Artemis II exposes legal black hole
Mayer Brown partner Rachael O'Grady was recently quoted in The Times in an article exploring whether international space law is fit for purpose in the wake of the historic Artemis II mission. As states and commercial enterprises set their sights on exploring and exploiting the moon's resources, Rachael offers insight into the legal framework underpinning it all.
She explains that International space law rests on five key treaties, with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty as its cornerstone, drafted during the Cold War, long before today's commercial space ambitions.
Rachael is clear that these treaties have served their purpose well and remain vital in international space law. Looking ahead. the path forward likely isn't a new treaty but rather nonbinding agreements on debris mitigation, sustainable operations, and satellite end-of-life plans.
