Space Regulatory Glossary Regulations

Outer Space Treaty

noun

1. The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space (1967). The foundational international agreement establishing that space is free for exploration by all nations, cannot be claimed as sovereign territory, and must be used for peaceful purposes.
2. Ratified by over 115 countries, the treaty establishes that nations bear international responsibility for all space activities conducted by their governmental and non-governmental entities — the legal basis for national licensing regimes like FCC, FAA, and NOAA oversight of commercial operators.

Related terms

ITU The International Telecommunication Union. A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating… COSPAR ID An international designator assigned to every object launched into space, following the format YYYY-NNNX — where YYYY… Liability Convention The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972). An international treaty… Registration Convention The Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space (1975). An international treaty requiring launching… COPUOS The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The primary international forum for developing space…

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