Space Law

From space treaties to NASA regs to voting in outer space, the law library celebrates law that’s outta this world.

Legal documents that launched a new era

National Aeronautics Space Act

The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, contained in the United States Statues at Large, Pub. L. No. 85-568, 72 Stat. 426-438, established NASA and marked America’s official entry into the Space Race.

CFR Title 14: Aeronautics and Space

The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14: Aeronautics and Space details the purpose, function, and organization of NASA as mandated by Congress.

Absentee Astronaut Voting in Texas

To accommodate the many astronauts who live in Texas, the Secretary of State adopted special rules, spelled out in the Texas Administrative Code §81.35, that authorize NASA to implement procedures for casting ballots in outer space.

Outer Space Treaty (1967)

The multilateral agreement that established the governance of state activities in the exploration and use of outer space was signed by more than 100 countries. It was first proposed by the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in August of 1966.

Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies, Entered into Force October 10, 1967 (The first page is pictured here from HeinOnline. Follow the link to view the entire document.)

As of June 2019, 109 countries have signed the Outer Space Treaty. (An additional 23 countries have signed but have not completed ratification.)

Displayed here are six of the original October 10, 1967 signatories: China, Soviet Union, Mexico, Israel, India, and United States

The Houston Lawyer: Space Law

Volume 59 - Number 3, November/December 2021

Featuring “Space Law, The Exhibit: A Constellation of Resources from the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library,” by Heather Holmes, Assistant Law Librarian (pp. 30-31)

Click the cover image below to view the entire issue.