## 2 The Scope of Space Law in Africa  
It is necessary to lay out the province of space law especially as it affects our discussion herein this paper. Space law has been defined by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs as the body of law applicable to and governing space-related activities. The term \"space law\" is most often associated with the rules, principles and standards of international law appearing in over a dozen international treatie, standards and rules governing outer space which have been elaborated since the first space flight in 1957 [1]. It is also important to emphasize the broader conceptualization of space law so as to capture the multidimensional discipline it has become, extending among others to satellite telecommunications, intellectual property, environmental as well as military and security applications [2]. Space law has preponderantly been drawn up under the leadership of the United Nations Organization especially through the development of the five UN-originating space treatie. It however, includes and is enriched by other treatie, conventions, international agreements, rules and regulations of international/intergovernmental organizations (e.g., the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies-ICTs. The organisation allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect and strive to improve access to ICTs in underserved communities worldwide [3] and the Committee for Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPOUS: was set up by the General Assembly in 1959 to govern the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity: for peace, security and development. The Committee was instrumental in the creation of the five treatie and five principles of outer space.) [4] as well as national laws, rules and regulations, executive and administrative orders and judicial decisions. The increasing formulation of national space laws, space policies and the establishment of national space agencies create another level of regulatory framework which must be reckoned with in understanding legality of space related activities [5]. Overall it is fair to state that contemporary rules of public international space law are based on time tested principles of law recognised by civilised nations [6]. Particular mention must be made of the following ten instruments for which it may be said constitute the _corpus juris spatialis_. They are best understood in two groups as follows:  
* The \"five United Nations 'originating' treatie on outer space\" (a) Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Borders (1967) [7];
* (b) Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space (1968), U.K.T.S. 56 (1969), Cmnd. 3997; (1969) 63 A.J.I.L. 382. In force 1968. 86 parties, including the five permanent members of the Security Council [8];
* (c) Convention on International Liability for Damage caused by space Objects (1972), U.K.T.S. 16 (1974), Cmnd. 5551; 961 U.N.T.S. 187; 10 I.L.M. 965. In force 1973. 76 parties, including the five permanent members of the Security Council [9];
* (d) Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space (1975), UNTS 187; 14 ILM 43; UKTS 70 (1978); In force 1976 39 parties including the five permanent members of the Security Council [10];* (e) Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and other Celestial Bodies (1979), G.A. Res. 34/68, U.N. GAOR, 34 th Sess. Supp. No. 46 at 77, U.N. Doc. A/34/664 (1979) [11].