Proceedings for the First Symposium on Space Economy, Space Law and Space Sciences
The Concept of the Common Heritage of Mankind and the Legal Status of Outer Space in International Law
Enver ArıkoğluThis brief paper aims to analyse the meaning of the concept and scope of the application of the common heritage of mankind principle in international law in the context of the legal status of Outer Space by comparing it with other legal terms relating to territorial classification in terms of its elements. Also, this study touches on the difference between the Outer Space Treaty and the Moon Agreement, especially in the context of the common heritage of mankind principle. This contribution aims to highlight some of the challenges to the prohibition of sovereignty in outer space in view of current developments (especially the fast-developing technological advancements in space exploration) in outer space, with specific reference to the commercialisation of outer space by private companies.