What is the legal difference between the five international treaties and the five sets of principles elaborated through the United Nations?
Following their adoption by the General Assembly, the five international treaties governing outer space were opened for signature and ratification by Member States. Under international law, their provisions are binding upon those States who have ratified them. In addition, they articulate agreed upon principles relating to the exploration and use of outer space which may guide even those States which have not legally bound themselves to the provisions. The five sets of principles have the legal status of General Assembly resolutions. They provide generally accepted principles, rules and standards by which States may, and very often do, govern their space related activities.
