Space Resource Utilization and Exploitation: The Suspended Step of International Law

The exploration, use, and exploitation of space resources is the most exciting chapter among today's issues of concern to the space community. At the same time, however, it has generated intense controversy at the international level, since current international and space law do not seem to ensure a stable, clear regime for such activities to take place. Furthermore, some legislative approaches at the national level, which have seen the light of day, do not seem capable of ensuring a universally acceptable solution. It could therefore be said that the question of how the governance of space resources in general should ideally be regulated remains, for the time being, unresolved.

This book thoroughly reviews the relevant international experience and explores why current international law is at an impasse on the issue of space resources. Further, it discusses the possible ways out in the legal field and proposes solutions, some of which have not been presently discussed.

Chapter 1: Realizing the need to take a step: Applicable international law is not enough. - Chapter 2: Uncertainty of the next step: The limitations of academic approaches in offering a satisfactory response. - Chapter 3: Uncertainty of the next step #2: Reconciling State perspectives within the UNCOPUOS. - Chapter 4: Uncertainty of the next step #3: Exploring appropriate responses through international instruments and projects. - Chapter 5: Taking a firm step: Reviving international law.