Andrew Corlett, managing director of Cains, said space law is an increasingly important niche area for the firm.

'There is no doubt the Isle of Man is starting to become favourably noticed by the world's space community and we are seeing more and more interest from them. As with the film industry, it will take time for a viable cluster of businesses to develop here. The signs are, however, favourable,' said Mr Corlett.

He said the IISL only elects organisations which its board feels can contribute to the development of space law on a global basis.

'Cains hopes it can play a full part in assisting the IISL in any practical way it can,' said Mr Corlett.
IISL was founded by the International Astronautical Federation in 1960. It replaced the Permanent Committee on Space Law which the IAF had created in 1958.

Since 1958, the IISL has held annual colloquia on space law, the proceedings of which are published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The IISL presently has individual and institutional elected members from more than 40 countries who are distinguished for their contributions to space law development. While a component of the IAF, the IISL is authorised to function autonomously in accordance with its statutes.

The purposes and objectives of the institute include the co-operation with appropriate international organisations and national institutions in the field of space law, the carrying out of tasks for fostering the development of space law and studies of legal and social science aspects of the exploration and use of outer space and the holding of meetings, colloquia and competitions on juridical and social science aspects of space activities.