Page:The Air Force Role In Developing International Outer Space Law (Terrill, 1999).djvu/112

This page needs to be proofread.

Appendix E

"Ten Precepts" General Albert M. Kuhfeld January 1962'[1]

Formulation of international law must take into consideration the unique physical nature of the aerospace medium, i.e., air and space with no boundary between them.

The Air Force must assume the initiative and leadership on aerospace matters within the Department of Defense.

The Air Force evaluation of boundary formulae should be in terms of their impact on Air Force roles and missions.

International agreements which prohibit overflight of State by aircraft without permission should only apply within the air-space.

Outer space should be declared free for use by all and not subject to national appropriation.

The right of self-defense must also be recognized but must be suitably defined in terms of reasonable measures taken in good faith to protect against a present physical danger.

The term "peaceful use" is not incompatible with any and all military uses.

An agreement on registration of launches and orbits should be entered into.

Property rights of launch States in their space vehicles must be recognized.

The Moon and other celestial bodies are not subject to national appropriation.


  1. Attachment to Maj Gen Albert M. Kuhfeld, Air Force Judge Advocate General, to Maj Gen Cecil H. Childre, Asst Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans & Programs, memorandum, Subj: Aerospace Law, 19 January 1962.

98