Navigation & Aerospace
Aerospace Law
A Quick Look at Aerospace History
The first approaches to aerospace date back to the early 20th century, although there were no binding regulations for aviation and the overflight of aerial objects at the time.
These studies were interrupted by the two world wars and resumed in the 1960s and 1970s, with a more pragmatic view of outer space, now defined as the area located 100 km above sea level.
The launch of Sputnik I in 1957 and Explorer I raised crucial questions: Who owns space? How can its resources be exploited? Who can claim them?
Current Aerospace Law Regulations
To address these questions, starting in 1967, five international conventions were adopted, known as the Corpus Juris Spatialis, which regulate aerospace law:
- Outer Space Treaty (27.01.1967)
- Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts (22.04.1968)
- Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (29.03.1972)
- Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space (12.11.1974)
- Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (08.12.1979)
These treaties cover aspects such as the registration of space objects, the rescue of crews, compensation for damages caused by space objects, and the responsibilities of states.
Open Issues in Aerospace Law
Despite existing regulations, there are current unresolved issues, such as the emergence of private entities (e.g., Elon Musk) and the exploitation of planetary resources.
Although the claiming of space and celestial bodies by any State is prohibited, the issue of resource exploitation remains open, especially with the increase in space programs by the United States and China.
Furthermore, the Corpus Juris Spatialis mandates peaceful purposes for space explorations, banning weapons of mass destruction, but stricter controls are needed to prevent damage.
What International Lawyers Associates (ILA) Offers
International Lawyers Associates (ILA) offers high-profile legal consultations in aerospace law, considering the increasing opportunities and risks associated with space launches, including those by the European Union.
We provide solutions for managing risks arising from the re-entry of space objects into the Earth’s atmosphere, preventing potential damage to property, people, and investments.
The firm is ready to support the client in legal challenges of the cosmos with specialized consulting and personalized solutions
A Quick Look at Aerospace History
The first approaches to aerospace date back to the early 20th century, although there were no binding regulations for aviation and the overflight of aerial objects at the time.
These studies were interrupted by the two world wars and resumed in the 1960s and 1970s, with a more pragmatic view of outer space, now defined as the area located 100 km above sea level.
The launch of Sputnik I in 1957 and Explorer I raised crucial questions: Who owns space? How can its resources be exploited? Who can claim them?
Current Aerospace Law Regulations
To address these questions, starting in 1967, five international conventions were adopted, known as the Corpus Juris Spatialis, which regulate aerospace law:
- Outer Space Treaty (27.01.1967)
- Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts (22.04.1968)
- Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (29.03.1972)
- Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space (12.11.1974)
- Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (08.12.1979)
These treaties cover aspects such as the registration of space objects, the rescue of crews, compensation for damages caused by space objects, and the responsibilities of states.
Open Issues in Aerospace Law
Despite existing regulations, there are current unresolved issues, such as the emergence of private entities (e.g., Elon Musk) and the exploitation of planetary resources.
Although the claiming of space and celestial bodies by any state is prohibited, the issue of resource exploitation remains open, especially with the increase in space programs by the United States and China.
Furthermore, the Corpus Juris Spatialis mandates peaceful purposes for space explorations, banning weapons of mass destruction, but stricter controls are needed to prevent damage.
What International Lawyers Associates (ILA) Offers
International Lawyers Associates (ILA) offers high-profile legal consultations in aerospace law, considering the increasing opportunities and risks associated with space launches, including those by the European Union.
We provide solutions for managing risks arising from the re-entry of space objects into the Earth’s atmosphere, preventing potential damage to property, people, and investments.
The firm is ready to support the client in legal challenges of the cosmos with specialized consulting and personalized solutions