1.5 The following presentation
This thesis is composed of two main chapters. Chapter 2 analyses the current legal framework, starting with Article II of the OST. The main question is whether natural resources in space are covered by the non-appropriation principle, and if so, to what degree. Section 2.2 starts off with a clarification on what a celestial body is. Sections 2.3 and 2.4 analyses and assesses the meaning of ‘national appropriation’ and the phrase describing appropriation ‘by means of claims of sovereignty, by use or occupation or by any other means’. Section 2.5 examines and assesses the relationship between the inherent scope of the non-appropriation principle and space resource activities. Section 2.6 looks at international efforts to develop the legal regime of space resources and their significance for the non-appropriation principle.
Chapter 3 analyses and assesses the international legal framework of State responsibility and liability with regards to future space resource activities. Section 3.2 examines State obligations imposed by the OST Article VI. Section 3.3 addresses the consequences of States breaching their obligations.
The concluding Chapter 4 summarizes and presents the findings of this thesis. Moreover, reflections on the way forward, and suggestions on how to ensure that space resource activities are conducted in a responsible and sustainable way, are made.