Alden Orrery – Regulatory Briefing – November 2024
Regulatory Briefing – November 2024
INTERNATIONAL
United Nations
UN Fourth Committee Approves Key Resolutions and Decisions on Outer Space
On 1 November 2024, the United Nations Fourth Committee concluded its discussions on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space by adopting two resolutions and two decisions, including the appointment of Latvia and Djibouti as new members of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). The resolutions include:
- a resolution on “International Cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space”. This resolution urges Member States, particularly those with major space capabilities, to contribute to preventing an arms race in outer space and to consider ratifying or acceding to existing international treaties governing the use of outer space; and
- a resolution on the “International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence, 2029”. This resolution declares 2029 as the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence. This initiative aims to leverage the expected close approach of asteroid 99942 Apophis in 2029 to raise global awareness regarding asteroids.
EUROPE
Cyprus
Cyprus signs Artemis Accords
Cyprus became the 46th state to sign the Artemis Accords on 23 October 2024. The Artemis Accords are a US-led initiative to establish a common vision for countries looking to participate in NASA’s 21st-century lunar exploration plans.
Speaking on the signature, Nicodemos Damianou, Cyprus’s Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, said: “As we embark on this exciting journey, we reaffirm our commitment to a safe and responsible space exploration, as well as our strong belief in the importance of international cooperation in ensuring space is utilised to the benefit of all humanity.”
Czech Republic
Czech Republic signs agreement with commercial space station developer Vast Space
On 8 November 2024, the Czech Ministry of Transport signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with commercial space station developer Vast Space. The agreement aims to explore potential partnerships for future flights with Vast Space, potentially enabling Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda to participate in upcoming missions to the International Space Station (ISS) or Haven-1, Vast’s planned single-module commercial space station, set to launch in late 2025.
In a statement following the signing of the MoU, Czech Minister of Transport Martin Kupka said: “The memorandum demonstrates our commitment to advancing the Czech space sector and ushering in a new era of Czech innovation and technology leadership.”
Denmark
Denmark signs Artemis Accords
Denmark became the 48th state to sign the Artemis Accords on 13 November 2024.
Christina Egelund, the Danish Minister of Higher Education and Science, said during the signing ceremony: “The signing of the Accords is in line with the Danish government’s upcoming strategy for space research and innovation. As part of the strategy, Denmark seeks to strengthen ties with our allies such as the United States. Space holds great potential, and we want – in cooperation with other countries – to advance scientific breakthroughs and influence the development and use of the space sector in the future.”
NORTH AMERICA
United States
Federal Aviation Committee establishes committee to review launch licensing regulations
On 14 November 2024, the Federal Aviation Committee (FAA) announced the establishment of an aerospace rulemaking committee, known as SpARC, that will examine potential changes to the FAA’s “Part 450” rule for licensing launches and re-entries. Implemented in March 2021, the FAA’s “Part 450” rule intends to streamline launch and re-entry licensing.
The FAA hopes that updating the licensing rule will foster more clarity, flexibility, efficiency and innovation. The SpARC is expected to hold its first meeting in early December.
Federal Communications Commission Revises Satellite System Sharing Rules
On 15 November 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to revise its satellite spectrum sharing rules to promote market entry, regulatory certainty and spectrum efficiency. The revisions include clarifying the rules for how non-geostationary satellite orbit fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) systems share spectrum. Notably, it grants primary spectrum access to systems approved earlier, while aiming to allow new entrants to participate in an established, cooperative spectrum-sharing structure.
AFRICA
Ghana
Ghana launces National Space Policy
Ghana officially launched its National Space Policy on 5 November 2024, aiming to harness space technology for economic growth, national security and sustainable development. A key feature of the Policy is the transformation of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) into the Ghana Space Agency (GSA).
The Policy prioritises the integration of space science and technology into vital sectors such as resource management, climate monitoring, agriculture and infrastructure planning. It also seeks to position Ghana as an active player in the global space community.
Importantly, the Policy highlights the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to regulate space activities, ensuring both ground-based and space-based operations are conducted safely and responsibly. Whilst Ghana is actively working towards ratifying key international treaties, through aligning its domestic laws with global standards, Ghana aims to foster a favourable environment for space activities while mitigating their environmental and societal impacts.
OCEANIA
Australia
Australia issues first orbital launch permit
On 5 November 2024, Gilmour Space announced it had received a launch permit from the Australian Space Agency for the first flight of its small launch vehicle from Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland, Australia.
The licence could make Gilmour Space’s mission the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocked from Australian soil. Given the 30-day notification period required by the licence, the earliest Gilmour Space could attempt a launch is early December 2024.
LATIN AMERICA
Chile
Chile signs Artemis Accords
Chile became the 47th state to sign the Artemis Accords on 25 October 2024.
Commenting on the signing, Aisén Etcheverry, the Chilean Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation said: “The signing marks a significant milestone for Chile. Chile has the opportunity to engage in the design and development of world-leading scientific and technological projects. Moreover, this collaboration allows us to contribute to areas of scientific excellence where Chile has distinguished expertise, such as astrobiology, geology and mineralogy, all of which are critical for the exploration and colonisation of space.”
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