The members of the NPOC Austria are very active in research on space law and policy and regularly publish books and articles in this filed. In addition, some of the conferences organised by the NPOC are documented in dedicated publications. Some of the works published by members of the NPOC can be found here:

Small Satellites – Regulatory Challenges and Chances

Irmgard Marboe (ed.), Small Satellites – Regulatory Challenges and Chances, Studies in Space Law 11, Brill/Martinus Nijhoff, 2016

The publication “Small Satellites – Regulatory Challenges and Chances” edited by Professor Irmgard Marboe addresses the booming phenomenon of small satellites. The rapid innovation of technology has made it possible to develop, launch and operate small satellites at rather low cost. Universities, start-ups and also governments see the chance to access outer space more easily and inexpensively. Yet, the importance to comply with existing rules and regulations that are in place to ensure that outer space is used and explored in a safe and responsible manner is sometimes overlooked. The book addresses this challenge and shows how it can be met. The contributors are renowned academics and practitioners from many different countries that share their experiences and insights and suggest practical Solutions.

 

Space Law Essentials

 Alexander Soucek, Space Law Essentials, Vol. 1, Linde Verlag, 2015

Anita Rinner/Hannes Mayer/ Yvonne Karimi-Schmidt/Christian Brünner, Vol. 2, Linde Verlag, 2015

Space Law Essentials (Vol. 1 Textbook & Vol. 2 Casebook) presents the theory and practice of space law in a modern, user-oriented format. The two volumes aim at introducing space law in a compact and comprehensible manner and at explaining the legal issues that may arise during the lifecycle of a space mission. They present a collection of space law cases and show how space law and technology intertwine. The publication is addressed to law students and space practitioners alike.

Legal Framework of the Use of Outer Space Technologies – An Introduction

Irmgard Marboe and Karin Traunmüller, Facultas Verlag, 2013

This introduction to the legal framework of the use of outer space technologies evolved from material prepared for and used in the courses on space law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Vienna. The purpose of the present overview of legal sources and fields of application of space law is to provide a first insight into the legal issues connected to the exploration and use of outer space. After a brief overview over the historical development of space law, current challenges are discussed. These include the commercialisation and privatisation of space activities, the increasing number of space actors, the various ways and means of international cooperation, and the imminent problem of space debris.

Soft Law in Outer Space

The book was edited by Irmgard Marboe and published in 2012. It consists of two main parts: Part I deals with general aspects of the role and function of soft law in international law and in international space law.  It addresses issues such as the role of soft law for the formation of customary international law as well as with respect to international treaty law. Moreover, the role of non-state actors in the creation and application of soft law is also analysed. A further focus lies on the interaction of soft law and national law.

Part II is dedicated to specific non-binding international instruments concerning space activities. Several instruments are analysed in view of their regulatory effect with respect to the conduct of States and private actors. These instruments include UN General Assembly resolutions (e.g. on direct broadcasting, remote sensing and registration practice), guidelines (e.g. the UNCOPUOS Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines), codes of conduct (e.g. the European Code of Conduct on Outer Space Activities) and frameworks (e.g. the Safety Framework for Nuclear Power Sources). The general aspects addressed in Part I are taken up and reflected in the analysis of the specific instruments in Part II.

Outer Space in Society, Politics and Law

In 2011, the book “Outer Space in Society, Politics and Law” was published. It was edited by Christian Brünner and Alexander Soucek and offers a comprehensive approach to space matters from a wide range of perspectives.

Contributors from different countries address historical, cultural, technical, economic, political and legal aspects of space activities and thereby underline the impact space and spaceflight have on society. Through this encompassing approach, the book reveals interrelationships and interactions between the different disciplines and actors. Thus, it also becomes understandable that space law may not be seen isolated from other spheres of society.

The practice-oriented and inter-disciplinary approach makes the book indispensable for every reader interested in space law.

Nationales Weltraum Recht / National Space Legislation

In 2008 “Nationales Weltraumrecht – National Space Legislation” was published by Christian Brünner and Edith Walter. It is a compendium of various articles in the field of National Space Legislation. It also includes the summary and conclusions of a conference which took place in 2006.

The book gives a comprehensive overview on the topic of National Space Legislation, its need, its problems and recent developments (Articles on “The Necessities for the Development of National Space Law”, “The State of the Art and recent Trends in the Development of National Space Law”, “National Space Laws in selected Countries”, “National Space Law: the Perspective of ESA European Cooperating States (PECS)”, and “National Space Law: A Challenge for Austria?” are included). The last and final chapter “National Space Law: A Challenge for Austria?” summarizes the discussions and conclusions made during the conference “NATIONAL SPACE LAW: Development in Europe – Challenges for Small Countries”. 

Raumfahrt und Recht – Faszination Weltraum – Regeln zwischen Himmel und Erde

Der Weltraum ist strategisch und operativ einer der bedeutsamsten Tätigkeitsbereiche des Menschen, der Gesellschaft und der Politik geworden.

Im Rahmen des Symposiums “Raumfahrt und Recht” an der Universität Graz diskutierten Experten aus Weltraumforschung, Rechtswissenschaften und Politik die vielfältigen Aspekte dieses faszinierenden Themas.

Die Vortragenden des Symposiums haben ihre Präsentationen in diesem Buch in schriftlicher Form aufgearbeitet und erläutern darin die Grundlagen des Weltraums in technischer wie auch in rechtlicher Hinsicht.