Space and the Law: Balancing Innovation and Regulation

This week on The Tech Law Hangout, Jordan Becker is joined by Professor Michael Runnels to discuss space law.

They discuss the foundations of space law, including the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, the Liability Convention of 1971, the Registration Convention of 1975 and the Artemis Accords of 2020. Jordan also explains the US Patents in Space Act of 1990. Michael emphasizes the need for environmental regulations in low Earth orbit and discusses his model legislation to address issues such as orbital debris and space traffic management, arguing that responsible commercialization of outer space is crucial for the sustainability of the space industry.

“It is for the interest and the benefit of all humankind to ensure that our use of space is responsible and not making it difficult for any U.S. company, U.S. citizen, national or foreign company to operate in this plane.” – Michael Runnels, Associate Professor of Business Law, California State University, Los Angeles