Regulating a Revolution

Book excerpt: In recent years, small satellites have taken the space industry by storm. Their short development times, low cost, significant miniaturisation, standardisation and commercial availability have truly revolutionised the space industry. They make space accessible to non-professionals and on an individual level. This book is the first to explore the status of small satellites vis-à-vis international space law, examining which provisions are applicable and what kind of legal issues the traditional definitions pose when considering novel small satellites activities. The author sheds clear light on current regulatory challenges raised by the commercial and research activities of small satellites as well as by governmental and military applications. She covers the legal implications in such aspects of the small satellites revolution as the following: liability for damage caused or suffered by small satellites; State responsibility for non-governmental space activities employing small satellites; registration of space objects; launch practices; online availability of components and launch slots; the connection between small satellites and space debris; the role of space insurance; and legal challenges posed by large constellations of small satellites. In the course of the description and analysis, the author provides case studies showing how these challenges can be dealt with, offers deeply informed insights on emerging trends and future developments and indicates which jurisdictions may be most favourable to small satellite activities. The small satellites market is booming, and both States and industry are in need of guidance relating to the regulatory situation. Accordingly, this book will help stakeholders in the industry – universities, business entities and individuals, as well as non-commercial entities engaged in small satellites operations – understand what kind of regulatory challenges exist and what should be done in order to solve these challenges in the future.