Small satellites and the regulation of outer space activities

The purpose of this chapter is therefore to take pause and reflect on various regulatory requirements and challenges posed by the existing international legal regime in relation to the use of small satellite technology. The international regulation of the exploration and use of outer space is primarily based upon a series of five United Nations (UN) Space Treaties and several General Assembly (GA) Principles. Although the discussion focuses on the current regulatory requirements, it leads to the conclusion that the design of future legal regimes to deal specifically with small satellite technology will necessitate some fundamental policy decisions by national lawmakers and regulatory bodies. The regime for space activities is structured on the basis that States bear international responsibility for “national activities in outer space”, including when such activities are carried out by non-governmental entities.