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Abstract

This article provides a basic overview of the legal and regulatory obstacles facing new entrants to the commercial space industry. It is meant to provide access to the essential primary sources of space law for those who wish to learn more about the direct relevance of space law to space business. This high-level review of space law is intended to provide a picture of the reach and complexity of space law (as well as its overlap with other fields of law). The interconnections between international law and national law/regulations are highly emphasized. The article begins with a summary of the key provisions of the Outer Space Treaty, including commentary meant to assist commercial actors to ascertain the relevance of each such provision to their business model. It then leads into a brief discussion of other international space law instruments such as the other four COPUOS treaties and relevant International Telecommunications Union instruments. The discussion of national space law focuses on the United States, as a state with significant space activities and well-developed laws and regulations for commercial space actors.

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References

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Legal Considerations for Commercial Space: An Overview

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