Space laws, policies, and regulations encompass a variety of international treaties, national laws, and regulatory frameworks designed to govern the use and exploration of outer space. These legal instruments aim to ensure that space activities are conducted in a safe, sustainable, and peaceful manner.

Space Laws

1. Outer Space Treaty (1967) Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Key provisions include the peaceful use of space, prohibition of weapons of mass destruction in space, and international responsibility for space activities.
   • The foundational framework for international space law.
   • Prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space.
   • Ensures the exploration of space is conducted for the benefit of all countries.
   • States that outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, is free for exploration and use by all states.
2. Rescue Agreement (1968) Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts, and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space. Mandates the rescue of astronauts in distress and the return of space objects.
   • Provides for the rescue of astronauts in distress and the return of space objects.
   • Obligates signatory states to assist astronauts in emergencies.
3. Liability Convention (1972) Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects. Establishes liability for damage caused by space objects to other countries or their space objects.
   • Establishes the liability of states for damages caused by their space objects.
   • Provides for claims and compensation mechanisms.
4. Registration Convention (1976) Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space. Requires states to register space objects launched into Earth orbit or beyond and provide details about their launch and ownership.
   • Requires states to register space objects with the United Nations.
   • Helps to track objects and prevent potential conflicts.
5. Moon Agreement (1984) Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Outlines principles for the use of lunar resources and international governance of lunar activities. Not widely adopted.
   • Governs the activities of states on the Moon and other celestial bodies.
   • Emphasizes that the Moon should be used for peaceful purposes.
   • Not widely ratified and therefore less influential.

Space Policies & Regulations

1. United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)
   • Promotes international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
   • Develops guidelines and frameworks to enhance space safety and sustainability.
2. International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
   • Regulates satellite orbits and radio-frequency spectrum allocation.
   • Ensures that space communications operate without interference.
3. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act (U.S., 2015)
   • Supports the commercial space industry.
   • Establishes property rights for resources extracted from asteroids and other celestial bodies.
4. United States Space Law & Policy: Emphasizes commercial space industry growth, international cooperation, and national security.

• Commercial Space Launch Act (1984): Establishes regulatory framework for commercial space transportation and launch activities.
• National Space Policy: Provides guidance on national space activities, exploration goals, and international cooperation.

1. Russia: Russia's space policy emphasizes national security, international collaboration, and commercial space activities under stringent regulatory frameworks.
   • Federal Space Program: Outlines Russia's space exploration goals, missions, and funding priorities.
   • Law on Space Activities (1993): Regulates space activities within Russian territory and international obligations.
2. European Union: Focuses on coordinated efforts among European Union member states for space exploration and utilization.
   • European Space Policy: Coordinates space activities among EU member states, promotes research, and supports European Space Agency (ESA) missions.
3. China: Prioritizes scientific advancement, space exploration, and satellite technology.
   • Chinese Space Law (2015):  Regulates space activities within China and addresses national security concerns related to space exploration.
   • Long March and Space Activities Regulations: Governs launch activities and safety protocols.
4. India: Focuses on advancing space exploration and satellite technology while ensuring regulatory oversight for safety and strategic interests.
   • Space Activities Bill (2017): Draft legislation to regulate and authorize space activities by private entities and government agencies.
   • Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Acts and Regulations: Manages launch activities, satellite deployment, and international cooperation.
5. European Space Agency (ESA) Regulations:
   • Governs activities of ESA member states.
   • Promotes peaceful use of space, scientific research, and development of space technologies.
   • Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines: Developed by COPUOS, international bodies, and agencies
   • Regulation (EU) 2021/934 on Space Traffic Management: Aims to regulate and mitigate space debris and manage space traffic.
6. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Regulations:
   • Internal policies guiding NASA's activities.
   • Includes safety protocols, mission planning, and international collaboration guidelines.
7. Artemis Accords (2020): Principles for international cooperation in lunar exploration led by NASA, promoting transparency, interoperability, and sustainable practices on the Moon.
8. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA): Facilitates international cooperation in space exploration, satellite communications, and space law development.