EUR €187.20EUR €156.00 excl. VAT
Norm Formation in Space Law
Series: - Studies in Space Law, Volume: 24
Author:
Recipient of the 2025 Social Sciences Book Award of the International Academy of Astronautics!
The Japanese version of this text received the Riese Award from the Air Law Institute of Japan.
What kind of document should be created to solve the problem of space activities? This book uses case studies to illustrate how normative approaches in space law differ from those in other fields, delving into the history of norms and treaties in space law, contemporary issues concerning space activities, and issues surrounding debris removal and mitigation. Its analytical approach will be useful for readers who study how the basic theory of public international law can apply to new frontiers in space law.
The Japanese version of this text received the Riese Award from the Air Law Institute of Japan.
What kind of document should be created to solve the problem of space activities? This book uses case studies to illustrate how normative approaches in space law differ from those in other fields, delving into the history of norms and treaties in space law, contemporary issues concerning space activities, and issues surrounding debris removal and mitigation. Its analytical approach will be useful for readers who study how the basic theory of public international law can apply to new frontiers in space law.
Kimitake Nakamura, Ph.D. (2024) is Director-General for Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Ambassador), specializing in international law and national security. He is a non-resident scholar at the Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, and a visiting lecturer at the Waseda Graduate School of Law (Tokyo).
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Figures
Relevant Previous Publications
Introduction
Part 1
The Basic Structure of Space Law
1 Components of Space Law
1 Treaties and Customary International Law
1.1 Treaties
1.1.1 Space Treaties and the Moon Agreement
1.1.2 Treaties in Other Areas
1.1.3 Treaties Establishing International Organizations Related to Space Activities
1.1.4 Treaties for the Joint Implementation of Space Activities
1.2 Customary International Law
2 Non-legally Binding Norms
2.1 The Importance of Focusing on Non-legally Binding Norms
2.2 Examples of Non-legally Binding Norms
2.2.1 Multilateral Non-legally Binding Norms
2.2.2 Statements of Intent
2.2.3 Functions of Non-legally Binding Norms
3 Domestic Norms
3.1 Types of Domestic Norms
3.1.1 Organizational Laws and Laws on Basic Space Policy
3.1.2 Laws for the Self-Regulation of Space Activities
3.1.3 Laws for Domestic Acceptance of International Norms
3.1.4 Laws for Clarifying Interpretations of Space Treaties
3.2 Functions of Domestic Norms in the Formation of International Norms
2 The History of the Formation of the Basic Structure of Space Law
1 The History of the Development of the Law of the Sea and the Aviation Law
1.1 The Territorial Sea System and the High Seas System
1.2 Air Space above Territories
2 The History of the Development of the Basic Space Treaty System
2.1 Space Treaties
2.1.1 History of Negotiations
2.1.2 Structure for Balancing Interests
2.1.3 Interim Conclusion
2.1.4 Significance of the Consensus Method
2.2 Multilateral Non-legally Binding Norms
2.2.1 History of Negotiations
2.2.2 Structure for Balancing Interests
3 The Origins of the Structure for Balancing Interests
3.1 Physical Characteristics of Outer Space
3.2 Undefined Boundaries with Airspace
3 Contemporary Issues Concerning Space Activities
1 Increase in Space Debris
1.1 What Is Space Debris?
1.1.1 Definition
1.1.2 Causes of Space Debris
1.1.3 Orbit Lifetime
1.1.4 The Current Status of Orbital Congestion
1.1.5 Threats Posed by Debris
1.2 Impact of Military Activities
2 Increased Number of Satellites
2.1 Small Satellites
2.2 Large Constellations
3 Increased Risk of Radio Frequency Interference
Part 2
Norm Formation on Contemporary Issues
4 Ex Post Facto Remedies for Damage
1 The Liability System for Damage
1.1 The Structure of the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention
1.2 The Principle of Liability for Risk
1.3 Liability for Damage Caused at a Location Other than the Earth’s Surface
1.4 Joint and Several Liability for Damage Caused to a Third Party by the Collision of Two Space Objects
2 Damage Caused by Space Debris
2.1 Space Debris as a “Space Object”
2.2 Identification of the Launching States
2.3 Scope of Claims
2.3.1 Scope of “Damage”
2.3.2 Meaning of “Caused by Space Objects”
2.3.3 Damage to Debris
2.4 Absolute Liability for Surface Damage
2.5 Issues Concerning Fault-Based Liability
2.5.1 Academic Theories
2.5.2 Consideration
2.5.3 Limitations of the Principle of Fault-Based Liability
3 Characteristics of Norm Formation
3.1 Efforts to Supplement the System
3.1.1 Remedies Other Than the Liability System for Damage
3.1.2 Proposals for New Multilateral Treaties
3.1.3 Mandatory Insurance Coverage for Launching Operators and Government Indemnification
3.2 Significance and Limitations of the Liability System for Damages
5 Space Debris Mitigation
1 Space Debris Countermeasures
1.1 Developing Awareness of the Problem
1.2 Existing Countermeasures
1.2.1 Space Object Surveillance
1.2.2 Improvement of Technical Specifications and Operational Modes
1.2.3 Development of International Guidelines
1.2.4 Norm Formation by Non-governmental Organizations
2 Space Debris Mitigation and International Law
2.1 Provisions of the Space Treaties
2.2 Academic Theories
3 Characteristics of Norm Formation
6 On-Orbit Servicing (oos ) and Active Debris Removal (adr )
1 Content of Services and Norms in the Process of Formation
1.1 Content of Services
1.1.1 On-Orbit Servicing
1.1.2 Active Debris Removal
1.2 Emerging Norms
2 Legal Issues Related to Service Implementation
2.1 Treatment of the Jurisdiction of the States of Registry
2.1.1 Status of Debris in Space Treaties
2.1.2 Jurisdiction of the States of Registry andadr
2.1.3 Unregistered or Unidentifiable Space Objects
2.1.4 Other Issues
2.2 Liability for Damage
3 Characteristics of Norm Formation
7 Mechanisms for the Sustainable Implementation of Active Debris Removal
1 Direction of Potential Legal Frameworks
1.1 Scholarly Discussions
1.1.1 Theories Advocating Projects by International Organizations
1.1.2 Theories Advocating Implementation by Each Country (at Least for the Time Being)
1.1.3 Theories on Sharing the Burden of Debris Removal Costs
1.2 Factors to Consider
1.2.1 The Necessity of Identifying Legal Interests or Benefits
1.2.2 Concepts in International Environmental Law
1.2.3 Position of Debris Countermeasures under International Law
1.2.4 Problems with the Environmental Damage Approach
1.2.5 Other Theories
2 Other Potential Approaches
2.1 Precautionary Principle
2.2 The Concept of Development Assistance
3 Characteristics of Norm Formation
8 Space Traffic Management: A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Contemporary Issues
1 Development of the Notion of Space Traffic Management
1.1 Development in the United Nations and Other Fora
1.2 Policies of the United States
1.3 Policies of the European Union
2 Basic Elements of Space Traffic Management
2.1 Overview of the iaa Reports and spd -3
2.1.1 Theiaa Reports
2.1.2spd -3
2.2 Comparison of the iaa Reports and spd -3
2.2.1 Differences in Regulatory Philosophy
2.2.2 Need for the Specific Coordination of Space Activities
3 Characteristics of Norm Formation
3.1 Challenges in Future Norm Formation
3.1.1 Constraints Stemming from the Characteristics of Outer Space and the Availability of Technology
3.1.2 Constraints Due to Defense Policy and Corporate Proprietary Interests
3.1.3 Difficulties Associated with the Coordination of Specific Activities
3.2 Impact of stm on Norm Formation in Space Law
Part 3
Characteristics of Norm Formation in Space Law
Closing Chapter
1 Trends in Norm Formation on Contemporary Issues
1.1 The Evolution of the Structure for Balancing Interests
1.2 Towards Global Administrative Law
1.3 From Responsibility to Prevention
2 Implications for Basic Theories of International Law and Future Research Questions
2.1 Implications for the Basic Theories of International Law
2.1.1 Characteristics of the Choice of the Form of Norms in Space Law
2.1.2 The Importance of Viewing the Norms of Space Law as Norms of Conduct
2.1.3 The Regulatory Force of Non-legally Binding Norms
2.2 Future Research Questions
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgements
List of Figures
Relevant Previous Publications
Introduction
Part 1
The Basic Structure of Space Law
1 Components of Space Law
1 Treaties and Customary International Law
1.1 Treaties
1.1.1 Space Treaties and the Moon Agreement
1.1.2 Treaties in Other Areas
1.1.3 Treaties Establishing International Organizations Related to Space Activities
1.1.4 Treaties for the Joint Implementation of Space Activities
1.2 Customary International Law
2 Non-legally Binding Norms
2.1 The Importance of Focusing on Non-legally Binding Norms
2.2 Examples of Non-legally Binding Norms
2.2.1 Multilateral Non-legally Binding Norms
2.2.2 Statements of Intent
2.2.3 Functions of Non-legally Binding Norms
3 Domestic Norms
3.1 Types of Domestic Norms
3.1.1 Organizational Laws and Laws on Basic Space Policy
3.1.2 Laws for the Self-Regulation of Space Activities
3.1.3 Laws for Domestic Acceptance of International Norms
3.1.4 Laws for Clarifying Interpretations of Space Treaties
3.2 Functions of Domestic Norms in the Formation of International Norms
2 The History of the Formation of the Basic Structure of Space Law
1 The History of the Development of the Law of the Sea and the Aviation Law
1.1 The Territorial Sea System and the High Seas System
1.2 Air Space above Territories
2 The History of the Development of the Basic Space Treaty System
2.1 Space Treaties
2.1.1 History of Negotiations
2.1.2 Structure for Balancing Interests
2.1.3 Interim Conclusion
2.1.4 Significance of the Consensus Method
2.2 Multilateral Non-legally Binding Norms
2.2.1 History of Negotiations
2.2.2 Structure for Balancing Interests
3 The Origins of the Structure for Balancing Interests
3.1 Physical Characteristics of Outer Space
3.2 Undefined Boundaries with Airspace
3 Contemporary Issues Concerning Space Activities
1 Increase in Space Debris
1.1 What Is Space Debris?
1.1.1 Definition
1.1.2 Causes of Space Debris
1.1.3 Orbit Lifetime
1.1.4 The Current Status of Orbital Congestion
1.1.5 Threats Posed by Debris
1.2 Impact of Military Activities
2 Increased Number of Satellites
2.1 Small Satellites
2.2 Large Constellations
3 Increased Risk of Radio Frequency Interference
Part 2
Norm Formation on Contemporary Issues
4 Ex Post Facto Remedies for Damage
1 The Liability System for Damage
1.1 The Structure of the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention
1.2 The Principle of Liability for Risk
1.3 Liability for Damage Caused at a Location Other than the Earth’s Surface
1.4 Joint and Several Liability for Damage Caused to a Third Party by the Collision of Two Space Objects
2 Damage Caused by Space Debris
2.1 Space Debris as a “Space Object”
2.2 Identification of the Launching States
2.3 Scope of Claims
2.3.1 Scope of “Damage”
2.3.2 Meaning of “Caused by Space Objects”
2.3.3 Damage to Debris
2.4 Absolute Liability for Surface Damage
2.5 Issues Concerning Fault-Based Liability
2.5.1 Academic Theories
2.5.2 Consideration
2.5.3 Limitations of the Principle of Fault-Based Liability
3 Characteristics of Norm Formation
3.1 Efforts to Supplement the System
3.1.1 Remedies Other Than the Liability System for Damage
3.1.2 Proposals for New Multilateral Treaties
3.1.3 Mandatory Insurance Coverage for Launching Operators and Government Indemnification
3.2 Significance and Limitations of the Liability System for Damages
5 Space Debris Mitigation
1 Space Debris Countermeasures
1.1 Developing Awareness of the Problem
1.2 Existing Countermeasures
1.2.1 Space Object Surveillance
1.2.2 Improvement of Technical Specifications and Operational Modes
1.2.3 Development of International Guidelines
1.2.4 Norm Formation by Non-governmental Organizations
2 Space Debris Mitigation and International Law
2.1 Provisions of the Space Treaties
2.2 Academic Theories
3 Characteristics of Norm Formation
6 On-Orbit Servicing (
1 Content of Services and Norms in the Process of Formation
1.1 Content of Services
1.1.1 On-Orbit Servicing
1.1.2 Active Debris Removal
1.2 Emerging Norms
2 Legal Issues Related to Service Implementation
2.1 Treatment of the Jurisdiction of the States of Registry
2.1.1 Status of Debris in Space Treaties
2.1.2 Jurisdiction of the States of Registry and
2.1.3 Unregistered or Unidentifiable Space Objects
2.1.4 Other Issues
2.2 Liability for Damage
3 Characteristics of Norm Formation
7 Mechanisms for the Sustainable Implementation of Active Debris Removal
1 Direction of Potential Legal Frameworks
1.1 Scholarly Discussions
1.1.1 Theories Advocating Projects by International Organizations
1.1.2 Theories Advocating Implementation by Each Country (at Least for the Time Being)
1.1.3 Theories on Sharing the Burden of Debris Removal Costs
1.2 Factors to Consider
1.2.1 The Necessity of Identifying Legal Interests or Benefits
1.2.2 Concepts in International Environmental Law
1.2.3 Position of Debris Countermeasures under International Law
1.2.4 Problems with the Environmental Damage Approach
1.2.5 Other Theories
2 Other Potential Approaches
2.1 Precautionary Principle
2.2 The Concept of Development Assistance
3 Characteristics of Norm Formation
8 Space Traffic Management: A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Contemporary Issues
1 Development of the Notion of Space Traffic Management
1.1 Development in the United Nations and Other Fora
1.2 Policies of the United States
1.3 Policies of the European Union
2 Basic Elements of Space Traffic Management
2.1 Overview of the
2.1.1 The
2.1.2
2.2 Comparison of the
2.2.1 Differences in Regulatory Philosophy
2.2.2 Need for the Specific Coordination of Space Activities
3 Characteristics of Norm Formation
3.1 Challenges in Future Norm Formation
3.1.1 Constraints Stemming from the Characteristics of Outer Space and the Availability of Technology
3.1.2 Constraints Due to Defense Policy and Corporate Proprietary Interests
3.1.3 Difficulties Associated with the Coordination of Specific Activities
3.2 Impact of
Part 3
Characteristics of Norm Formation in Space Law
Closing Chapter
1 Trends in Norm Formation on Contemporary Issues
1.1 The Evolution of the Structure for Balancing Interests
1.2 Towards Global Administrative Law
1.3 From Responsibility to Prevention
2 Implications for Basic Theories of International Law and Future Research Questions
2.1 Implications for the Basic Theories of International Law
2.1.1 Characteristics of the Choice of the Form of Norms in Space Law
2.1.2 The Importance of Viewing the Norms of Space Law as Norms of Conduct
2.1.3 The Regulatory Force of Non-legally Binding Norms
2.2 Future Research Questions
Bibliography
Index
Academic institutes, libraries, scholars, governmental officials, and businesspersons who are involved in space affairs. The relevant subject areas are space law, other sub-fields of international public law, international politics/relations, and outer space policy.