Panel: Legal Challenges for Planetary Space Activities (link)

Presentation: “Advancing Governing Frameworks for Cislunar, Lunar, and Deep Space Activities”

Abstract:

As governmental and nongovernmental actors look to extend the exploration and use of space beyond Earth orbit, current frameworks need to evolve to effectively address these innovative activities. This paper provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the current governing landscape in regards to cislunar, lunar, and deep space activities. highlighting key challenges, opportunities, and considerations for sustainable and equitable exploration. For instance, Cislunar activities involves priority issues such as space debris mitigation, spectrum allocation, and resource utilization. Lunar activities raise implications over in situ space resource utilization, appropriation, and environmental protection. Deep space and interplanetary missions to asteroids, Mars, and beyond, lend deeper dimensions to ongoing discussions relating to the scope of national sovereignty and jurisdiction, space resources and proprietary interests. Furthermore, the application of emerging technological capabilities in carrying out these activities such as artificial intelligence and in space manufacturing require further consideration for evolving governance. Lastly, space activities beyond Earth orbit inherently require evaluating and aligning law and policy with key ethical values and fundamental principles for developing norms of behavior, to include international cooperation, moral responsibility in space, and sustainability.