Outer Space Treaty
NASA announces Artemis Accords for international cooperation in lunar exploration
NASA will ask countries that seek to cooperate on the agency’s Artemis lunar exploration program to follow a series of principles that the agency says is intended to support a “safe, prosperous and peaceful” future in space.
Op-ed | A U.S. return to the moon is about preserving the rule of law
Two recent op-eds in SpaceNews expound on a U.S. return to the moon but both miss the mark of why a U.S. return is essential: it will reinforce and preserve the rule of law.
Op-ed | The ball is in the Senate’s court regarding Article VI
No issue in space law over the past two years has generated more domestic controversy than Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty and, specifically, its effect on private space activities.
House committee passes commercial space regulatory bill
The House Science Committee approved a bill June 8 that would reform regulation of remote sensing and other commercial spacecraft, despite concerns by one key member that the bill offers the wrong approach for doing so.
House bill seeks to streamline oversight of commercial space activities
The House Science Committee is expected to approve a bill that seeks to improve regulation of commercial space activities, but not without criticism from some within the industry.
Op-ed | A reality check on Article VI and private space activities
A disturbing trend has been taking shape over the past year relating to the Outer Space Treaty and, specifically, whether Article VI applies to private citizens with respect to private space activities.
Companies, lawyers argue against changing Outer Space Treaty
Commercial space companies and space law experts recommended against any changes in the Outer Space Treaty at a recent hearing, arguing regulatory issues can be better addressed through laws and regulations.
The Outer Space Treaty and The Free Enterprise Act: Is international space law a help or a hindrance?
On May 23, the space subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on how the Outer Space Treaty (OST) will impact the future of American commerce in space. Conspicuously absent is the following question: how does the OST benefit private investment?
Cruz to hold hearing on updating the Outer Space Treaty
The chairman of the Senate’s space subcommittee said May 16 that his committee will hold a hearing next week to hear testimony on possible updates to a 50-year-old treaty that is the cornerstone of international space law.
Moon Express proposes alternate approach for lunar mission regulatory approvals
Concerned that regulatory uncertainty could block its plans to launch a lunar lander mission next year, Moon Express has proposed an alternative approach for carrying out a required payload review that could keep its plans on schedule while a more permanent legislative solution is developed.
Op-ed | One Small Step for Space Resources
In the 1970s, Barry “Moon Man” McArdle sold lunar real estate for $1 per acre, with the caveat that rights were not yet secured. The space resources legislation President Obama just signed into law includes a similar proviso.
