TY - JOUR
T1 - A delicate balance : regulating micro satellite technology in a big satellite world
AU - Freeland, Steven
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - The development of space-related technology since the dawn of the space age in 1957 has given rise to many new and exciting possibilities. It has also meant that space activities continue to evolve, facilitating the participation of a variety of space ‘actors’ other than States. One of the potentially most significant developments in this regard has been the increasing use of small satellites. These are in general cheaper and less complex to develop, build and launch than conventional satellites, and have thus enabled groups such as university students and non-profit organisations to become involved in space. More significantly, the possibilities now exist for ‘traditional’ users of outer space to also utilise this technology for existing as well as new commercial and other purposes. This may represent a pivotal moment towards the development of a new space paradigm. Yet, despite the tremendous potential offered by small satellites, it is important to recognise that, like other space objects, they are subject to the regulatory requirements specified in the international space treaties, as well as other instruments and national legislation. This article discusses a number of the more significant regulatory requirements and analyses how they might apply to space activities involving small satellites now and into the future.
AB - The development of space-related technology since the dawn of the space age in 1957 has given rise to many new and exciting possibilities. It has also meant that space activities continue to evolve, facilitating the participation of a variety of space ‘actors’ other than States. One of the potentially most significant developments in this regard has been the increasing use of small satellites. These are in general cheaper and less complex to develop, build and launch than conventional satellites, and have thus enabled groups such as university students and non-profit organisations to become involved in space. More significantly, the possibilities now exist for ‘traditional’ users of outer space to also utilise this technology for existing as well as new commercial and other purposes. This may represent a pivotal moment towards the development of a new space paradigm. Yet, despite the tremendous potential offered by small satellites, it is important to recognise that, like other space objects, they are subject to the regulatory requirements specified in the international space treaties, as well as other instruments and national legislation. This article discusses a number of the more significant regulatory requirements and analyses how they might apply to space activities involving small satellites now and into the future.
KW - international law
KW - microspacecraft
KW - regulations
UR - http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/uws:32306
UR - http://www.uws.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/963374/UWSLR2014_15_Oct1_FINAL_FOR_PRINTING.pdf
M3 - Article
SN - 1446-9294
VL - 18
SP - 1
EP - 18
JO - University of Western Sydney law review
JF - University of Western Sydney law review
ER -