The "Routledge Handbook of Space Law" is a comprehensive reference work edited by Ram Jakhu and Paul Stephen Dempsey, first published in 2016 by Routledge. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Comprehensive Overview: The handbook provides a comprehensive, objective, and comparative overview of Space Law, covering a wide range of topics related to space activities and their legal implications.

2. International and National Legal Aspects: It addresses major international and national legal aspects of particular space activities and issues, rather than focusing on specific treaties or national regulations.

3. Emerging Legal Issues: The book aims to set the future international research agenda by highlighting gaps and inconsistencies in the existing law and identifying emerging legal issues in the field of space law.

4. Global Space Economy: The global space economy is discussed, noting that it has reached $330 billion, indicating the significant economic impact of space activities.

Structure

The handbook is divided into five key parts:

1. Part I: General Principles of International Space Law - This section covers foundational principles and law-making processes related to space activities.

2. Part II: International Law of Space Applications - This part explores the legal aspects of various space applications, including telecommunications, navigation, and exploration.

3. Part III: National Regulation of Space Activities - It examines how different countries regulate space activities, including licensing, safety standards, and environmental concerns.

4. Part IV: National Regulation of Navigational Satellite Systems - This section focuses on the legal frameworks governing navigational satellite systems, which are crucial for global navigation and communication.

5. Part V: Commercial Aspects of Space Law - This final part delves into the commercial aspects of space law, including issues related to space commerce, intellectual property, and liability.

Critical Reception

The book has been well-received for its comprehensive and comparative approach to space law. It serves as a valuable reference tool for academics, professionals, and policy-makers interested in space law. The critical reception highlights its practical and theoretical scope, making it an essential resource in the field.

Contributors

The handbook draws contributions from leading academic scholars and practicing lawyers from around the world. This diversity of perspectives ensures that the book offers a broad and authoritative coverage of space law.

Edition and Availability

The first edition of the handbook was published in 2016 by Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis. It is available in digital formats and has a total of 388 pages, including two illustrations.

Editor Profiles

Ram Jakhu is a professor emeritus at McGill University and the director emeritus of the Institute of Air and Space Law. He has extensive experience in international space law and has contributed significantly to the field through his research and publications.

Paul Stephen Dempsey is also a prominent figure in the field of space law. His contributions to the handbook reflect his expertise in international and national legal aspects of space activities.

In summary, the "Routledge Handbook of Space Law" by Ram Jakhu and Paul Stephen Dempsey is a seminal work that provides a comprehensive and comparative overview of space law. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the legal aspects of space activities, from academics to professionals and policy-makers.