session 4

Title

Legal Challenges Represented by Large Satellite Infrastructures and Constellations

Description

A relatively new trend in space activities involves the deployment of large infrastructures and constellations of satellites in Low Earth Orbit, leading to relevant international concerns, not only regarding space traffic management, but also the sustainability of the space environment. Such a distinctive technological initiative poses legal challenges as far as Space Law is concerned. For example, what forms of legal and regulatory frameworks are necessary to balance the interests of a particular State (financial, compliance with its international obligations, acting in the interests of other States, etc) with the demands of entrepreneurs? Should the governing legal regime encourage/discourage this evolution towards a multitude of space actors? What role does/should law have in facilitating the commercial possibilities offered by low-cost satellites? How should the relevant legal rules balance the risks associated with such technology and infrastructure with the need to further enhance the potential benefits that these systems may offer?

Date

2016-09-28

Time

14:45

Room

Salon de Eventos 6

IPC members

• Co-Chair: Prof. Steven Freeland, Western Sydney University, Australia;

• Co-Chair: Dr. PJ Blount, Cardiff University, United Kingdom;

• Rapporteur: Mr. Alexander Soucek, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands;