ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the key principles imposed by the international law of space, with a view to highlighting their effects at the commercial level. It focuses on the unique interaction between the public international law of space and commercial contracts in this field. International space law is made up of a varied body of rules composed of Union Nations (UN) treaty law, UN Principles, Recommendations and Declarations, and latterly, regulatory documents and guidelines, generally of government or space agency origin. Space law is therefore one of the few areas of public international law where the activities of non-governmental entities are clearly regulated. Commercial space activities began to develop in the 1980s, largely with government support, and continue to serve a strong public market. In the event of failure to follow its duty to authorise and monitor the activities of its nationals, a state may incur its general financial responsibility.
