Space Commercialisation

Considerable prospecting has been done in outer space to find natural resources and mineral deposits that can be excavated. Commercial space travel and tourism have been found technically feasible and economically viable. So is the enthusiasm for demographic migration to celestial bodies. Governments are not inclined to invest in commercial development and allied ventures. So, private players are ready, having harnessed technology and mustered funds and enough guts to take risks. Thus, the commercial scene in outer space activities is brimming with anticipation. The challenge is legal. Space law brooks no sovereignty on celestial bodies; private appropriation of celestial resources is not permitted and profit accruals from commercial activities in outer space have to be shared for the benefit of all countries. Other incidental challenges are that the share of each country and the modalities of distribution are not yet in place. And there is no competent organization to ensure incumbent regulation and compliance. Humanity should not be made to wait endlessly to enjoy this bonanza from outer space. This book describes such potentialities, discusses legal implications and explores the way forward with practical suggestions for immediate action as well as long-term plans for implementation.

The author is a pioneering scholar in Air and Space Law in India. Currently, he is Adjunct Professor, Centre for Air and Space Law, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, India. He was formerly Adjunct Professor, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is a Guest Faculty to many other universities and institutions. He is a National Panellist for Drafting of Space Legislation for India. He has five publications to his credit and has been writing extensively in law journals in India and abroad. He has contributed chapters to over twenty edited books. With a Master s degree in Economics from Delhi School of Economics, and LL.B. in which he is a Gold Medallist from Nagpur University, he pursued research in International Law and was conferred the degrees of M.Phil. and Ph.D. by Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He did his post-Doctoral studies at Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi.