Legal Responses to Space Resource Utilisation

This book explores the intersection of international law, space exploration, and global equity, focusing on the emerging legal and policy challenges of space resource mining. As technological advancements and geopolitical competition drive humanity toward a new era of space exploration, the governance of outer space resources becomes a critical issue. The book examines the implications of international competition over space mining, highlighting the potential for conflict and the need for equitable resource distribution. 

Each chapter presents fundamental concepts, policies, and contemporary developments, encouraging readers to critically assess the evolving legal frameworks. With contributions from leading space law scholars, the book offers a holistic and structured approach to understanding the complexities of resource mining beyond Earth.

Beyond legal and policy aspects, the book addresses ethical and sustainability concerns, emphasizing the risks of space resource exploitation mirroring historical patterns of colonial dominance. It advocates for inclusive frameworks that ensure all nations, not just technologically advanced ones, benefit from space mining. The book also considers environmental challenges and the necessity of long-term sustainability in outer space activities.

Designed for scholars, policymakers, industry professionals, and students, this book serves as a valuable resource in international law, space policy, and global governance. Given the limited literature on space resource mining and Artemis Accords, this work offers a timely and unique contribution to the growing discourse on fair and sustainable space exploration.

Prof. (Dr.) Sandeepa Bhat is working as a Professor of Law, Dean - Post Graduate Studies, and the Director of the Centre for Aviation and Space Laws at the National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata. He has the teaching and research experience of over twenty-two years after completing his master’s degree with first rank and double gold medals in 2003. His seven Major Research Projects are sponsored by the World Bank, ISRO, the WB Judicial Academy, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Government of West Bengal. He holds the unique feat of being the first Indian to be inducted as the UNIDROIT Correspondent for India. He has been a member of four distinguished international bodies, including the American Society of International Law. Dr. Bhat has published thirteen books, nine of which are on aviation and space laws. In addition, he has published more than seventy articles in the journals of international and national repute. He also has the distinction of being a member of the Indian Space Research Organization’s Expert Group for drafting the National Space Act for India.

Adithya Variath is an Assistant Professor and Associate Dean at the Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University. Adithya was an Elizabeth Moir Scholar at the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development at the Oxford Department of International Development, University of Oxford. Before moving to Oxford, he served as an Assistant Professor of Law and founding Coordinator of the Centre for Research in Air and Space Laws at Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai. He is the recipient of the Sachdeva Award for Space Law. Adithya’s research focuses on space and aviation laws, emerging technologies, and global institutional design.