at international and local level to deal with the rapid and continuous developments in Space Law in the last fifty years. The study provides a comprehensive review of Space Law and associated issues, looking at technological developments, international treaties and controls, environmental concerns, international trade regulations, commercial potential, military uses, SETI, and prospects for the future.As the US suggests the reactivation of a moon mission and increasing numbers of countries increase space exploration programmes, this book provides a valuable and timely guide to the current legal situation.Francis Lyall is Professor of Public Law at the University of Aberdeen.

He has published widely in the area of Space Law and sits on the board of numerous International bodies governing this area, including the International Institute of Space Law, the European Centre for Space Law and the International Academy of Astronautics.Professor Paul Larsen teaches aviation and space law at Georgetown University. He has published widely in this area and is a member/chairman of numerous US delegations to the UN and ICAO legal Committee. He is chairman of the aerospace industry working group subcommittee on space law.