The Belgian Space Act: An Innovative Legal Safeguard to Boost the Space Industry

This article looks at Belgium’s space legislation, including its provisions regarding authorization of space activities, and the registration of, and liability for space objects. It analyses Belgium’s specific regulatory choices which have been made by its lawmaker in light of its international public law commitments, and also addresses novel space activities with small satellites and orbital space flights. Belgium advocates that States should adopt a strict, but pragmatic approach to the UN space treaties and their key concepts with a view to covering cross-border space activities e.g., by concluding bi- or multilateral agreements. The article also assesses some benefits and drawbacks for space operators conducting space activities under Belgian authorization. Finally, this article analyses to what extent international organizations with headquarters and/or technical establishments on Belgian territory (such as the European Union) need to abide by Belgium’s space legislation.