From the oceans,via Antarctica and the Moon,to deep space: Maritime history and its relevance for outer space exploration 1

Abstract

Space exploration is often compared with the historical exploration of the globe, and especially maritime and polar exploration. This exploration converted unknown spaces into known spaces, and with this knowledge came the question of ownership and control over the newly explored spaces and the development of regulatory mechanisms for access to these spaces. This research note examines the historical development of regulatory mechanisms for newly explored spaces such as the oceans, Antarctica and outer space, and analyses the conditions required for establishing international regulatory frameworks rather than simply assigning nation-state-based sovereignty to these areas. In addition, it aims to propose a new line of inquiry and interdisciplinary cooperation for maritime historians.