Speaker
Description
Space exploration has evolved from a dream into an reality, spurred by the efforts of both governmental space
agencies and private entities. As humanity ventures further into the cosmos with plans for moon landings, Mars
exploration, asteroid mining and even space tourism, the legal implications of these activities have become
increasingly complex. The governance of space activities is primarily shaped by international treaties such as the 1967
\textbf{Outer Space Treaty}, which emphasizes non-appropriation of celestial bodies, international cooperation
and the peaceful use of space. However, with the rise of private space companies and the growing commercial interest in
space, questions regarding property rights, resource utilization, liability and risk management have emerged as key
legal challenges.
One of the most pressing issues in space law is the question of property rights and ownership in space especially with
regard to resource extraction from celestial bodies. While the \textbf{Moon Agreement} of 1979 advocates for the Moon
and other celestial bodies being the common heritage of humanity, nations like the US have passed
national legislation such as the \textbf{Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act (2015)}, allowing private
companies to extract and claim ownership of resources from space. This has raised debates about the need for a more
cohesive international framework to govern space resource utilization.
In addition, the growing number of space missions has led to a rise in space debris, increasing the risk of collisions
between satellites and objects in space. The existing treaties and agreements, such as the \textbf{Convention on
International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972)} aim to address liability in cases of damage caused
by space debris. However, the proliferation of private companies and satellites complicates the legal landscape calling
for the establishment of a legal framework for \textbf{Space Traffic Management}, which involves monitoring and
resolving space objects to prevent accidents and ensure safety of space activities.
As space exploration continues to advance, new challenges will arise including questions of space sovereignty,
governance and ethical considerations such as planetary protection. The future of space law will need to evolve to
address these challenges, balancing the interests of private companies, national governments and international
stakeholders, while ensuring that space remains a global commons for the benefit of all. Ultimately, the success of
space exploration will depend not only on technological advancements but also on development of cohesive legal
frameworks that regulate the expanding frontier of human activity in outer space.