International Space Law: An Overview

The five major space treaties, created in the years 1967–1979, have been in force for several decades. Arguably, the first and most important treaty is the Outer Space Treaty, adopted in 1967, which outlines the overarching principles concerned with space activities. However, all five of the major space treaties provide a number of important definitions and arrangements applicable to space-based activities ranging from launch, liability, governance, rescue of astronauts and assets, as well as international relations mechanisms that promote collaboration between States.