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Tribute to George S. Robinson (1937 - 2018)
Inspired by the personality, vision, and legal work of George S. Robinson about the future of humankind in outer space, an international team of technical experts, lawyers, and political scientists published a “Liber Amicorum” in memory of George Robinson under the lead of Marietta Benkö and Kai-Uwe Schrogl.
Dealing with space flight and exploration in terms of space law and policy, this book is also about topical issues relating to the safe and sustainable use of space technology with regard to our planet. After all, our original habitat should not be sacrificed on our way to Moon and Mars!
In this regard, fundamental questions like the problem of space debris, the safe use of nuclear power sources in outer space, the protection of the ozone layer during space launches, the issue of light pollution, and the protection of the marine environment during the guided re-entry of spacecraft into the High Seas are examined. In addition to these problems of technical nature, questions relating to the peaceful, equitable, and responsible use of outer space are explored also with regard to issues as space traffic management which must be solved by scientists, lawyers, and politicians on an international scale, and supported by an again increasingly interested general public.
Dreams of humankind about the exploration of outer space have always been an inspiration as well as a powerful intellectual driving force for the unparalleled, exciting progress the space sector saw in less than six decades! Nevertheless, we must also face it, that in spite of such a tremendous achievement and the fact that space technologies and applications have already become an indispensable tool for modern society, our knowledge of outer space and the ‘fragility’ of this valuable environment is still limited: We are still facing fundamental questions with respect to the sustainable use of outer space and concrete issues as e.g.the problem of space debris, the safe use of nuclear power sources in outer space, the protection of the ozone layer during space launches as well as the protection of the marine environment during the guided re-entry of spacecraft into the High Seas, in particular the South Pacific. In addition to these problems of technical nature, questions relating to the peaceful, equitable and responsible use of outer space crystallized also e.g. in the issue of space traffic management and must be solved by scientists, lawyers and politicians together on an international scale, supported by an again increasingly interested public.
As to the question of when humankind will finally be on its way to Moon and Mars on a regular and sustained basis and whether this goal can be achieved in our lifetime – we do not know, but ‘trial and error’ will point the way forward as always in matters of high technology.
So, our society is on an exciting ‘journey’ in spite of the most difficult and also highly disputed issues at stake on Earth and in space – exactly as envisaged and dealt with by George Robinson in his lifetime work as a space lawyer and visionary!
Please see flyer of the book and list of contents. IISL members are entitled to a reduction of 25% from the regular price. Please apply to the publisher directly: S.Hoedt@boom.nl)
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