Evaluating International Governance of ISAM Activities
Evaluating International Governance of ISAM Activities
By Joanne Wheeler MBE, Managing Partner, Alden Legal
In-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) activities are predicted to be high-growth activities, worth £11 billion globally by 2031, according to Analysys Mason.
Whether it is extending the life of satellites, repairing satellites, removing space debris, assembling telescopes and space-based solar power infrastructure and manufacturing components in space, ISAM covers a diverse set of activities.
Yet, there are no specific ISAM provisions under international space law – at least not yet. The general principles under the Outer Space Treaty 1967 do offer a basic international governance framework, specifically covering the responsibility and liability of states and jurisdiction and control over space objects; all relevant to ISAM activities.
Furthermore, national laws are not developing homogeneously; differing interpretations of the international laws are being applied nationally, resulting in diverging national regimes in the emerging regulatory landscape. For ISAM to be effective, interoperability and the recognition of practices is key.
