In 2010 the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) celebrates its fiftieth anniversary as the single-most authoritative international body on the law pertaining to outer space and space activities. Following a meeting of the organising committee in Paris in May 1960, the Statutes of the IISL were drafted and formally approved by the International Astronautical Foundation (IAF) on 15 August 1960. In 2007, the IISL became an independent organisation based in the Netherlands.

To celebrate this anniversary, firstly IISL has already co-organised a conference on �Space Law and Policy� in Washington, D.C., on 11 May 2010.

Secondly, during the forthcoming International Astronautical Conference, held in Prague between 27 September-1 October 2010, the IISL will organise a special session as part of its annual Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space. The �Nandasiri Jasentuliyana Keynote Lecture on Space Law� will this year consist of three lectures focusing on the history of space law, the IISL and two of the very early pioneers, Prof. V. Mandl and Prof. A. Meyer. These lectures will be delivered by Dr. S. Doyle, Prof. V. Kopal and Prof. S. Hobe of the Board of Directors of the IISL. It will be followed, as always, by the �Young Scholars Session�, under the chairmanship of Prof. V. Kopal and IISL President Mrs. T.L. Masson-Zwaan.

Thirdly, the IISL will also republish the 1972 book by Judge Lachs on �The law of outer space, an experience in contemporary law-making�. Judge Lachs was President of the IISL from 1990 to 1993, and President of the International Court of Justice from 1973 to 1976, having served on the Court from 1967 until his death in 1993. He also served as the first Chairman of the Legal Subcommittee of the UNCOPUOS from 1962 to 1966. His excellent 1972 book on space law has been out of print for years but is still used extensively by all generations of space lawyers. This new edition will be accompanied by an introduction by the IISL Directorate of Studies and a preface by the IISL President.

Lastly, a booklet on the IAA-IISL Roundtables, celebrating also the 25th Anniversary of the Roundtable, will be prepared in cooperation with the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).