The International Dimension of Outer Space Activities: Capacity-building in Space Law and Policy for Small Satellite Developers

摘要

In 2011, the United Nations/Japan Fellowship Programme Post-graduate study on Nano-Satellite Technologies (PNST) was launched as part of the Basic Space Technology Initiative (BSTI) under the United Nations Programme on Space Applications, implemented by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). Since then, more than 80 international students have been studying at Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) under the PNST and Space Engineering International Course (SEIC). Master and PhD degree students receive hands-on training in the design, development, testing and operation of small satellites. Countries conducting space activities are required to adhere to certain regulatory and legal frameworks under which they have to authorize and supervise the space activities under their jurisdiction, including those of nongovernmental actors and universities. Space system designers and engineers need to be aware how this impacts their projects. For this reason, Kyutech has identified the need for capacity-building in space law and policy for small satellite developers. For the first time in 2017, a two-credit course (16x90 minutes) titled "The International Dimension of Space Activities: Space Law and Policy for Small Satellite Developers" was developed and taught to 37 international PNST/SEIC. Course participants were exposed to the most important concepts of national and international space law and policy and to relevant regulatory and legal frameworks applicable to small satellite activities. The course included group exercises to draft national space laws and policies, aiming to promote responsible practices for a safe, secure and sustainable space environment and to enable course participants to become active contributors to their countries national space ambitions.