Some aspects of the Law of Outer Space

Recommendation 252 (1960)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

Assembly debate on 23rd and 24th September 1960 (13th and 14th Sittings) (see Doc. 1207, Report of the Legal Committee). Text adopted by the Assembly on 24th September 1960 (14th Sitting).

Assembly,

Having regard to the spectacular progress of space technology and the ever-increasing activity in outer space ;

Noting that international law has not kept pace with these scientific developments and that this may cause serious threats to world peace and the well-being of mankind ;

Believing that the questions of sovereignty over outer space and of damage to third parties caused by space vehicles should be regulated forthwith,

Recommends that the Committee of Ministers :

1 should, in accordance with Art. 15 (b) of the Statute, recommend to member Governments that they should proclaim the following principles :

a Outer space and celestial bodies should be utilised only for peaceful purposes to the greatest common profit of all mankind, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter ;

b Outer space may not be subject to the sovereignty or other exclusive rights of any State ;

2 should take steps to ensure the drafting and adoption of a Convention regarding damage to third parties caused by space vehicles and to obtain the widest possible adherence to it ;

3 should recommend to the Governments of the six member countries which are Members of the United Nations' Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space that they should act in accordance with the preceding paragraphs during the meetings of that Committee.