A briefing on the legal and geopolitical facets of space resources

Abstract

The issue of space resources is polarizing and fraught with misinformation and hyperbole. The purpose of this chapter is to dispose of the political narrative, posturing and hyperbole surrounding space resources and provide an objective analysis that briefly discusses the law surrounding the issue of space resources, a brief legislative history and a discussion of the legal theory, arguments and issues surrounding the model of space resources. Additionally, this briefing will discuss the potential geopolitical effects and consequences the paradigm of space resources could manifest as well as the pitfalls the concept might create internationally.