Gabrielle Leterre – författare

Aerospace Law and Policy Series

Space resource activities—better known as “space mining”—is the next step in humankind’s utilization of outer space. Previous space activities have belatedly caused us to realize that fragile environments do not end with Earth’s atmosphere. Today, the most striking problem is the agglomeration and increasing generation of nonfunctional space objects (space debris) in orbit. Tomorrow, with the development of new space activities, unanticipated environmental problems will arise beyond Earth orbit. This book seeks to anticipate the inevitable legal framework that will need to be put in place and, in particular, considers the necessity to create legal standards to support the environmental sustainability of space resource activities.

To that end, the book assesses the efficiency of existing space law in addressing environmental threats and reflects on the potential contribution international environmental law can offer. The array of applicable mechanisms considered includes a detailed examination of the following:

what kind of environmental problems may arise from space resource activities;

which norms of international law are relevant in addressing these threats within the framework of sustainability;

the United Nations Space Treaties;

domestic space legislations that directly address space resource activities or that are particularly significant from an environmental perspective; and

soft law, especially instruments and guidelines from international organizations acting in the space sector, such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR).

Contrary to a common idea, space resources—such as the ones found in situ on celestial bodies—are limited and need to be managed rationally. It is indubitable that activities beyond Earth orbit will have an impact on the surrounding environment, raising a host of potential issues, which go beyond the question of debris, such as contamination and the risk of overexploitation. Ultimately, this book drafts the roadmap for the environmentally sustainable exploitation of space resources from a legal standpoint and proposes a sustainability framework articulated around a set of standards. Concerned lawyers and policymakers worldwide will greatly appreciate the book’s set of objective standards and concrete measures. This practical approach, which includes the comprehensive review of instruments governing space activities, will lead them to navigate with assurance the different normative levels of legal action for astro-environmentalism.

Aerospace Law and Policy Series

Space resource activities—better known as “space mining”—is the next step in humankind’s utilization of outer space. Previous space activities have belatedly caused us to realize that fragile environments do not end with Earth’s atmosphere. Today, the most striking problem is the agglomeration and increasing generation of nonfunctional space objects (space debris) in orbit. Tomorrow, with the development of new space activities, unanticipated environmental problems will arise beyond Earth orbit. This book seeks to anticipate the inevitable legal framework that will need to be put in place and, in particular, considers the necessity to create legal standards to support the environmental sustainability of space resource activities.

To that end, the book assesses the efficiency of existing space law in addressing environmental threats and reflects on the potential contribution international environmental law can offer. The array of applicable mechanisms considered includes a detailed examination of the following:

what kind of environmental problems may arise from space resource activities;

which norms of international law are relevant in addressing these threats within the framework of sustainability;

the United Nations Space Treaties;

domestic space legislations that directly address space resource activities or that are particularly significant from an environmental perspective; and

soft law, especially instruments and guidelines from international organizations acting in the space sector, such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR).

Contrary to a common idea, space resources—such as the ones found in situ on celestial bodies—are limited and need to be managed rationally. It is indubitable that activities beyond Earth orbit will have an impact on the surrounding environment, raising a host of potential issues, which go beyond the question of debris, such as contamination and the risk of overexploitation. Ultimately, this book drafts the roadmap for the environmentally sustainable exploitation of space resources from a legal standpoint and proposes a sustainability framework articulated around a set of standards. Concerned lawyers and policymakers worldwide will greatly appreciate the book’s set of objective standards and concrete measures. This practical approach, which includes the comprehensive review of instruments governing space activities, will lead them to navigate with assurance the different normative levels of legal action for astro-environmentalism.

Aerospace Law and Policy Series, Volume 22

For more than three decades, Luxembourg has been at the forefront of commercial and cooperative initiatives that have shaped a vibrant space economy. Since 2017, this formidable role in global enterprise has been brought to legal fruition with three farseeing laws designed to make Luxembourg the most favorable jurisdiction for registering commercial missions to exploit space resources. This book presents expert article-by-article commentary on these laws by scholars from the staff of the renowned SES Chair in Space, Satellite Communications and Media Law of the University of Luxembourg, as well as the first non online publication in English of the laws otherwise only available in French.

For investors and operators seeking a safe and attractive legal environment in space resources activities, the Commentary will greatly clarify such crucial matters as the following:

whether the authorization procedure is smooth or cumbersome, affordable or expensive;

whether and which insurance is required;

whether potential liability for damage caused by a space object will be capped or not; and

procedures and consequences attached to termination of space activity.

Each section of the Commentary follows the same structure: first the English text of the article, then its drafting history (genesis and context), then legal interpretation, and finally evaluation, including comparison with space laws of other countries.

The pace of innovation in space-related technology continues to accelerate, but making tomorrow’s technical possibilities a reality requires practical legal support today. This valuable tool for the further economic development of a dynamic and competitive commercial sector offers a clear legal framework ensuring that private operators, investors and entrepreneurs working in space can be confident about their rights, including their rights to the resources they extract. The book also represents a milestone in space law for academics and practitioners in the field.