1 Space Stations 1
The Variety of Space Stations 2
Supporting Technology 15
Justifications for Space Information Stations 23
2 The Concept of Space Utilization via Space Stations 31
The Expanding Frontier 31
Space Station Communication Services 33
Space Station Earth Sensing Services 43
Space Power Stations 53
Space Manufacturing Stations 56
Trends 59
3 Institutional Alternatives for Space Stations 63
Existing Institutional Involvement 63
Institutional Alternatives 65
Component Ownership： An Alternative Institutional Framework 80
4 Applicable International Agreements 89
The United Nations and CPUOS 89
Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space 90
Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects 117
Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts， the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space 128
Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space 133
5 Legal Issues 137
Space Stations and the “Peaceful Uses of Outer Space” 137
Space Stations and the Common Heritage of Mankind 150
Direct Satellite Broadcasting and Space Stations 163
Earth Sensing and Space Stations 172
6 The New Era in Space 185
Regional Implementation of Space Stations 190
Starbase： A Regional Institutional Model Based Upon Component Ownership 193
Law and Policy Change 206
Endnote 208
Appendixes 209
Notes 227
Index 255