This chapter, through a re-examination and a reclassification of the concept of State jurisdiction, demonstrates that international law and international treaties, such as the United Nations Charter, are in principle applicable to outer space from the very beginning and do not need to be specifically extended to it. Inasmuch as outer space and celestial bodies are of concern to all States, whether having space capabilities or not, it would seem to be in the interest of every State to seek the early conclusion of a general treaty on the boundary between national space and outer space, and...

This chapter, through a re-examination and a reclassification of the concept of State jurisdiction, demonstrates that international law and international treaties, such as the United Nations Charter, are in principle applicable to outer space from the very beginning and do not need to be specifically extended to it. Inasmuch as outer space and celestial bodies are of concern to all States, whether having space capabilities or not, it would seem to be in the interest of every State to seek the early conclusion of a general treaty on the boundary between national space and outer space, and another on non-appropriation of celestial bodies, even though ultimate success must depend on their being acceptable to, and accepted by, the majority of space powers and both superpowers.