United Nations Space Treaties as Foundations for National Launch and Space Legislation: A Canadian Example

The United Nations (UN) developed five multilateral space law treaties in the 1960s and 1970s as access to space, space exploration, and space exploitation were beginning to develop. Now, fifty years later, the principles of these treaties still influence space activities for all states. The author of this article contends that the treaties can be used as a ‘guide’ and ‘foundation’ for developing domestic legislation. The treaties promulgate important principles for the exploration and use of outer space, which have likely attained the status of customary international law. Particularly for orbital rocketry, this is a developing type of activity for Canada, as no orbital launch has ever occurred from Canada, and presents a new opportunity to regulate and govern effectively. The treaties contain aspects for legislative drafters, policy analysts, and politicians to consider when developing domestic space governing legislative schemes. A Canadian approach could serve as a model for other nations considering developing national space legislation.