Introduction

This chapter discusses the general local laws regulating the nationals' activities and, since recently in some countries, of specific national space legislation. Clarifying the different aspects of potential liability in the contractual document governing private actor's space activities and industrial relationship is fundamental in ascertaining the potential financial repercussions for the parties. As a result, the legal framework directly or indirectly applicable to the negotiated contracts governing industrial relationships for private activities is a mix of international private law, national space legislation and public international law. The Outer Space Treaty (OST) bears provisions imposing international responsibility on states for activities carried out in outer space. Amongst the national space laws, only the French and United States (US) laws include specific provisions related to cross-waiver arrangements. The Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) establishing the International Space Station cooperative framework has been signed by 14 governments. As a consequence of falling within the sphere of certain national laws, the national licensing requirements and procedures apply.