What rules should govern outer space in the 21st century? Who decides how we explore, exploit, protect, or share this increasingly crowded frontier?
Space is no longer the sole domain of superpowers and state-driven missions. The second age of space is defined by rapid commercialization, growing defense stakes, new environmental concerns, and a diverse landscape of actors, from start-ups and universities to emerging spacefaring nations.
As orbital space becomes a precious resource and questions arise around space debris, spectrum allocation, and even the hypothetical ownership of lunar or asteroid materials, the legal frameworks established in the Cold War era may be put to the test.
This event (hold in English) is an open discussion on the future of space law: its promises, its limitations, and its possible evolution. From the five foundational treaties to ongoing debates on the interpretation and enforcement of international norms, we’ll explore how legal thinking is adapting to the realities of tomorrow’s space activity.
Whether you are a law student, an engineer, a policy enthusiast, or simply curious about who writes the rules beyond Earth, come join the conversation.
Alban Guyomarc’h is a PhD candidate in Space Law at Panthéon-Assas University, research associate at the ENS’s Chaire Espace, and doctoral researcher at the Collège de France.
His work focuses on the role of private law in space activities and the regulation of emerging missions, such as lunar exploration programs.
