International space law began in the late 1950s in response to increased governmental interest in outer space. The major international space treaties, drafted in the 1960s and 70s, have many elements and principles which are well observed and which have passed into the realm of customary international law.
The first major international agreement directly related to outer space, the Outer Space Treaty, was drafted by the United Nations Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and opened for signature in 1967. It was followed by other fundamental international treaties like the 1968 Rescue Agreement, the 1972 Liability Convention, the 1975 Registration Convention and the 1979 Moon Agreement.
The corpus juris spatialis also comprises several inter-organisational agreements (e.g., INTELSAT, INMARSAT), regional arrangements such as the ESA Convention, and a growing body of national space legislation.
- The main mission of the Space Policy Research Committee is research, study and identification of policies and laws related to the Outer Space; popularization of the Space Affairs, advocacy for raising awareness on the importance of Outer Space Policies.
- The objectives of the SRC are achieved through research, blogging, gathering information, and resources that are identified as useful by the SPRC.
- SRPC organizes different thematic workshops, webinars, lectures and debates on Space Law and Policy.
- SPRC engages external actors in order to promote and achieve its goals.
- SPRC strives to provide equal opportunities, regrdless of gender, sex, disabilities, etc for all its members.
Structure
Any member of IAPSS interested in the Space Affairs can become a member of SPRC, and has freedom to engage in any form of research they envision.
SPRC is headed by a steering committee, the composition of which is yet to be determined. To get involved, contact spchair@iapss.org.
