The development of international space law : international cooperation in Outer Space - meeting the needs of the developing countries

This Thesis aims to examine recent efforts of the developing countries, within the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), to increase their participation in space activities and in particular, to develop their own indigenous space capabilities. The Thesis will demonstrate that the United Nations is not, given the present economic and political climate, the best forum within which the developing countries should try to develop space law.Chapter 1 examines the main problems facing the developing countries in the transfer of space technology from the technologically advanced states. Chapter 2 examines the legal basis of their claims for greater cooperation. Chapter 3 examines the present debate within COPUOS where the developing countries are attempting to further develop international space law to their advantage. Chapter 4 suggests alternative routes which should be considered by the developing countries in order to work towards greater cooperation which will meet their needs