About the Book: 50 Years of the Outer Space Treaty: Tracing the Journey
Developments in the outer space arena post the erstwhile USSR launching the
first man-made satellite Sputnik in space on 4 October 1957 have transformed the
world significantly. In order to ensure the exploration and use of outer space
for peaceful purposes, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
(COPUOS) was set up by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959.
Subsequently, this committee led to the foundation of the "Treaty on Principles
Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and use of Outer Space,
including the Moon and Other Celestial