Spaceplane : The Catalyst for Resolution of the Boundary and Space Object' Issues in the Law of Outer Space?

The spaceplane could be the most desirable form of space transportation in the next century. However, accompanying it are questions of whether a boundary is needed between airspace and outer space, and whether the current definition of space object' in the outer space treaties is adequate to include these hybrid vehicles. This thesis concludes that the spaceplane does not portend the need for a boundary and that it will not require the development of a new definition. Chapter 1 describes some of the best known spaceplane initiatives. Chapters II and III, respectively, discuss the air law and space law regimes and arguments made for and against establishing a boundary between airspace and outer space. Chapter IV describes debates regarding the sufficiency of the term space object' as it is defined in the space law regime. Chapter V analyzes the impact that spaceplanes will have on the boundary and space object' debates.Air Force Inst of Tech Wright-Patterson AFB OH is the author of 'Spaceplane : The Catalyst for Resolution of the Boundary and Space Object' Issues in the Law of Outer Space?', published 1998 under ISBN 9781423554653 and ISBN 1423554655.