Who Owns Outer Space?: International Law, Astrophysics, and the Sustainable Development of Space

by Michael Byers, Aaron Boley

Overview

From Space debris to asteroid strikes to anti-satellite weapons, humanity's rapid expansion into Space raises major environmental, safety, and security challenges. In this book, Michael Byers and Aaron Boley, an international lawyer and an astrophysicist, identify and interrogate these challenges and propose actionable solutions. They explore essential questions from, 'How do we ensure all of humanity benefits from the development of Space, and not just the world's richest people?' to 'Is it possible to avoid war in Space?' Byers and Boley explain the essential aspects of Space science, international law, and global governance in a fully transdisciplinary and highly accessible way. Addressing the latest and emerging developments in Space, they equip readers with the knowledge and tools to engage in current and critically important legal, policy, and scientific debates concerning the future development of Space. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108721875
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/13/2023
Series:	Cambridge Studies in International and Comparative Law , #176
Pages:	428
Product dimensions:	5.94(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.87(d)

About the Author

Michael Byers holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia. Professor Byers co-directs the Outer Space Institute, a global network of Space experts united by their commitment to transdisciplinary research that addresses grand challenges in the exploration and use of Space.

Aaron Boley holds the Canada Research Chair in Planetary Astronomy at the University of British Columbia. Professor Boley co-directs the Outer Space Institute and conducts research into planetary dynamics, astrophysical discs, meteoritics, artificial satellites, and space sustainability.

Table of Contents

1. Space tourism; 2. Mega-constellations; 3. Mega-constellations and international law; 4. Abandoned rocket bodies; 5. Space mining; 6. Planetary defence; 7. Space security; 8. Anti-satellite weapons and international law.

Editorial Reviews

‘The rapid development of outer space demands cross-cutting research, rigorous analysis, and actionable recommendations. This book delivers.’ Timiebi Aganaba, Arizona State University

‘Marvel at the wonders the Webb Telescope reveals, but then journey with Michael Byers and Aaron Boley through the scientific and policy challenges that will determine whether humanity succeeds or fails in the final frontier of outer space.’ David P. Fidler, Council on Foreign Relations and National Academies Committee on Planetary Protection

‘Ultimately this is a book about Space Environmentalism; I hope that in reading it, you experience an inner shift, biased toward positive and compassionate action.’ Moriba Jah, University of Texas at Austin and Chief Scientist, Privateer

‘This unique book, written by world-leading experts in space sciences and international law, is essential for understanding the most fundamental challenges to space exploration and use, and finding viable solutions to them.’ Ram S. Jakhu, McGill University

‘Brilliant, provocative, and engaging reading on the challenges that underlie humanity’s expansion into Space. Byers and Boley adroitly interweave threads of law, policy, science and international relations to explore how Space activities both now and in the near-term future raise serious questions about how the Space environment should be sustainably governed. Their analysis and ideas for solutions are essential reading for space policymakers and industry leaders.’ Andrew Williams, European Southern Observatory

‘Who Owns Outer Space? The question sounds simple, and one might look for a simple answer. But geopolitical aspects as well as the increase of commercialisation of space request serious evaluations and comprehensive positions. By providing all of this, the book is of outstanding importance for the development of sustainability in space.’ Johann-Dietrich ‘Jan’ Wörner, former Director General of the European Space Agency

‘… this is an excellent overview of the multidisciplinary and multilateral governance of human activities in outer space … It provides a broad overview of space governance and a spirited defense of its multilateral nature. It will be invaluable for academics and students; I have already recommended it to my postgraduate research students. And the fact that it is Open Access is fantastic, opening this wonderful subject to a broader audience. Order copies for your library, add it to your syllabus, and keep the Cambridge Core link on hand for the next time someone asks for a good primer on this 'space law' thing they keep hearing about. 'Who Owns Outer Space?' will stand them in good stead.’ Thomas Cheney, H-Net

‘This incredibly rich, information-packed book should give the reader pause in how to grapple with perplexing issues of today.’ Leonard David, International Law, Astrophysics, and the Sustainable Development of Space

From the Publisher