On the legality of appropriation of space resources

Bartosz Malinowski

doi:10.1117/12.2537380

6 November 2019 On the legality of appropriation of space resources

Bartosz Malinowski

Proceedings Volume 11176, Photonics Applications in Astronomy, Communications, Industry, and High-Energy Physics Experiments 2019; 111763P (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2537380
Event: Photonics Applications in Astronomy, Communications, Industry, and High-Energy Physics Experiments 2019, 2019, Wilga, Poland

Abstract

This paper addresses the question of legality of appropriation of natural resources obtained in outer space under the existing generally adopted Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies of 1967 (the Outer Space Treaty). In the recent years two countries - the United States of America and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg enacted legislation aiming at improving legal situation of private entities seeking to exploit extraterrestrial natural resources, which incited controversy as to the compliance with the provisions of the Outer Space Treaty. This question is essential due to the possible role of extraterrestrial mineral resources, such as rare earth metals in the global economy, as well as due to the recently renewed ambitions to explore and include the deep space, including the Moon, Mars and other Solar System celestial bodies in the sphere of human economic activity. The intention of this paper is to assess both the current attempts to regulate this aspect of space mining regulation, along with the actual content of related obligations under the international law.

Citation Download Citation

Bartosz Malinowski "On the legality of appropriation of space resources", Proc. SPIE 11176, Photonics Applications in Astronomy, Communications, Industry, and High-Energy Physics Experiments 2019, 111763P (6 November 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2537380

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available