Space Law and Policy

Space activities across the Asia-Pacific, specifically in Australia and New Zealand, are increasing and diversifying. Over the last decade, countries in this region have seen significant growth within their national space industries and economies which in turn benefit their wider societies due to the downstream application and use of, space-related technologies, products, and services. This phenomena presents not only a great opportunity for these countries, but also represents a situation necessitating considered and fit-for-purpose space law and policy. Robust yet flexible regulatory regimes are needed if countries in the Asia-Pacific, such as Australia and New Zealand, are to benefit from the strategic and commercial advantages associated with a presence in outer space and functioning domestic space sector. These regulatory regimes must respond to, and address, numerous challenges ranging from adherence to international legal obligations to issues of geo-political space security and military concerns through to questions about how best to regulate and support commercial space endeavours. These myriad factors will have an impact upon how countries develop, implement, and refine their space laws and policies. This series offers a unique perspective from this region and intends to act as a source of knowledge and guidance for space actors across government, the private sector and academia in the pursuit and furtherance of their respective space activities and operations. The contributors to this series are all experts in their field who share a common interest in strengthening space governance via the promotion and development of space law and policy.