The McGill Manual is the world’s first manual clarifying international law applicable to military uses of outer space. The fifty-two Rules of the McGill Manual cover a variety of international law topics that are of critical importance to all space activities conducted during peacetime and in time of tension that pose challenges to peace. By clarifying the law as it applies to outer space, this innovative research is not only of practical value to States but will also be of importance to space operators. Moreover, McGill Manual sets the agenda for further research on legal issues related to current and emerging challenges in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. In recognition of the McGill Manual’s timeliness and relevance, the McGill Manual was most recently highlighted at the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Reducing Space Threats. A second volume of the McGill Manual containing Commentaries to the Rules is being published separately by Springer.
The McGill Manual is the product of the MILAMOS Project spearheaded by McGill Faculty of Law’s Centre for Research in Air and Space Law. Its rules result from the impartial and rigorous efforts of an independent group of more than 80 highly qualified legal and technical experts from various countries, with both civilian and military backgrounds (among them the Department of Global Governance's Hannes Mayer). Co-edited by McGill Faculty of Law Professor Ram S. Jakhu and Emeritus Professor Steven Freeland of Western Sydney University, Australia, the McGill Manual is the world’s first manual clarifying international law applicable to military uses of outer space.