Who Governs Mars? Mars Colony Law, the Outer Space Treaty and the ‘Free Planet’ Clause
Mars colony law explained: why no one can own Mars, whose law applies in a settlement, the Starlink 'free planet' clause and…
The journal
Everything we publish, newest first. Analysis, regulatory updates, case notes, interviews and explainers on the law of outer space.
Mars colony law explained: why no one can own Mars, whose law applies in a settlement, the Starlink 'free planet' clause and…
Crime in space explained: how the Outer Space Treaty and ISS Article 22 decide who can prosecute, what US and Canadian law…
The Upper C-band transition moves satellite downlinks to 4.16-4.2 GHz by 2031. What the FCC order, the 19 October notices and Auction…
Where does space begin? The Kármán line, the 80 km debate, the national laws that pick 100 km, and why international law still sets no boundary…
The Rescue Agreement explained: what States owe astronauts in distress, what happens when rocket debris lands abroad, and where the 1968 treaty falls short.
The FAA's Starship environmental review at Starbase will test up to 456 launches a year. What the October 2026 notices cover, the Florida reviews and deadlines.
UK space law explained: the Outer Space Act and Space Industry Act, CAA licences, liability caps, and the new liability tiers from 1 December 2026.
The Registration Convention explained: what States must register with the UN, who counts as the launching State, and why registration decides jurisdiction.
The FCC's satellite spectrum order of 30 September 2026 explained: what opens in the 12.7 and 42 GHz bands, who gains, and the break from the…
The FAA's five Part 450 proposals of 5 October 2026 explained: what changes for launch licence applicants, who benefits, and the 4 November deadline.
How a NOAA remote sensing licence works: who needs one, the three tiers in 15 CFR Part 960, the 60-day review clock and the licensing office's…
The Artemis Accords explained: what the text says, why Sections 10 and 11 matter for lunar mining, and who the 76 signatories are as of October…