Restrictive and expansive interpretation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty in the context of the use of space resources

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Abstract

The subject of the research is the main theoretical and legal approaches to the interpretation of norms of international space law in the context of the use of space resources, as presented in the modern doctrine of international law. The object of the research is the international legal relations arising in the process of interpreting and applying the provisions of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 in relation to the issues of the legality of the use and appropriation of space resources by various subjects of international law. The study aims to identify the content and methodological foundations of restrictive and expansive approaches to the interpretation of Articles I and II of the Outer Space Treaty, analyze their theoretical premises, and assess the impact of doctrinal developments on the formation of a prospective international legal regime for space resources. Special attention is given to analyzing the positions of leading representatives of international legal science regarding the extension of the prohibition of national appropriation to private entities and the qualification of natural resources of celestial bodies as part of the latter. The methodological basis of the research is provided by general scientific methods of cognition, including a systemic approach to analyzing doctrinal positions, comparative legal analysis of various interpretations of international legal norms, as well as methods of legal hermeneutics in studying the ways of interpretation of international treaties. The scientific novelty of the research is determined by the comprehensive analysis of doctrinal approaches to the issue of space resources from the perspective of the methodology of interpretation of international law. For the first time, a systematization of theoretical and legal concepts has been conducted, revealing their philosophical and legal foundations and practical implications. The study demonstrates that discrepancies in doctrine are attributable to different understandings of the nature of international law: teleological and literal interpretations of international treaties, as well as the prioritization of collective and individual interests. It has been established that the restrictive approach is based on a systemic analysis of international legal norms and the concept of the common heritage of mankind, while the expansive approach is grounded in the principles of common law and the doctrine of res nullius. The conclusion is drawn regarding the necessity of synthesizing rational elements of both concepts to create an effective international legal regime for space resources, taking into account both the collective interests of the international community and the needs for the development of space technologies.

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