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Introduction

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National Space Legislation for India

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Abstract

This study was undertaken with the objective to propose draft framework space legislation for India. In the first step international space treaties were studied to find out if there is any necessity for states to enact national space legislation, the hypothesis being that with increasing private sector participation, the obligations arising from various international treaties can better be implemented through law. In the second step, a comparative study of space legislations of selected spacefaring countries was done. The underlying hypothesis was that since states have enacted national space legislation largely in response to their international obligations flowing from the various space treaties there exists a certain common denominator that any space legislation must address. The study of national space legislation was an empirical test of this hypothesis. In the third step, a case study from India was made to know the technological developments and current legal regime for space activities in India. The hypothesis was in absence of a specific law in India there might be situations where the State may be incapacitated to discharge its international obligation/s.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Press Information Bureau, Government of India 22 July 2016.

  2. 2.

    610 UNTS 205 (done 27 January 1967, entered into force on 10 October 1967).

  3. 3.

    672 UNTS 119 (done 22 April 1968, entered into force on 03 December 1968).

  4. 4.

    961 UNTS 187 (done 29 March 1972, entered into force 01 September 1972).

  5. 5.

    289 UNTS 3 (done 14 January 1975, entered into force 15 September 1976).

  6. 6.

    1363 UNTS 3 (done 18 December 1979, entered into force 11 July 1984).

  7. 7.

    UNGAR 37/92 (10 December 1982).

  8. 8.

    UNGAR 41/65 (03 December 1986).

  9. 9.

    UNGAR 47/68 (14 December 1992).

  10. 10.

    UNGAR 51/122 (13 December 1996).

  11. 11.

    UNGAR 59/115(10 December 2004).

  12. 12.

    UNGAR 62/101 (17 December 2007).

  13. 13.

    UNGAR 68/74 (11 December 2013).

  14. 14.

    UNGAR 62/217 (22 December 2007).

  15. 15.

    Stephan Hobe, National Space Legislation: What the International Law Demands and How it is Implemented in R. Venkata Rao and Kumar Abhijeet (eds.) Commercialisation and Privatisation of Space: Issues for National Space Legislation, KW Publishers, p. 32.

  16. 16.

    Signed in Berlin on 9 March 2012.

  17. 17.

    “The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) is an independent intergovernmental Organisation with its seat in the Villa Aldobrandini in Rome. Its purpose is to study needs and methods for modernising, harmonising and co-ordinating private and in particular commercial law as between States and groups of States and to formulate uniform law instruments, principles and rules to achieve those objectives.” http://www.unidroit.org/about-unidroit/overview.

  18. 18.

    Signed at Cape Town on 16 November 2001.

  19. 19.

    Stephan Hobe, National Space Legislation: What the International Law Demands and How it is Implemented in R. Venkata Rao and Kumar Abhijeet (eds.) Commercialisation and Privatisation of Space: Issues for National Space Legislation, KW Publishers, p. 31.

  20. 20.

    Irmgard Marboe, The New Austrian Outer Space Act, 61 German Journal of Air and Space Law 1/2012, p. 26.

  21. 21.

    Ibid. at p. 32.

  22. 22.

    Michael Listner, A Comprehensive First Look At Denmark’s Domestic Space Law, The Space Review, May 31, 2016.

  23. 23.

    Following a Franco-Russian agreement on cooperation in launching services (agreement of 26 November 2006, completed by the protocol of 12 January 2009), the Russian rocket Soyuz was launched by France from the Kourou launch pad in French Guinea; Mireille Coustion, Introduction Space Operation Act 2008 in Space Law Basic Legal Document, E.XVI p. 3; Lucien Rapp, When France Puts its Own Stamp on the Space Law Landscape in 35 Journal of Space Law, 2009, p. 315 republished as Lucien Rapp, When France Puts its Own Stamp on the Space Law Landscape: Comments on Act No. 2008-518 of 3 June 2008 Relative to Space Operations, Air and Space Law Journal, Pp. 87–103.

  24. 24.

    “LOI no 2008-518 du 3 juin 2008 relative aux opérations spatiales” Unofficial translation available in Space Law Basic Legal Document, E.XVI.1, Pp. 1–12; Also available in 34 Journal of Space Law 2008, Pp. 453–470.

  25. 25.

    Frans G. von der Dunk, Implementing the United Nations Outer Space Treaties – The Case of the Netherlands in Proceedings of the Forty-Seventh Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space, 2005 AIAA, Pp. 139–145; Frans G. von der Dunk, Implementing the United Nations Outer Space Treaties – The Case of the Netherlands in Christian Brünner/ Edith Walter (Eds.) National Space Law, 2008 Böhlau Verlag, Pp. 81–104.

  26. 26.

    Unofficial Translation available in Space Law basic Legal Documents, Vol. 5, EXIV.

  27. 27.

    Niklas Hedman, Swedish Space Legislation in Proceedings of the United Nations/ International Institute of Air and Space Law Workshop on Capacity Building in Space Law, 2003 United Nations ST/SPACE/14, p. 111; Niklas Hedman, Swedish Legislation on Space Activities in Christian Brünner/Edith Walter (Eds.) National Space Law, 2008 Böhlau Verlag, p. 74.

  28. 28.

    1982:963. English translated version available in Space Law Basic Legal Documents.

  29. 29.

    982:1069. English translated version available in Space Law Basic Legal Documents.

  30. 30.

    Number 21 of 2013.

  31. 31.

    As early as 1949, a test launch facility was developed at a site in Woomera; See Steven Freeland, Difficulties of Implementing National Space Legislation Exemplified by the Australian Approach in Project 2001 Plus – Global and European Challenges for Air and Space Law at the Edge of the 21st Century, 2006 Carl Heymann Verlag, p. 69; Noel Siemon and Steven Freeland, Regulation of Space Activities in Australia in Ram S. Jakhu (Ed.) National Regulation of Space Activities 2010, Springer, p. 38.

  32. 32.

    Vernon Nase, Introduction to Space Activities Act 1998 in Basic Legal Documents, Vol. 5, E. VII, p. 1. Eleven International Publishing 2015; Michael E Davis, The Regulation of the Australian Space Launch Industry in 49 German Journal of Air and Space Law 1/2000, p. 67–68.

  33. 33.

    No. 123 of 1998 as amended. Assented on 21 December 1998.

  34. 34.

    Space Activities Amendment (Bilateral Agreement) Act 2001 (No. 101, 2001).

  35. 35.

    Space Activities Amendment Act 2002 (No. 100, 2002).

  36. 36.

    Refer “Legislative arrangements for civil space activities”. http://www.industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/space/Pages/Legislative-arrangements-for-civil-space-activites.aspx.

  37. 37.

    Explanatory Memorandum to the Australian Space Activities Bill 1998, provides further details of the background to the establishment of the Act. Available at http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au (accessed on 30th November 2016).

  38. 38.

    Olavo de O. Bittencourt Neto, Private Launch Activities on Brazilian Territory – Current Legal Framework in 58 German Journal of Air and Space Law 3/2009, p. 430. The first relevant Brazilian legal text was the Presidential decree of August 3rd, 1961 that created the Organizing Group for the National Commission on Space Activities; see José Monserrat Filho, Brazilian Launch Licensing and Authorizing Regimes in Proceedings of the United nations/ International Institute of Air and Space Law Workshop on Capacity Building in Space Law, 2003 United Nations ST/SPACE/14, p. 98.

  39. 39.

    José Monserrat Filho, Brazilian Launch Licensing and Authorizing Regimes in Proceedings of the United nations/ International Institute of Air and Space Law Workshop on Capacity Building in Space Law, 2003 United Nations ST/SPACE/14, p. 97.

  40. 40.

    Ibid.

  41. 41.

    Olavo de O. Bittencourt Neto, Private Launch Activities on Brazilian Territory – Current Legal Framework in 58 German Journal of Air and Space Law 3/2009, p. 432.

  42. 42.

    Administrative Edict No. 27 of June 20th 2001 enclosing “Regulation on Procedures and on Definition of necessary Requirements for the Request, Evaluation, Issuance, Follow-Up and Supervision of Licenses for carrying out Launching Space Activities on Brazilian Territory” available in Space Law Basic Legal Documents, Vol. 5, 2015, E.XIX.1.

  43. 43.

    Administrative Edict No. 5 of February 21st 2002 enclosing “Regulation on Authorization Procedures for Carrying out Space Launching Activities on Brazilian Territory” available in Space Law Basic Legal Documents, Vol. 5, 2015, E.XIX.2.

  44. 44.

    The Edicts entered into force on publication in the Union’s Official Gazette dated 21 June 2001 and February 25, 2002 respectively. They are a binding piece of law under the Brazilian legal system.

  45. 45.

    Frans G. von der Dunk, Launching Alcantara into the Global Space Economy – The 2001 Brazilian National Space Law in 2002 Proceedings of the Forty-fifth Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space Pp. 310–320.

  46. 46.

    Michael Gerhard and Kai-Uwe Schrogl, Report of the ‘Project 2001’ Working Group on National Space Legislation in Karl-Heinz Böckstiegel (ed.), ‘Project 2001’ – Legal Framework for the Commercial Use of Outer Space, Carl Heymanns Verlag, p. 535.

  47. 47.

    Article VII OST.

  48. 48.

    Michael Gerhard, The State of the Art and Recent Trends in the Development of National Space Law, in Christian Brünner / Edith Walter (Eds.) National Space Law: Development in Europe – Challenges for Small Countries, Böhlau Verlag, 2008, p. 68.

  49. 49.

    Michael Gerhard, The State of the Art and Recent Trends in the Development of National Space Law, in Christian Brünner / Edith Walter (Eds.) National Space Law: Development in Europe – Challenges for Small Countries, Böhlau Verlag, 2008, p. 70.

  50. 50.

    Article I OST.

  51. 51.

    Article II OST.

  52. 52.

    Article III OST.

  53. 53.

    Article IV OST.

  54. 54.

    Article IX OST.

  55. 55.

    Article II Registration Convention.

  56. 56.

    Article VI OST.

  57. 57.

    Frans G. von der Dunk, The International Law of Outer Space and Consequences at the National Level for India: Towards an Indian National Space Law in Satyam Chatterjee (Eds.) Indian Yearbook of International Law and Policy, Satyam Law International, 2010, p. 154.

  58. 58.

    Ibid.

  59. 59.

    Refer Article 266(3), Constitution of India.

  60. 60.

    V. Kopal, International and National Space Law in Karl-Heinz Böckstiegel (ed.), ‘Project 2001’ – Legal Framework for the Commercial Use of Outer Space, Carl Heymanns Verlag, p. 571.

  61. 61.

    Michael Gerhard, Article VI, in Cologne Commentary on Space Law, Volume 1, Carl Heymanns Verlag, p. 117.

  62. 62.

    Project 2001 investigated the state of the law for the major areas of commercial uses of outer space, identified the gaps in the legal framework and made recommendations for further development of the legal framework. The Project focuses on the following areas: 1. Privatisation; 2. Launch and Associated Services; 3. Remote Sensing; 4. Telecommunication; 5. Space Stations; 6. National Space Legislation. For each of these areas, a Working Group of international experts was established. Findings and recommendations of the project were presented at the International Colloquium Cologne, May 29–31, 2001. For proceedings of the colloquium refer Karl-Heinz Böckstiegel (ed.), ‘Project 2001’ – Legal Framework for the Commercial Use of Outer Space, Carl Heymanns Verlag.

  63. 63.

    Michael Gerhard and Kai-Uwe Schrogl, Report of the ‘Project 2001’ Working Group on National Space Legislation in Karl-Heinz Böckstiegel (Ed.) Project 2001 – Legal Framework for the Commercial Use of Outer Space, Carl Heymann Verlag, Pp. 529–564; also refer Michael Gerhard, Project 2001 – Legal Framework for the Commercial Use of Outer Space 50 German Journal of Air and Space Law 2/2001, Pp. 240–246.

  64. 64.

    Supra n. 61 at p. 121.

  65. 65.

    Ibid.

  66. 66.

    Ibid.

  67. 67.

    Michael Gerhard and Kristinia Moll, Introduction by Rapporteurs, Session 1: Perspectives for More National Space Legislation in Stephan Hobe, Bernarhard Schmidt-Tedd and Kai-Uwe Schrogl (eds.) Project 2001 Plus – Global and European Challenges for Air and Space Law at the Edge of 21st Century, Carl Heymann Verlag, 2005, p. 19; Kail-Uwe Schrogl and Charles Davies, A New Look at the Concept of the “Launching State” – The Result of the UNCOPUOS Legal Subcommittee Working Group 2000–2002, 51 German Journal of Air and Space Law, 3/2002, p. 375.

  68. 68.

    The findings and conclusions of Project 2001 Plus was presented in the Symposium in Cologne, 8–10 June 2005. For proceedings of the symposium refer Stephan Hobe, Bernarhard Schmidt-Tedd and Kai-Uwe Schrogl (eds.) Project 2001 Plus – Global and European Challenges for Air and Space Law at the Edge of 21st Century, Carl Heymann Verlag, 2005.

  69. 69.

    Stephan Hobe, Bernarhard Schmidt-Tedd and Kai-Uwe Schrogl (eds.) in proceedings of the Workshop Towards a Harmonized National Space Legislation in Europe, 29–30 January, 2004, Berlin.

  70. 70.

    Michael Gerhard and Kristina Moll, The Gradual Change from “Building Blocks” to a Common Shape of National Space Legislation in Europe in Stephan Hobe, Bernarhard Schmidt-Tedd and Kai-Uwe Schrogl (eds.) Towards a Harmonized National Space Legislation in Europe, Cologne, 2004, p. 46–50.

  71. 71.

    Volume III, National Space Legislation, Documentation of the Project 2001 Plus-Workshop “Towards a Harmonised Approach for National Space Legislation in Europe”, 29/30 January 2004, Berlin, Germany.

  72. 72.

    Irmgard Marboe, Nation Space Law in Frans von der Dunk and Fabio Tronchetti (Eds.) Handbook of Space Law, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2015, p. 181.

  73. 73.

    http://www.ila-hq.org/index.php/about-us.

    For ILA’s contribution to space law refer, Maureen Williams, The Role of the International Law Association in Development of the Law of Outer Space in Karl-Heinz Böckstiegel (Ed.) Project 2001 – Legal Framework for the Commercial Use of Outer Space, Carl Heymann Verlag, Pp. 37–45.

  74. 74.

    The workshop “Towards a harmonized approach for national space legislation in Europe” of the Project 2001 Plus was the fundamental basis of the Draft Model Law; Report of the Space Law Committee of ILA on the Legal Aspects of the Privatisation and Commercialisation of Space Activities in Report of the Seventy-First Conference, Berlin 2004, ILA, p. 759.

  75. 75.

    The ILA has established international committees to undertake research on topics of international law. The committee members are leading experts on the chosen topic from all over the globe. On completion of the work (usually within 4 years) the committee presents its report at the Biennial Conference and the ILA may pass a resolution in form of rules or guidelines. http://www.ila-hq.org/index.php/committees.

  76. 76.

    Report of the Space Law Committee of ILA on the Legal Aspects of the Privatisation and Commercialisation of Space Activities, in Report of the Seventy-Fifth Conference, Sofia 2012, ILA, p. 315.

  77. 77.

    Ibid. at p. 308.

  78. 78.

    Supra n. 76 at p. 40–43.

  79. 79.

    Stephan Hobe, The ILA Model Law for National Space Legislation, 62 German Journal of Air and Space Law, 1/2003, p. 87.

  80. 80.

    Stephan Hobe and Kuan-Wei Chen, Legal Status of Outer Space and Celestial Bodies in Ram S. Jakhu and Paul Stephen Dempsey (Eds.) Routledge Handbook of Space Law, 2017, Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, p. 39.

  81. 81.

    Stephan Hobe, The ILA Model Law for National Space Legislation, 62 German Journal of Air and Space Law, 1/2003, p. 95.

  82. 82.

    Report of the Legal Sub-Committee on its fifty-first session, Vienna, 19–30 March 2012, UN Doc. A/AC/105/1003.

  83. 83.

    UNGAR 68/74, The Resolution on Recommendation on National Space Legislation Relevant to the Exploration and Peaceful Use of Outer Space (adopted on 11 December 2013).

  84. 84.

    Ibid.

  85. 85.

    Irmgard Marboe and Setsuko Aoki, Historical Background and Context, The 2013 Resolution on Recommendation on National Space Legislation Relevant to the Peaceful Exploration and Use of Outer Space in Stephan Hobe, Bernarhard Schmidt-Tedd and Kai-Uwe Schrogl (eds.) Cologne Commentary on Space Law, Vol. III, Carl Heymanns Verlag, 2015, p. 546.

  86. 86.

    For proceedings of the conference refer R. Venkata Rao and Kumar Abhijeet (Eds.) Commercialisation and Privatisation of Space – Issues for national Space Legislation, Knowledge World Publishers, 2015.

  87. 87.

    For commentary on the 2015 Bangalore Declaration refer Kumar Abhijeet, Bangalore Declaration – A Beacon for National Space Legislation for India in S. Bhat (Ed.) Space Law: The Emerging Trends, Eastern Law House, Pvt. Ltd., 2017, Pp. 291–306.

  88. 88.

    Michael Gerhard and Kai-Uwe Schrogl, Report of the ‘Project 2001’ Working Group on National Space Legislation in Karl-Heinz Böckstiegel (ed.), ‘Project 2001’ – Legal Framework for the Commercial Use of Outer Space, Carl Heymanns Verlag, p. 557.

  89. 89.

    Stephan Hobe, Harmonization of National Laws as an Answer to the Phenomenon of Globalization in Karl-Heinz Böckstiegel (ed.), ‘Project 2001’ – Legal Framework for the Commercial Use of Outer Space, Carl Heymanns Verlag, p. 638.

  90. 90.

    Armel Kerrest and Lesley Jane Smith Article VII in Stephan Hobe, Bernarhard Schmidt-Tedd and Kai-Uwe Schrogl(eds.) Cologne Commentary on Space Law, Vol. I, Carl Heymanns Verlag, 2009, p. 126.

  91. 91.

    No. E. 11020/2/2015-Sec-VI, Government of India.

  92. 92.

    https://www.isro.gov.in/update/21-nov-2017/seeking-comments-draft-space-activities-bill-2017-stake-holders-public-regarding.

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    Kumar Abhijeet

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Abhijeet, K. (2020). Introduction. In: National Space Legislation for India. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2675-6_1

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