An Introduction to Space Law
Over the last years, New Space activities seem to be redefining the rules of space exploration and utilization. The brilliant success of SpaceX Dragon capsule’s launch a couple of weeks ago perfectly illustrates the growing influence of private companies on this sector. But who owns space? Are there some laws ruling space exploration?

This presentation aims to give an overview to the rules that are governing the activities carried out in outer space. The talk will begin with an introduction to public international law in order to better apprehend the extent of what is commonly known as “space law”. The organization and the principles governing space activities will then be described before assessing whether or not those rules – historically created during the Cold War – are able to adequately answer the legal questions raised by the commercialization of the space industry. Lastly, the presentation will highlight the legal challenges that are yet to come when looking at the future of space exploration.

Heloise Vertadier
After training in digital and aviation law in France, Heloise completed the Master in Space Studies of the International Space University. She has worked as an intern for the French Space Agency (CNES) and as a research scholar at NASA Ames Research Center and is now a PhD candidate at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Her thesis is focusing on the future of the law and governance for space settlements.

Heloise’s work is turned towards the relationship between the law and new technologies. She has written a chapter on the application of the blockchain to financial markets for a French book and published a paper on the application of the blockchain to the space industry. She has also written about AI and robotics law, as well as NASA COTS program.

Currently, Heloise is working as a tutor at the University of Otago and on a few publications including space debris mitigation and risk management of space activities.