Outer Space in Society, Politics and Law [electronic resource] / edited by Christian Brȭnner, Alexander Soucek.

Preface of the Editors -- Preface of the Editor of the Series ǣStudies in Space Policyǥ -- Part 1: Outer space A fascinating issue -- 1.1 Introductory remarks -- 1.2 Fascination from the beginning of mankind -- 1.3 Reasons for space activities -- 1.4 A short chronology of spaceflight -- Part 2: Outer space A ǣrealǥ issue -- 2.1 Dimensions of space activities -- 2.2 Space a natural resource -- 2.3 Exploration and utilisation of space -- 2.4 Space faring: A short overview of the present situation -- 2.5 Cooperation in Space -- 2.6 Institutional Aspects -- Part 3: Outer space A legal issue -- 3.1 Origins of space law and the role of the United Nations -- 3.2 Space law An independent branch of the legal system -- 3.3 Comparable Regulations -- 3.4 Level of regulation / Sources of space law -- 3.5 Space Law An analysis of its development and its future -- Part 4: ǣHotǥ issues and their handling -- 4.1 The privatization and commercialisation of outer space -- 4.2 Space and security -- 4.3 Space and sustainability: Improving life on Earth -- 4.4 Space and its sustainable uses -- 4.5 Soft law -- 4.6 International aspects of technology controls -- 4.7 Data policies: A survey of principles and trends -- 4.8 International space law and developing countries -- Part 5: Outer Space Opportunities for Austria -- 5.1 History -- 5.2 Activities and Trends -- 5.3 Changes on the horizon -- Annex: Spaceflight Time line of key events -- Links -- Selected Books and Journals on Space Law -- Authors (short biographies) -- Abbreviations -- Index.

Spaceflight is a rational undertaking, yet full of emotions. It is a dream of mankind and a multi-billion industry likewise. It is subject to a distinct branch of law and moreover part of modern pop culture. In short: spaceflight is fascinating. ǣOuter Space in society, politics and lawǥ is an inter-disciplinary approach to the understanding of modern space law. Technical, cultural and historical aspects lay the foundation for a sound comprehension why space law norms have been established and what they mean in practice. The reader will realize the impact space and spaceflight have on society from Stonehenge to climate change. A new approach to presenting space law: comprehensive and illustrative. ǣWe live in a society absolutely dependent on science and technology and yet have cleverly arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. That's a clear prescription for disaster.ǥ Carl Sagan