Space Legal Frameworks

Summary

In the second episode of the Space Series, Dr Cassandra Steer (ANU) and Duncan Blake (UNSW) look at the legal frameworks governing human behaviour and activities in space. Anyone using the Internet, emails, texting, social media, Internet of Things, mobile communications, GPS, AI, bushfire and lightning strike apps, and the global economy – are all dependent on the space domain. A fact not lost on national security advisors and commercial launch providers who are increasingly enabling nation states, non-state actors, and other commercial entities seeking to exploit space for an economic and information advantage. However, questions begin to arise around how best to regulate, not only the volume and nature of traffic in orbit, but also how best to represent commercial rights vis a vis national security. Does earth-centric international law, representing nation states, also adequately represent humanity in space? Should space have its own legal autonomy, or the moon be given 'legal personality'? Take a deep dive into the concept of sovereignty in a global commons like space. Learn how the International Space Station serves as both an example of international collaboration and testimony of the complexities behind space colonisation. An episode that goes beyond the basics and broadens your knowledge. (See the transcript for additional links and reading materials)