Seminars : Documents

Accessing outer space as a field for scientific exploration and research : the legal aspects
Jean-François Mayence (Legal Advisor BELSPO (Belgian Federal Office for Science Policy))

Outer space is for everyone. That’s a common saying. But what does it actually mean? What are the principles applicable to space activities, space areas and space resources? Are there any legal limits to human expansion in outer space? What is left from the peaceful cooperation mottoes of the 60’s?

At the very time the global space community is shifting to the so called “New Space”, the realm of Elon Musk, national defense agencies and smart start-ups, what is the part that outer space law can still save for scientists? How can lawyers use this new reality, made of cubesat constellations, asteroid mining and orbital advertising, to protect science and even provide research with new opportunities?

What is space law made of, and does it fit current challenges?