Sharing the Benefits of Outer Space Exploration: Space Law and Economic Development

Part I of this Note will outline the evolution of space law as it concerns the sharing of benefits debate. Part II will analyze interpretations of the provisions of the two treaties central in the sharing of benefits debate, and will focus the debate by discussing the lunar mining issue. Part III will consider the challenge the New International Economic Order concept poses to legal obligations to share benefits. Part IV will evaluate various ways to share benefits and propose a new method which could promote economic development without hampering the incentive to conduct outer space exploration.