Because Things Can Go Wrong

摘要

Disputes occur in any business, but space activity introduces a number of complicating factors. In addition to the huge sums of money involved, options for fixing technical problems once a satellite launcher ignites are necessarily limited. When things go wrong, international law and treaties often come into play, as does arbitration, a process that isn't always as well understood as it could be. Stephen Smith has an extensive resume in space law, having served for more than 15 years as general counsel at Lock- heed Martin Space Systems, the world's largest space company.