The International Institute of Space Law (IISL) is an independent non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering the development of space law. The membership of the Institute is composed of individuals and institutions from more then forty countries elected on the basis of their contributions to the field of space law or other social sciences related to space activities. The purposes and objectives of the IISL include the promotion of further development of space law and expansion of the rule of law in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, the holding of meetings, colloquia and competitions on juridical and social science aspects of space activities, the preparation or commissioning of studies and reports, the publication of books, proceedings, reports and position papers, and the cooperation with appropriate international organizations and national institutions in the field of space law. The IISL is an officially recognized observer at sessions of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, and its Scientific & Technical and Legal Subcommittees. The IISL is a not-for-profit foundation with Members as well as Board Members all doing their work on a volunteering, non-paid basis.