The Impact of Outer Space Law on Regional Policies or the Impact of National Laws and Regional Policies on Outer Space Law and Activities: which “Impact” Comes First?
- Paper number
IAC-07-E6.1.01
- Author
Dr. Sylvia Ospina, S. Ospina & Associates - Consultants, United States
- Year
2007
- Abstract
This paper will attempt to answer the question of what has greater impact on regional policies: space law or national laws? This issue needs to be examined in its present context, which seems to be dominated by “global” economic interests, rather than political /military policies. At the beginning of the space age, there were two major players: the USA and the USSR. Their national military and political interests were the driving forces of their space policies, and subsequently, in the drafting of the treaties and conventions related to space activities, which were later adopted by other members of the United Nations. Since the 1990s, however, many more countries are involved in space activities, and in the formulation of regional and international space policies, which now take into account the increasing economic influence of the private sector. In addition to the first question posed, several others arise in regard to the participation of the private sector, the globalization of corporations, and their economic (and political) interests in space activities. In trying to ascertain the influence or impact of international laws on regional endeavours, is it sufficient to look at the outer space treaties? Should recent economic treaties, such as the World Trade Organization’s Agreements, also be taken into consideration? To what extent do national development and trade policies influence regional policies, particularly in regard to space activities? Do national agencies and regulatory bodies still have a role to play? Should the outer space treaties be revisited, modernized, updated, to take into account the larger role (and interests) of the private sector at the national, regional and global levels? Should there be several regional regulatory entities, under the supervision of one international / global space agency? These are a few of the many issues that need to be addressed in trying to determine which impact comes first.
- Abstract document