Outer Space, an Area Recognised as Res Communis Omnium: Limits of National Space Mining Law

ŠVEC, Martin. Outer Space, an Area Recognised as Res Communis Omnium: Limits of National Space Mining Law. Space Policy. England: Elsevier SCI, 2022, vol. 60, May 2022, p. nestránkováno, 38 pp. ISSN 0265-9646. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2021.101473.

Basic information

Original name

Outer Space, an Area Recognised as Res Communis Omnium: Limits of National Space Mining Law

Authors

ŠVEC, Martin (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution)

Edition

Space Policy, England, Elsevier SCI, 2022, 0265-9646

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Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Článek v odborném periodiku

Field of Study

50501 Law

Country of publisher

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Confidentiality degree

není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství

References:

Omezený přístup na článek

Impact factor

Impact factor: 1.100

Organization unit

Faculty of Law

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2021.101473

UT WoS

000807315200007

Keywords (in Czech)

Space Law; Space Mining; Energy; International Law

Keywords in English

International lawSpace lawNational space lawOuter Space TreatyMoon AgreementSpace miningNatural resourcesJurisdictionRes communis omnium

Tags

International law, rivok, Space Law, Space Mining

Tags

International impact, Reviewed

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Abstract

V originále

Against the background of rapid advances in space technology and better understanding of the composition of celestial bodies, the utilisation of space resources has become an increasingly important topic; however, the lack of a comprehensive legal framework and the consequent legal uncertainty surrounding legality and conditions under which space resources can be utilised represent a significant barrier for private investors. To be precise, outer space is not unregulated. There are norms of customary international law applicable to activities in outer space, and fundamental legal principles have been enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty. What is more, the Moon Agreement declared space resources the common heritage of mankind and envisages the establishment of an international legal regime; however, the Moon Agreement – the only international treaty explicitly addressing space mining – has been ratified/acceded to by only 18 states, and legal principles enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty are too vague to provide private investors with the regulatory certainty they need. As a result of the lack of progress on legally binding instruments within traditional fora, especially the UN COPUOS, several states decided to address legal certainty unilaterally – via national law. National legislators should take into consideration that national space mining laws are to be applied in an area that is open for access and use to all, an area recognised as res communis omnium. This article analyses regimes governing the utilisation of space resources and aims to identify practical implications for national legislators and diplomats.