Abstract
The study aimed to analyse international legislation in the space industry and the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as to establish the legal framework for the activities of private entities and international space agencies. For an effective study of the topic, terminological, hermeneutical, comparative, and historical methods were used in the study. The study described the commercialisation of space technologies and space in general, identifying current problems and prospects. In particular, the article studies the issue of knowledge transfer and identifies the key role of international cooperation in this transfer. The main international regulatory framework in the field of space activities was also analysed. The legal basis for the activities of leading international space agencies (National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency), private companies (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation and Blue Origin), as well as the space committee of Kazakhstan – Aerospace committee of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan was established. The study identified the guiding principles for the activities of public and private institutions established by international space law (exploration of outer space and use of its objects for peaceful purposes, prohibition of appropriation of celestial bodies, non-discrimination, etc.). The study highlighted the need to ensure international cooperation. This concerns cooperation between the public and private sectors in the implementation of common space goals and objectives to increase the potential of space technologies. The study also emphasises the importance of states’ compliance with treaties on outer space activities, as well as their harmonisation with national legal acts
Keywords: 3D orbital launches; international regulatory framework; satellite; celestial bodies; technology commercialisation
Suggested citation
[1] Abeyratne, R. (2011). The application of intellectual property rights to outer space activities. In Space security law (pp. 83-106). Heidelberg: Springer Berlin. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-16702-7_8.
[2] Agreement Governing the Activities of States No. 34/68 “On the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies”. (1979, December). Retrieved from https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/moon-agreement.html.
[3] Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space. (1967, December). Retrieved from https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/rescueagreement.html.
[4]
Antonsen, E.L., Connell, E., Anton, W., Reynolds, R.J., Buckland, D.M., & Baalen, M.V. (2023). Updates to the NASA human system risk management process for space exploration. Npj Microgravity, 9, article number 72. doi: 10.1038/s41526-023- 00305-z.
[5] Apakhayev, N., Omarova, A.B., Kussainov, S., Nurahmetova, G.G., Buribayev, Y.A., Khamzina, Z.A., Kuandykov, B., Tlepina, S.V., & Kala, N.S. (2018). Review on the outer space legislation: Problems and prospects. Statute Law Review, 39(3), 258-265. doi: 10.1093/slr/hmx010.
[6] Artemis Accords. Principles for Cooperation in the Civil Exploration and Use of the Moon, Mars, Comets, and Asteroids for Peaceful Purposes. (2020, October). Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Artemis-Accords- signed-13Oct2020.pdf?emrc=67a6864ea0b03.
[7] Atkins, S. (2022). The commercialisation of outer space. How an international securities framework can be the launching pad for a global space economy. International Corporate Rescue, 19(3).
[8] Barikova, А. (2023). Discretion and electronic communications markets: O-RAN perspective. Scientific Journal of the National Academy of Internal Affairs, 28(3), 38-47. doi: 10.56215/naia-herald/3.2023.38.
[9] Bekus, N., & Medeuov, Z. (2022). Emerging space power in Central Asia: Kazakhstan at the crossroad. Retrieved from https://nepf. org.au/index.php/emerging-space-power-in-central-asia-kazakhstan-at-the-crossroad/.
[10] Bekus, N., & Medeuov, Z. (2024). Aspirations and challenges of space techno-science in global semi-peripheries. A view from Kazakhstan. Science, Technology and Society, 29(2), 322-342. doi: 10.1177/09717218231206585.
[11] Brady, P., & Orlinksi, J. (2022). An evaluation of the general public’s perception of the commercialization of space. Journal of Student Research, 11(1). doi: 10.47611/jsrhs.v11i1.2380.
[12] Chudyk, N., & Vivchar, O. (2023). Strategy of strengthening the economic security of enterprises of network structures: Pragmatics and key vectors of development. Law, Policy and Security, 1(1), 55-67.
[13] Chukalova, R., Kakenova, Z., Kushpaeva, A., Alpeisov, A., & Kakenova, G. (2018). The role of Baikonur in the context of military-political cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia. Opcion, 34(85), 551-581.
[14] Consonni, G., Rizz, M., & Herrera, F.D. (2023). The outer space business: The impact of private actors on space governance. Retrieved from https://mondointernazionale.org/focus-allegati/the-outer-space-business-the-impact-of-private-actors-on- space-governance.
[15] Convention for the establishment of a European Space Agency. (1975, May). Retrieved from https://treaties.un.org/doc/ Publication/UNTS/Volume%201297/volume-1297-I-21524-English.pdf.
[16] Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects. (1971, November). Retrieved from https://www. unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/liability-convention.html.
[17] Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space. (1974, November). Retrieved from https://www.unoosa. org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/registration-convention.html.
[18] Fedonyuk, T.P., Galushchenko, O.M., Melnichuk, T.V., Zhukov, O.V., Vishnevskiy, D.O., Zymaroieva, A.A., & Hurelia, V.V. (2020). Prospects and main aspects of the gis-technologies application for monitoring of biodiversity (on the example of the Chornobyl radiation-ecological biosphere reserve). Space Science and Technology, 26(6), 75-93. doi: 10.15407/knit2020.06.075.
[19] Gangmeih, P., & Mishra, R.K. (2024). The relationship between outer space activities and intellectual property laws. Educational Administration Theory and Practices, 30(1), 741-748. doi: 10.53555/kuey.v30i1.5456.
[20] George, J. (2024). The future of space exploration lies in space commercialization. Retrieved from https://wired.me/science/ space/space-commercialization-lucas-del-monte/.
[21] Hall, C. (2024). Accelerating space exploration: The confluence of tech & commercialization. Amplify Update, 37(4).
[22] Heitor, M., Cunha, M.P.E., Clegg, S., Sirage, E., & Oliveira, P. (2024). Beyond new space: Changing organizational forms, collaborative innovation and public and semi-public domains. Space Policy, 68, article number 101609. doi: 10.1016/j. spacepol.2023.101609.
[23] Inventions in space. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wipo.int/en/web/patents/topics/outer-space.
[24] Jagota, N. (2023). Legal dimensions of commercialisation of space. New Delhi: Vivekananda international foundation.
[25] Kaneria, B., & Pandey, S. (2024). Interplay between technology and law in space exploration. IOSR Journal of Environmental Science Toxicology and Food Technology, 18(3), 31-46. doi: 10.9790/2402-1803013146.
[26] Khlystov, N., & Markovitz, G. (2024). Space is booming. Here’s how to embrace the $1.8 trillion opportunity. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/04/space-economy-technology-invest-rocket-opportunity/.
[27]
Konert, A., Balcerzak, T., Książek-Janik, E., & Yarushina, A. (2022). Legal framework for space exploration. Benefits and threats for the earth. Transportation Research Procedia, 65, 144-150. doi: 10.1016/j.trpro.2022.11.017.
[28] Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 528-IV “On Space Activity”. (2012, January). Retrieved from https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/ docs/Z1200000528.
[29] Le Coze, J.-C. (2024). NASA, SpaceX, safety and (post) bureaucracy. Reinterrogating the past, challenging the present with H. Mccurdy. Safety Science, 177, article number 106599. doi: 10.1016/j.ssci.2024.106599.
[30] Lea, R. (2025). Artemis Accords: What are they & which countries are involved? Retrieved from https://www.space.com/artemis- accords-explained.
[31] Lee, R.J. (2024). Emergency assistance and rescue obligations for commercial and private spacefarers in the context of the history, present, and future of human spaceflight. In M.A. Pozza (Ed.), Ascending to space: Critical perspectives from New Zealand and other Nations (pp. 35-72). Singapore: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-981-97-0714-0_3.
[32] Lindbergh, R. (2024). Space resource extraction: Overview and issues for congress. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/ crs-product/R48144.[33] Maraš, D., & Dangubić, M. (2022). Cooperation between government agencies and private companies in space: The case of the United States. Astropolitics, 20(2-3), 226-237. doi: 10.1080/14777622.2022.2146495.
[34] Mayrhofer, D.A. (2024). Business adaptive strategies in crisis: In the context of SpaceX and the space debris crisis. Lisbon: Catholic University of Portugal.
[35] McCurdy, H.E. (2002). Daniel S. Goldin’s legacy at NASA. Space Policy, 18(2), 95-97. doi: 10.1016/s0265-9646(02)00012-7.
[36] McCurdy, H.E. (2013). Learning from history: Low-cost project innovation in the U.S. national aeronautics and space administration. International Journal of Project Management, 31(5), 705-711. doi: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2013.02.001.
[37] Moltz, J. (2019). The changing dynamics of twenty-first-century space power. Journal of Strategic Security, 12(1), 15-43. doi: 10.5038/1944-0472.12.1.1729.
[38] Momose, K., Weekes, T.R., & Eskridge, T.C. (2023). Human-centered design for spaceflight participant safety and experience: A case study of blue origin suborbital flight. New Space, 11(1). doi: 10.1089/space.2021.0029.
[39] National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958. (1958, July). Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/history/national-aeronautics- and-space-act-of-1958-unamended/.
[40] Nonreimbursable Space Act Agreement between NASA and SpaceX for Flight Safety Coordination with NASA Assets. (2021, March). Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/nasa-spacex_starlink_agreement_final.pdf.
[41] Olivari, M., Jolly, C., & Undseth, M. (2021), Space technology transfers and their commercialisation. Paris: OECD Publishing. doi: 10.1787/0e78ff9f-en.
[42] Pallathadka, H., & Pallathadka, L.K. (2022). A detailed study of Space X vs. Blue Origin vs. Virgin Galactic and the future of space travel. Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities, 2(6), 195-201. doi: 10.55544/ijrah.2.6.26.
[43] Private companies are launching a new space race – here’s what to expect. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://research.open.ac.uk/space-race.
[44] Ruhaeni, N., Aqimuddin, E.A., & Afriyadi, H. (2022). The commercialization of outer space under the Outer Space Treaty 1967 and its implementation on the development of space industry in Indonesia. In A. Rachmiatie, D. Ahamadi, I.J. Triwardhani, A. Satriani, Firmansyah, Alhamuddin & A.F. Sebayang (Eds.), Proceedings of the 4th social and humanities research symposium (pp. 422-427). Dordrecht: Atlantis Press. doi: 10.2991/assehr.k.220407.086.
[45] Salykov, A., Aimbetov, A., Yesmagulova, N., & Jussibaliyeva, A. (2024). Factors and trends in the development of the space industry in the context of the digitalization of the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 26, 6703-6718. doi: 10.1007/s10668-023-02983-x.
[46] Serikzhanova, A., Nurtazina, R., Serikzhanova, I., Bukharbay, B., & Taitorina, B. (2024). Evolving political cultures in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan: Trends and new paradigms. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 11(3), 1-24. doi: 10.29333/ejecs/1914.
[47] Space commercialization: Promises & challenges. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.10eqs.com/white-papers/space-commercialization-promises-challenges/.
[48] Space Foundation Editorial Team. (2024). The space report 2024 Q3 shows significant private workforce growth in Europe, a push for commercial space stations, and space force surpassing guardian recruiting goals. Retrieved from https://www.spacefoundation. org/2024/10/22/the-space-report-2024-q3/.
[49] Space Stats. (n.d.). Orbital launches in 2024. Retrieved from https://spacestatsonline.com/launches/year/2024.
[50] Space technologies and applications. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://space4climateaction.unoosa.org/content/space- technologies-and-applications.
[51] Sylkina, S.M., Dosymbekova, M.S., Baytukaeva, D.U., Begzhan, A.M., & Toktybekov, T.A. (2015). Development of space activity or the Republic of Kazakhstan: History and modern (political and legal aspect). Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 6(5), 392-398. doi: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5s1p392.
[52] Tapio, J., & Soucek, A. (2022). The European Space Agency’s contribution to National Space Law. In K. Karjalainen, I. Tornberg & A. Pursiainen (Eds.), International actors and the formation of laws (pp. 113-134). Cham: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030- 98351-2_6.
[53] Tiberghien, G. (2024). Investigating space heritage interpretation for tourism development and heritage preservation at Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. Tourism Planning & Development, 21(6), 773-794. doi: 10.1080/21568316.2024.2319145.
[54] Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. (1966, December). Retrieved from https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/ outerspacetreaty.html.
[55] U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act. (2015, December). Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th- congress/house-bill/2262/text.
[56] Uliutina, O. (2023). Information and communication technologies legislation for self-government bodies. Law. Human. Environment, 14(4), 66-78. doi: 10.31548/law/4.2023.66.
[57] Unfunded Space Act Agreement between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Blue Origin of 2022. (2022, November). Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/static/saa/domestic/38798_22- 22ACOFinal-0028-38798_Blue_Origin_Ghabchi.pdf.
[58] Usulor, C. (2023). Made in space: The legal protection of intellectual property in space. SSRN. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.4432810.
[59] Viterale, F. (2023). Transitioning to a new space age in the 21st century: A systemic-level approach. Systems, 11(5), article number 232. doi: 10.3390/systems11050232.
[60] Wang, C., & Wang, J. (2024). Legal regulation of commercial exploitation of outer space resources and China’s countermeasures. Beijing Law Review, 15(3), 1040-1064. doi: 10.4236/blr.2024.153063.
[61] Zhao, Y. (2018). Space commercialization and the development of Space Law. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Planetary. Science. doi: 10.1093/acrefore/9780190647926.013.42.