The New Laws of Outer Space: Ethics, Legislation, and Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
This book maps out the moral, legal and societal issues brought forth by the use of autonomous systems such as AI and smart robots in outer space.

Humanity is on the brink of a new space era in which projects for permanent human colonies on the Moon and space missions with autonomous AI systems will soon become a reality. Principles and provisions of international space law fall increasingly short in tackling this scenario. Experts and institutions have recommended improvements to the legal framework, such as new international agreements, or policies that would not require any amendment to conventional law. Most of the time, such proposals and recommendations overlook the challenges posed by technology and how autonomous and intelligent systems in outer space require moral and legal standards of their own.

This book argues that the traditional focus on satellite communications, space-related services, and the appropriability of celestial resources needs to be integrated by new laws of outer space regulating cybersecurity law and environmental law, data governance and consumer protection. The new laws of outer space will increasingly concern the development of new standards for the behaviour and decision-making of AI systems and smart robots, with and without humans aboard deep space missions and in next-generation colonies.

What laws shall govern us out there, in a new terra incognita? This is the question that the book sets out to answer.

1145074133
The New Laws of Outer Space: Ethics, Legislation, and Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
This book maps out the moral, legal and societal issues brought forth by the use of autonomous systems such as AI and smart robots in outer space.

Humanity is on the brink of a new space era in which projects for permanent human colonies on the Moon and space missions with autonomous AI systems will soon become a reality. Principles and provisions of international space law fall increasingly short in tackling this scenario. Experts and institutions have recommended improvements to the legal framework, such as new international agreements, or policies that would not require any amendment to conventional law. Most of the time, such proposals and recommendations overlook the challenges posed by technology and how autonomous and intelligent systems in outer space require moral and legal standards of their own.

This book argues that the traditional focus on satellite communications, space-related services, and the appropriability of celestial resources needs to be integrated by new laws of outer space regulating cybersecurity law and environmental law, data governance and consumer protection. The new laws of outer space will increasingly concern the development of new standards for the behaviour and decision-making of AI systems and smart robots, with and without humans aboard deep space missions and in next-generation colonies.

What laws shall govern us out there, in a new terra incognita? This is the question that the book sets out to answer.

60.95 Pre Order
The New Laws of Outer Space: Ethics, Legislation, and Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

The New Laws of Outer Space: Ethics, Legislation, and Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

by Ugo Pagallo
The New Laws of Outer Space: Ethics, Legislation, and Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

The New Laws of Outer Space: Ethics, Legislation, and Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

by Ugo Pagallo

Paperback

$60.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on April 2, 2026

Related collections and offers


Overview

This book maps out the moral, legal and societal issues brought forth by the use of autonomous systems such as AI and smart robots in outer space.

Humanity is on the brink of a new space era in which projects for permanent human colonies on the Moon and space missions with autonomous AI systems will soon become a reality. Principles and provisions of international space law fall increasingly short in tackling this scenario. Experts and institutions have recommended improvements to the legal framework, such as new international agreements, or policies that would not require any amendment to conventional law. Most of the time, such proposals and recommendations overlook the challenges posed by technology and how autonomous and intelligent systems in outer space require moral and legal standards of their own.

This book argues that the traditional focus on satellite communications, space-related services, and the appropriability of celestial resources needs to be integrated by new laws of outer space regulating cybersecurity law and environmental law, data governance and consumer protection. The new laws of outer space will increasingly concern the development of new standards for the behaviour and decision-making of AI systems and smart robots, with and without humans aboard deep space missions and in next-generation colonies.

What laws shall govern us out there, in a new terra incognita? This is the question that the book sets out to answer.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781509976225
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date: 04/02/2026
Pages: 240
Product dimensions: 6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Ugo Pagallo is Professor of law at the University of Turin, Italy.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Technology
2. Launching States
3. Leaving Earth, Privately
4. The New Argonauts
5. AI Meets the Law
6. Colonies
7. Satellites
8. Back to Earth
9. Authority
10. Celestial Standards
Conclusions

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews