International Space Law

Wikipedia on Outer Space Treaty

Text of Outer Space Treaty and US Government comments on Treaty

The substance of the arms control provisions is in Article IV. This article restricts activities in two ways: First, it contains an undertaking not to place in orbit around the Earth, install on the moon or any other celestial body, or otherwise station in outer space, nuclear or any other weapons of mass destruction. Second, it limits the use of the moon and other celestial bodies exclusively to peaceful purposes and expressly prohibits their use for establishing military bases, installation, or fortifications; testing weapons of any kind; or conducting military maneuvers.

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs See This site for extensive informatiion on International Space law including:
      Frequently Asked Questions about space law
      Index of Online General Assembly Resolutions Relating to Outer Space From here you can go to any specific resolution
     Index of Online General Assembly Resolutions Relating to Outer Space: Recorded Votes on Resolutions  Here you can see how your country voted, US generally votes against the resolutions, the rest of the world often for or abstaining
     Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer SpaceSee also Sites off this Subsite

International Institute of Space Law Of particular interest is summary of New Developments and the Legal Framework covering the
Exploitation of the Resources of the Moon

Real Property Law in Outer Space

Steinhardt, Ralph G. "Outer Space" in Christopher C. Joyner, The United Nations and International Law: 

The Four Regimes of International Space Law

A. Regime of Cooperation 

  1. Nonappropriability
  2. Peaceful uses and purposes
  3. Sharing

B. Regime of Responsibility

  1. State liability
  2. Environmental protection

C. Regime of freedom

  1. Presumptive powers
  2. Remote sensing
  3. direct broadcast satellites

D. Regime of relative normativity

Canada Proposals