Frequently Asked Questions

  • Space law is the field of international law that governs human activities beyond Earth’s atmosphere. It establishes rules for exploration, satellite operations, scientific research, and the use of space-based technologies.

    Its core purpose is to ensure that outer space is used responsibly, peacefully, and for the benefit of all nations.

  • Space law applies primarily to States, but it also governs private companies and individuals indirectly.

    Under international law, countries bear legal responsibility for the space activities carried out both by their government agencies as well as by private actors operating under their jurisdiction.

  • The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is the cornerstone of international space law. It forms the legal foundation for all subsequent space-related agreements and national space regulations.

    Today, it is one of the most widely recognized treaties in international law.

  • The treaty sets out several fundamental principles, including:

    • Outer space is free for exploration and use by all humanity

    • No nation may claim sovereignty over outer space or celestial bodies

    • Space is to be used for peaceful purposes

    • States are responsible for the activities of their nationals. 

    • States are internationally liable for damage caused by their space objects

    These principles continue to guide space governance more than fifty years later.

  • No. International law prohibits ownership of land in outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies.

    Numerous nations however do recognize that it is okay to extract and use space resources under the Outer Space Treaty.

  • There is currently no universally agreed legal boundary between airspace and outer space.

    In practice, many scientists and policymakers refer to the Kármán Line, located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) above Earth, as a functional boundary for space activities.

  • The distinction matters because different legal regimes apply:

    • Airspace falls under the sovereignty of the State below

    • Outer space is governed by international law and is not subject to national ownership

    As commercial spaceflight and high-altitude operations increase, defining this boundary has become an increasingly important legal issue.  

    This distinction matters most if Country A wants to overfly Country B.   If Country A flies through the airspace of Country B, it needs permission to do so (or it risks getting shot down for violating Country B’s sovereignty)  if the same activity occurs in outer space, no such permission is required   

  • Space law is becoming more significant as:

    • Satellite constellations expand rapidly

    • Commercial actors play a larger role in space activities

    • Space debris presents growing safety risks

    • States plan sustained and potentially conflicting operations on the Moon and beyond  

    Effective legal frameworks are essential to maintain stability, safety, and long-term access to space.