MAKING DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE:

The commercial space sector continues to expand, with new technologies and new entrants fueling development. More states have launching capability, a growing percentage of launches are commercial in nature, and even military payloads ride piggyback on commercial satellites. None of this is occurring in a vacuum. The trends in space, as in virtually all international commerce, are moving toward increased globalization of private interests, consolidation of transnational businesses, and partnerships between public and private actors. Space business is subject to many of the same realities as commercial enterprises in other locations and other market sectors. In addition, the space treaties impose a separate set of obligations on conduct in space. Predictability is necessary to continue development of this profound resource. The present state of the space marketplace is examined, noting current trends, and the legal framework regulating these activities is described. Uncertainties in commercial space projects are identified and solutions proposed. The book ends with recommendations and an understanding of the role that private space law plays.