Abstract :
E&T on why the principle of space as ´mankind´s common heritage´ is not always conducive to exploration. Outer space is infinite and humankind still cannot grasp its dimensions. Nevertheless, people have always aspired to ´reach´ it, and life on Earth has always been defined by solar energy and light, gravity and threats of asteroids crossing the Earth´s orbit. But it is not always easy to reconcile wishes with abilities; for centuries we did not have technology that would allow us to leave Earth. The day the Soviet Sputnik was launched brought a dramatic change; for the past half a century we have made enormous progress and conquering space seems to be a reality... with just one little hitch the issue of ownership. Here on Earth a lot of activities start with the determination of proprietary issues. A lot of undertakings such as quests to discover new continents or expeditions to explore mineral resources in remote areas would not have taken place without the decision as to who was going to own new lands or the extracted resources. Well, space law has something to say on this matter and it is very different from what we are used to hearing here on Earth.
