The term "space law" refers to the international and national laws that govern human activities in outer space. Space law was born simultaneously with the Space Age on October 4|1957|when Earth's first artificial satellite|Sputnik 1|was launched into orbit. Following Sputnik|the international community quickly recognized that outer space was a legal vacuum. Spacecraft have since become essential to life on Earth. They perform a wide variety of useful functions|including telecommunications|navigation|exploration|mapping|environmental monitoring|scientific research|and|more recently|space tourism. The prominence of space law has grown in recent years as private companies rapidly expand their spaceflight capabilities and open new markets in outer space. With this transition|the space industry has many new opportunities and must also confront increased risks. Well thought-out laws that govern spaceflight activities minimize the risk to people and property in outer space and on the ground|while not prematurely stifling innovation. This book examines some of these laws and subsequent court cases.