Review (PDF) An Introduction To Space Law, 3rd Edition
The enormous growth during the last decade of outer space operations like direct broadcasting by satellite and the exploration of natural resources by remote sensing satellites have brought space law into dramatic prominence among the fields of international law. International, because the fundamental principle of space law since the cornerstone Outer Space Law of 1967 clearly requires that outer space and celestial bodies are free for exploration and use by all states in conformity with international law and are not subject to national appropriation. It is in light of the many new considerations now falling under the scope of international law because of their connection with space that this new edition of the best-known handbook in the field now appears. Among the many salient issues the legal implications of which are covered in this third edition are the following: the boundary problem arising because state sovereignty can no longer be accepted as unlimited in its vertical projection; prior consent of states to whom information is transmitted or whose territories have been sensed by satellites; beneficial or adverse effects on the environment caused inter alia by solar power satellites; increasing commercialization and privatization of outer space; space tourism; development of liability regimes for eventual commercial spaceflights; space traffic management; the increasing use of orbits, particularly the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the Geostationary Orbit (GSO); the need for specific definition of vague terms like ‘province of all mankind’ and ‘peaceful purposes’; search and rescue operations and the rescue and return of astronauts; liability for damage caused by space objects; purpose and functioning of spacecraft registration; and the Moon Agreement and ‘the common heritage of mankind The latest developments in the field are closely monitored to provide the most updated information. Lawyers, students, and various businesses (especially in the telecommunications and aerospace industries) will find all the concise but comprehensive orientation and guidance needed to understand and deal with the legal problems and practical consequences arising from the main space treaties.
Hardcover: 280 pages
Publisher: Kluwer Law International; 3 edition (February 19, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9041126473
ISBN-13: 978-9041126474
Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,121,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #45 in Books > Law > Specialties > Air & Space #96 in Books > Law > Administrative Law > Public #9462 in Books > Textbooks > Law
It is true that the book refers to all external publications, maxims and reference works in their original language - whilst this might represent a slight hindrance, the reason being is that the book is directed towards the legal community and is classed as a research publication (thus explaining the hefty price tag).The book does raise the bar on legal excellence as it is a prime example of a highly distinguished intelligent author who possesses a rich vocabulary and in depth insight into the subject (being also the author of Air Law)On a side note I would imagine that knowledge of french and german would be of an advantage if you want to enjoy the few references to works and quotes that are made but nevertheless this should not deter you as I have enjoyed the book even though I have limited knowledge of FrenchI agree however, with the reviewer below that it is well written and is an excellent choice for someone interested in subject whether your a layman or legal student or legal practitioner.The text is clear, precise, and short given it is an introduction. It is the recommended text for a course in space law which I am taking. The text does incl. as annexes the relevant treaties but I would just acquire the combined Outer Space Treaty text from:[...]A 66 page document with all the relevant 5 or 6 treaties such as Outer Space Treaty, Liability Convention, Rescue Agreement, Moon Agreement etc. which I would read in connection with the ascribed chapters
This is an excellent book on the subject of space law and easily readable by the general book-reading audience. The price of the book is pretty hefty, given the book is only 276 pages (about 1/2" thick) and is not a textbook (for which you would expect a $100+ price tag). That being said, if you are a space aficionado (are you listening former Trekkies?) and you want to learn about the developments in this relatively new discipline of law, "An Introduction to Space Law" is the book to read (and probably the only book of its kind on the market as of this review). One negative point has to be made, which is why I gave this book a 4-star rating and not a 5-star rating: The author often refers to reference publications in their original languages and offers no translations into English. I found this somewhat frustrating and a little bizarre, because the book is directed to an English-language audience. Except for this literary peculiarity, I found the book to be quite interesting on a fascinating subject that is rarely publicized.
The little book of space law was much more readable but this was more comprehensive.
There isn't very many books out there on the subject of Space Law, probably because there is such little advancement on the subject since the original signing of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967; a treaty that ended a lot of silly things like high altitude nuclear bomb tests, and also made arming of satellites illegal. The book reads like stereo instructions, but I'm sure that's how lawyers like their books, judging by what little law I have studied.
Space Mission Analysis and Design, 3rd edition (Space Technology Library, Vol. 8) An Introduction To Space Law, 3rd Edition The Development of Outer Space: Sovereignty and Property Rights in International Space Law Space Toys of the 60's: Major Matt Mason, Mighy Zeroid Robots & Colorforms Outer Space Men Creating Sacred Space With Feng Shui: Learn the Art of Space Clearing and Bring New Energy into Your Life Laser Space Communications (Artech House Space Technology and Applications) National Regulation of Space Activities (Space Regulations Library) Science Fiction Writers' Phrase Book: Essential Reference for All Authors of Sci-Fi, Cyberpunk, Dystopian, Space Marine, and Space Fantasy Adventure (Writers' Phrase Books Book 6) Science Fiction Writers' Phrase Book: Essential Reference for All Authors of Sci-Fi, Cyberpunk, Dystopian, Space Marine, and Space Fantasy Adventure (Writers' Phrase Books) (Volume 6) Alien Romance: Hunter: Space Commander's Fated Mate (Space Beasts Book 3) Alien Romance: RAYER: Space Warrior's Mail Order Bride (Space Beasts Book 2) Space Law (Library of Essays in International Law) Introduction to Law for Paralegals, Third Edition (Introduction to Law Series) (Aspen College Series) The Civil Law Tradition, 3rd Edition: An Introduction to the Legal Systems of Europe and Latin America Control Systems Design: An Introduction To State-Space Methods Control System Design: An Introduction to State-Space Methods (Dover Books on Electrical Engineering) Introduction to Satellite Communication (Artech House Space Applications) An Introduction to Analysis on Wiener Space (Lecture Notes in Mathematics) An Introduction to Hilbert Space and Quantum Logic (Problem Books in Mathematics) Introduction to Operator Space Theory (London Mathematical Society Lecture Note Series)
