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The Illogical Link: Launchlng, Liabillty And Leasing, Frans G. Von Der Dunk

Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Program: Faculty Publications

Present day developments in international space activities in a way provide many opportunities for private entities to become more involved therein. One interesting phenomenon which seems to arise on the horizon in relation to these developments concerns the possibility of leasing a spacecraft. Questions arising in this regard focus on such issues as ownership, whether state or private, in view of the registration-obligation, and liability for damage and its close link to the launching of the spacecraft in question.

An effort will be made in the paper to briefly analyze the legal ramifications of leasing a spacecraft. Hence, firstly a …