The Lagging Regulation Behind The Rapid Commercialization Of Space
- IJLLR Journal
- Mar 27, 2025
- 1 min read
Reneta Yazhini R, CHRIST (Deemed To Be University)
ABSTRACT
The United Nations (UN) played a pivotal role in establishing international rules for space activities following the launch of the first artificial satellite in 1957. This led to the creation of five key international conventions, including the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, forming the basis of space law. Initially focused on ensuring peaceful space exploration, these conventions did not anticipate the rapid commercialization of space. Despite early successes in telecommunications, remote sensing, and global navigation services, the emergence of space tourism and mining in recent years has outpaced existing regulations. The outdated conventions struggle to address the complexities of commercial space activities, prompting a shift towards soft laws and national legislation. However, reaching consensus on new international rules is challenging due to diverging national interests. Consequently, states are encouraged to enact their own space laws to guide domestic commercial activities. In the future, the development of soft laws and national regulations is expected to dominate space governance, aiming to ensure uniform access and utilization of space resources on an international scale. This paper provides an overview of current space commercialization trends and recommends strategies for enhancing international governance to accommodate the evolving landscape of commercial space activities.
Keywords: Space Commercialization, Space Governance, Space Law, United Nations.
