The law of space is the field of the law that relates to outer space or outer space-related activities conducted by governments, international organizations, and private individuals. International space law governs the activities of states and international organizations, whereas domestic, or national, space law governs the activities of individual countries and their citizens. Both areas of space law govern the activities of private persons and businesses.

International Space Law

Soon after the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik in 1957, the United Nations became active in the creation, development, and implementation of a system for studying the legal problems that may result from the exploration and use of outer space. Since the establishment of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in 1958, five major multilateral treaties and conventions have been adopted or ratified by many countries to establish the framework to...