Regulatory experts at SATELLITE 2021 argued that a lack of global consensus on space policy could get costly as space gets more crowded and contested.
UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo noted her office’s achievements through consensus, including the Access to Space for All initiative that helped Kenya, Guatemala, and Mauritius deploy their first satellites to space. In 2019, about 100 member states agreed to common guidelines for long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
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EchoStar SVP Jennifer Manner said: “The space policy regime has fallen behind and I think it’s very unfortunate.” Countries still lack an adequate regulatory regime for NGSO satellites. Before the LEO revolution, there were about 6,000 satellites in orbit, 3,000 active — but mega-constellations promise to increase objects in space by more than eight-fold in the next few years.
Attorney Charles Mudd said his small satellite clients are incorporating sustainability into development even without regulations requiring it — “compliance by design” — noting nations are liable for any damages their satellites cause. That’s why the FCC is looking at requiring insurance bonds for future satellite launches.
Manner added the effort needs both government and private sector voices and must be technology-neutral. “We can’t wait for another treaty. We can’t wait for the United States or other national governments to implement regulations. We can’t wait for the industry to self-regulate. We don’t have that time,” Mudd said. “Hopefully we will get there.” VS
