Project West Ford...[was] included in the space [principles] treaty" completed in 1968.[1]
Review of the Air Force plans for Project West Ford reveals no discussion about the impact of the project on international law. Because of Project West Ford and the debate that ensued regarding it, the United States established the policy that the scientific community would be consulted in the future should West Ford be extended. Such consultation with the scientific community was subsequently included in Article IX of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space (the Principles Treaty).[2] The Air Force never intended nor had any idea that its Project West Ford might impact outer space law. When the consultation provision was included in the Principles Treaty, the Air Force had unintentionally but clearly and directly impacted the development of international outer space law.
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