The rapid expansion of the Space sector, expected to reach a value of $1.8 trillion by 2035, marks the beginning of a new era in space exploration and innovation.

DLA Piper and Fragomen recently co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium during Space-Comm’s inaugural London Expo. The event attracted legal experts and industry stakeholders from across the globe, offering a platform for engaging networking and collaboration. The symposium featured distinct panels designed to equip attendees with strategies to manage risks while seizing opportunities in the expanding sector. Panellists addressed topics such as attracting and retaining global talent in the space industry, navigating the legal and policy frameworks of the UK, EU, and international arenas concerning space mission launches and operations, and the intersection between space commercialisation and sustainability.

Below summarises some of the key areas highlighted during the day’s discussion.

International Regulatory Efforts – Unlocking the future through law

Alderman Professor Emma Edhem, Professor for Practice Space Economy at Durham University, underscored the essential function of legal and regulatory structures in fostering sustainable development within the space sector. She pointed out the swift growth of the UK space sector and its integration into the larger economy, emphasising that legal frameworks need to be as progressive as the missions they facilitate.

The issues of orbital congestion and sustainability were brought to the forefront, with some predicting that over 60,000 active satellites could be in orbit by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for clear regulations. The significance of international treaties evolving to accommodate the rising involvement of private entities and the critical need for strong governance to mitigate orbital debris and support industry advancement were emphasised. It was notably mentioned that the UK’s prominence in the space sector will be determined not only by its technological innovations but also by its ability to tackle legal, regulatory, and workforce challenges, thereby influencing the future of the global space economy.

Attracting/Retaining global talent in the space sector

Expanding the talent pipeline in the space sector goes beyond traditional roles like astronauts and scientists. The UK holds a unique position to lead in the commercial and legal aspects of the space sector, requiring a diverse skill set from mathematicians to app developers, tech innovators, and legal professionals. Highlighting the array of opportunities available is crucial, yet challenges persist in talent attraction due to global competition, migration policies, diversity, and salary gaps compared to other space-faring nations.

UK salaries often lag behind other countries, posing hurdles in attracting top talent, especially in fields like engineering. To address this, gathering feedback on the impact of these factors is vital for advocating necessary changes. While competitive salaries matter, motivating a skilled workforce through organisational mission and non-monetary incentives is equally essential, particularly for companies unable to match private sector pay scales.

The government plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the space sector, focusing on policy development and talent retention through collaborations with academia. Practical steps to enhance talent retention and drive policy changes include offering clear career progression information, establishing youth mobility programmes, and streamlining immigration processes for foreign workers. With the current job market uncertainties in the US, there may be an opportunity to attract skilled professionals to the UK.

Companies themselves also greatly influence retention policies by promoting opportunities and fostering a positive organisational culture. Engaging with schools and universities to educate and attract potential talent is key. By implementing these strategies, the space sector can bolster talent retention, attract global professionals, and thrive in a competitive landscape.

Traversing the UK, EU and broader international legal and policy landscape relating to launch and operation of space missions

Space law is a complex framework of international regulations that crosses national borders, involving treaties among various jurisdictions. This legal structure includes various rules that must be followed. There are five principal international treaties: the Outer Space Treaty in 1967; the Rescue Agreement of 1968; the Liability Convention 1972; the Registration Convention 2976; and the Moon Agreement of 1984. More recently, the UK and a number of other states signed the Artemis Accords – the UK signed on October 13, 2020. These accords establish a framework for cooperation in the civil exploration and use of the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies for peaceful purposes. The Artemis Accords reinforce commitments to existing treaties. They provide a framework for responsible behaviour and cooperation in space exploration. Many countries have also formulated their own domestic laws to align with respective commercial practices and legal customs.

A pressing challenge in the current space sector is the lack of comprehensive cybersecurity regulations. The existing approach is disjointed, making it one of the most critical issues to tackle in the sector, particularly in a geopolitical context. Monitoring how other countries address this challenge is vital, especially concerning its potential impact on competitive positioning advantage.

The status of cybersecurity in the sector remains ambiguous. There’s a notable skills gap, particularly at the intersection of space and cyber law, which creates a substantial void. To foster growth in the space sector, it’s essential to implement proactive legislation and policies that address security and resilience from the outset, while also considering the skills gap and the concerns that lead professionals to leave the field due to liability concerns.

Significant political shifts in the United States have a profound impact on the space sector. Each new administration brings executive orders and policy changes that directly affect how space-related businesses operate. The current administration’s emphasis on deregulation aligns with broader trends both within the US and globally, aiming to reduce barriers to innovation and commercial growth. Industry stakeholders, including private companies and investors, are expressing cautious optimism as new opportunities emerge. The US remains the global leader in the space economy and is well positioned to retain that status. Priority areas include facilitating foreign investment, refining export controls, streamlining authorisations through the FAA, and encouraging state-level initiatives—such as Texas’s development of a new space centre—to attract further investment and commercial activity.

Collaboration on an international scale is vital. NASA projects that by 2040, they will be colonising space. Should this happen, and if there is to be any form of appropriation in space, a diverse genetic pool will be essential. It’s crucial for all countries to work together and reach a mutual agreement.

Exploring the intersection between Space commercialisation and sustainability.

Sustainability in space requires a fundamental shift in how the entire sector perceives spatial utilisation. Lifecycle assessments are already being conducted, indicating that this concept is not new; for instance, the Hubble Space Telescope was designed for servicing and replacement. The volume of debris being launched into orbit poses significant challenges. In 2024 alone, six incidents resulted in thousands of debris fragments dispersing in space; increasing the risk of onward future collisions.

One approach to better achieving sustainability in space is the active removal of debris. The introduction of innovative technologies to address this issue would be immensely beneficial. By prioritising active debris removal (ADR), we can realise economic advantages by removing legacy assets and thereby reducing the risk of future collisions (and ultimately, in the worst-case scenario, the Kessler Syndrome). SDA also plays a crucial role in better ensuring a sustainable space environment – it is crucial for identifying safe orbital trajectories, maintaining orbits, preventing collisions, and recognising potential threats. It also aids in attributing specific activities. In the terrestrial context, understanding the location of all space-related entities is vital for effective interaction, benefiting industries and informing legal implications, among others. Given that space is inherently global, space sustainability will continue to be an issue that will require coordination and cooperation at an international level.

Monitoring our planet through earth observation and remote sensing constellations also presents important opportunities. Earth observation can play a vital role in monitoring and adapting to climate changes. It will yield one of the most critical data sets globally. For instance, in the Amazon rainforest, we should focus on capturing illegal logging activities rather than merely assessing the damage afterward.

Summary

The space sector has witnessed remarkable growth and innovation in recent years, creating exciting prospects for businesses and investors alike. It is however important the businesses and investors understand, manage, and mitigate risks at an early stage to the extent possible.

The hotly anticipated EU Space Act, aims to unify regulations among member states, emphasising safety, resilience, and sustainability in space activities. Market players should stay alert for emerging regulatory requirements and opportunities for cross-border collaboration and information sharing.

DLA Piper and Fragomen are both committed to continuing to play a pivotal role in helping UK market participants navigate the opportunities and risks present in the space sector.

Naomi Pryde​
Partner, ​Global Co-Chair Space Exploration and Innovation, DLA Piper
Naomi.pryde@dlapiper.com

Louis Head​
Senior Associate, Space, Defence, and Nuclear Projects, DLA Piper
Louis.head@dlapiper.com

Kelly Hardman​
Director, Fragomen
khardman@fragomen.com

Charlotte Wills
Partner, ​Fragomen
cwills@fragomen.com

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