With detailed analysis of the economic, technical and physical feasibility of space mining, this work examines the legal and policy issues affecting commercial exploitation of outer space, and proposes a new regulatory framework that balances policy interests.

This monograph addresses the legal and policy issues relating to the commercial exploitation of natural resources in outer space. It begins by establishing the economic necessity and technical feasibility of space mining today, an estimate of the financial commitments required, followed by a risk analysis of a commercial mining venture in space, identifying the economic and legal risks. This leads to the recognition that the legal risks must be minimised to enable such projects to be financed. This is followed by a discussion of the principles of international space law, particularly dealing...