Between Sovereignty And The Stars: The Emerging Legal Landscape Of Space Law In The 21st Century
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 22
- 1 min read
Updated: Jun 25
Dr. Vinayaka. K, Principal and Associate Professor in Law, Ramaiah Institute of Legal Studies, Bangalore
Sowmya. H. A, Research Scholar and Assistant Professor in Law, C.B.R. College of Law and Centre for Post Graduate Studies in Law, Shivamogga
ABSTRACT
The 21st century has ushered in a new space age, one marked by commercial rocket launches, Mars rover landings, private satellite constellations, and ambitious plans for human colonies beyond Earth. These groundbreaking developments are reshaping not only our technological capabilities but also the legal frameworks that govern outer space. Originally crafted in the 1960s, space law was built around the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War and the novelty of space exploration. Today, those early treaties are being stretched by the realities of privatized space missions, resource exploitation, and environmental concerns such as orbital debris.
This article takes a closer look at how space law is evolving to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. It begins by tracing the historical roots of international space agreements, then dives into the current legal challenges like space mining, liability for satellite damage, and jurisdiction over space tourists. Drawing on real-world examples, from Elon Musk's SpaceX launches to international efforts to regulate space traffic, the article makes the case for a modern, cooperative legal framework. Ultimately, it argues that while the foundational principles of space law still hold value, they must be reinterpreted and supplemented to keep pace with human ambition and innovation.
Keywords: Space law, Outer Space Treaty, sovereignty, space mining, international liability, commercial spaceflight, space governance, environmental protection.
