The New Laws of Outer Space - by Ugo Pagallo (Hardcover)

About the Book

Maps out the moral, legal, and societal issues brought forth by the use of autonomous systems such as AI and smart robots in outer space.

Book Synopsis

This book maps out the moral, legal and societal issues brought forth by the use of autonomous systems such as AI and smart robots in outer space.

Humanity is on the brink of a new space era in which projects for permanent human colonies on the Moon and space missions with autonomous AI systems will soon become a reality. Principles and provisions of international space law fall increasingly short in tackling this scenario. Experts and institutions have recommended improvements to the legal framework, such as new international agreements, or policies that would not require any amendment to conventional law. Most of the time, such proposals and recommendations overlook the challenges posed by technology and how autonomous and intelligent systems in outer space require moral and legal standards of their own.

This book argues that the traditional focus on satellite communications, space-related services, and the appropriability of celestial resources needs to be integrated by new laws of outer space regulating cybersecurity law and environmental law, data governance and consumer protection. The new laws of outer space will increasingly concern the development of new standards for the behaviour and decision-making of AI systems and smart robots, with and without humans aboard deep space missions and in next-generation colonies.

What laws shall govern us out there, in a new terra incognita? This is the question that the book sets out to answer.

Review Quotes

"The book is written in captivating language ... The author presents a thorough examination of the development of international space law ... This excellent monograph should be made available to scholars, practitioners, governments and those entering the fields of philosophy, history, science or the law." --Air and Space Law

About the Author

Ugo Pagallo is Professor of Law at the University of Turin, Italy.