ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the legal principles of general international law which would form at least a useful analogy to the conduct of persons in outer space and celestial bodies in instances which are not covered by current principles of law obtaining in the law of outer space. It describes the general principles of common law which apply to the exchange of trade secrets in the outer space exploration industry, with particular emphasis on trade secrets related to information technology. The chapter discusses the proponents of space law should now address the broader issue of persons other than astronauts being involved in space travel in the future. It also examines the common law principles applicable to a spacecraft manufacturer's protection of its trademarks in the context of the international nature of business operations of the outer space exploration industry. The outer space exploration industry is heavily permeated by information technology.