Emergence of Jus Cogens Principles in Outer Space Law

ABSTRACT International law concerning outer space is developing at a steady pace since humankind’s first step towards space exploration in 1958with the launch of Sputnik 1 and Explorer 1. Since then, space is a growing area of political and economic significance. While significant steps by the international community of states in the form of treaty obligations and principles in international space law are apparent, it is yet to be ascertained whether, and if at all, there are customary international laws or jus cogens principles in place regarding outer space and the issues of governance therein. This paper enumerates and discusses the different principles of outer space law and determines if these principles attain the status of jus cogens.