Interpreting the Outer Space Treaty: Analysis and Reconciliation of the Text in its Authentic and Official Languages

The McGill Institute of Air and Space Law is thrilled to undertake the first comprehensive multilingual analysis of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Outer Space Treaty).

The Outer Space Treaty was authenticated in five languages—English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese—plus an official Arabic translation. However, linguistic discrepancies across these versions have led to inconsistencies in treaty interpretation and the obligations of space actors, impacting global space governance.

This project will bring together leading space law scholars, policymakers, and industry experts for a series of five international workshops held in key locations worldwide. These sessions will foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders and contribute to a rigorous comparative analysis of the treaty’s language.

The findings will be published as a book, offering a vital resource for legal practitioners, scholars, and decision-makers navigating the complexities of multilingual treaty interpretation in space law.

The book will be edited by Prof. Andrea Harrington and Ms. Martina Elia Vitoloni. Chapter authors also include experts in public international law and space law possessing the relevant linguistic capabilities to complete the project: Prof. Vincent Correia (McGill University), Prof. Antonia Eliason (University of Mississippi), Ms. Mirette Elgawahry (Mansoura University and McGill), Prof. Di Mei (Shenzhen University), Ms. Elina Morozova (INTERSPUTNIK), and Prof. Charles Stotler (University of Mississippi).

Stay tuned for further updates on this landmark initiative, including workshop dates in 2026!