Abstract
Regulation of activities in outer space was generally believed to have started immediately after the successful launch of the first artificial satellite by the Soviet Union in 1957, a date that was regarded as the beginning of the space age. However, years before the launch of sputnik, there had been many deliberations around the world on which laws are to be applicable to the space beyond state’s airspace known as the outer space. This paper analysed the history preceding outer space activities and the roles played by the earlier proponents of airspace, and the United Nations in what was later known as the international space law. It examined important principles established by the five international space treaties for the peaceful uses of outer space, and their relevance to the present-day commercialization of outer space. The study employed doctrinal research method using both primary and secondary sources of data. The study established launch of sputnik was the catalyst for the United Nations to take measures which culminated in the space treaties within few years. The study also found out that many of the principles established in the space treaties appear to be contrary to the interests of the commercial sector in the space industry. The study recommended that the space treaties need to be modified in order to take care of the new era of the space age.
Keywords: Space treaties, Sputnik, non-appropriation, commercialization.