Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Margaret O'Brien, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Margaret O'Brien
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Aviation
Faculty Mentor Name
Mr. Trevor Simoneau
Abstract
The rapid advancement of space technologies in both governmental and private sectors presents a significant challenge for existing space law frameworks. Emerging activities such as space mining are gaining international attention, yet lawmakers struggle to craft regulations for an industry that is still in development. Innovators and investors often hesitate to assume risk in the absence of clear international guidelines. This research explores the complex legal and policy considerations surrounding space resource utilization, including the lack of consensus with existing treaties, the unpredictability of potential hazards, and the widening technological gap between industrialized and developing nations. Historical frameworks, such as the Antarctic Treaty and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, provide insight but are conceptually limited when applied to extraterrestrial environments. Previous attempts, including the Moon Agreement, failed to gain broad adoption among space-faring nations, underscoring the difficulty of establishing universal rules. Through a combination of legal analysis and survey data from international stakeholders, this study identifies key gaps in current space governance and assesses the perspectives of both governmental and private actors on regulation, liability, appropriation, and equitable resource sharing. Findings suggest that a central authority—potentially modeled on COPUOS or UNOOSA—coupled with inclusive policymaking involving private and non-governmental entities, is essential to develop effective, enforceable guidelines that align with the needs of all stakeholders in space activities.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Air and Space Law Commons, Commercial Space Operations Commons, International Law Commons
Recommendations for an International Regulatory Regime for Commercial Space
The rapid advancement of space technologies in both governmental and private sectors presents a significant challenge for existing space law frameworks. Emerging activities such as space mining are gaining international attention, yet lawmakers struggle to craft regulations for an industry that is still in development. Innovators and investors often hesitate to assume risk in the absence of clear international guidelines. This research explores the complex legal and policy considerations surrounding space resource utilization, including the lack of consensus with existing treaties, the unpredictability of potential hazards, and the widening technological gap between industrialized and developing nations. Historical frameworks, such as the Antarctic Treaty and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, provide insight but are conceptually limited when applied to extraterrestrial environments. Previous attempts, including the Moon Agreement, failed to gain broad adoption among space-faring nations, underscoring the difficulty of establishing universal rules. Through a combination of legal analysis and survey data from international stakeholders, this study identifies key gaps in current space governance and assesses the perspectives of both governmental and private actors on regulation, liability, appropriation, and equitable resource sharing. Findings suggest that a central authority—potentially modeled on COPUOS or UNOOSA—coupled with inclusive policymaking involving private and non-governmental entities, is essential to develop effective, enforceable guidelines that align with the needs of all stakeholders in space activities.