space law n.
a body of laws governing issues relating to outer space
In quot. 1928: the physical laws of space.
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[1928
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It can, temporarily at least, suspend immutable space law.]
Island of Lost Souls in Weird Tales Dec. 792/2 -
1939
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Karel Čapek
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But they will stop. Space law demands it.
Mutineers of Space in Dynamic Science Stories Feb. 78/2 -
1941
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Nat Schachner
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As space became less of a thing unknown, and law and order took the place of the old scramble for new worlds, however, codes were established, spheres delimited and space law came into being.
Old Fireball in Astounding Science-Fiction June 80/2 -
1941
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Nat Schachner
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Then you ought to know something about space law. You signed the articles and you’re bound by them for the duration. A captain has power of life and death on a trip.
Old Fireball in Astounding Science-Fiction June 88/1 -
1942
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Edmond Hamilton
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‘But just to shoot them down!’ said Gloria horrifiedly. ‘I won’t stand for that!’ Murdock took her by the arm. ‘It’s space law, Gloria,’ he told her earnestly. ‘You’d better go back into the ship.’
World with a Thousand Moons in Amazing Stories Dec. 87/1 -
1954
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Harry Warner, Jr.
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Space law required twice-daily reports to the nearest planet from each ship.
Recoil in Authentic Science Fiction Aug. 69/1 -
1967
Spaceman! in Worlds of If June 104/2 page image Keith Laumer bibliography Better crawl back in your hole, Mister, before you qualify yourself for proceedings under space law.
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1989 Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Feb. 76 (editorial caption for Allen M. Steele’s ‘Free Beer & the William Casey Society’)
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Allen Steele
The speaker…—a well-known attorney in space law—casually mentioned that the space shuttle could carry 2000 gallons of beer into orbit.
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2006
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Elizabeth Moon
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Space law, Ky recalled, had been more arcane and confusing than n-space theory. ‘I suppose it depends on which jurisdiction we land in... wonder if Osman has a law library in his database anywhere.’
Engaging the Enemy (2007) ii. 18
Research requirements
antedating 1939
Research History
Ben Ostrowsky submitted a 2006 cite from Elizabeth Moon's "Engaging the Enemy".
Last modified 2021-09-11 00:52:33
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