Weltraumrecht

Weltraumrecht, also known as space law, is the body of law that governs activities in outer space. It aims to establish a legal framework for the exploration, use, and exploitation of space, ensuring that these activities are conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and equitable manner for the benefit of all humankind. The origins of space law can be traced back to the dawn of the Space Age, with key treaties emerging in the mid-20th century.

A foundational document is the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which declares that outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means. It also stipulates that space exploration shall be carried out for the benefit of all countries and shall be the province of all mankind. Other important treaties include the Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space, the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, and the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

Space law addresses a range of issues, including the registration of space objects, liability for damage caused by space activities, the prevention of harmful interference with space activities of other states, and the allocation of orbital slots. It also touches upon the potential for resource extraction from celestial bodies and the legal implications of space debris. International cooperation and the development of new legal norms are ongoing processes as human activity in space continues to expand.