Derecho del espacio ultraterrestre y desarrollo sostenible

Abstract

The thesis analyses the legal concept of sustainable development in outer space law. Along with the commercialisation of outer space, complex conflicts arising in the intersection of economic, environmental and social interests are going to gain yet another dimension: outer space. The thesis argues that there is a need for a clear recognition and integration of environmental and social values into space activities. To this end it proposes the conceptualisation of the legal paradigm of sustainable development in the light of the hierarchy theory. Then, the thesis analyses the extension of the resulting hierarchical structure of sustainable development to outer space law in order to provide a framework for future legal developments within the spirit of inter- and intragenerational equity.