Space Law

From scientific endeavours to commercial ventures, government initiatives to educational pursuits, our lawyers collaborate closely with both international and domestic businesses to drive success within Australia’s space economy.

With our understanding of the regulatory landscape and legal intricacies, we guide businesses through compliance challenges and mitigating risks, ensuring they are well-equipped to seize the vast opportunities both on Earth and in outer space. 

We support startup ventures and seasoned players in the aviation and space industry including manufacturers, researchers, venture capitalists and government agencies. Whether you’re a provider of technology or telecommunications services, developing launch sites or managing satellite networks, we can provide end-to-end legal advice on space infrastructure projects.

Through our support and involvement in the space industry, including as members of the Space Industry Association of Australia and AmCham’s Space Committee, we make sure our clients benefit from our knowledge of both the industry and the law.  

We can help you by advising on:

• Legal compliance with international space treaties and agreements

• Jurisdictional complexities including disputes

• Commercial contract drafting, reviewing and negotiation, and dispute resolution

• Dust diseases arising from lunar or manufacturing dust

• Satellite, spacecraft, machinery and other property insurance

• Claims regarding falling space debris

• Space and related technology commercialisation

• Research and development grants

• Financing, security and tax structuring solutions for companies developing ground-based systems or investing in technologies

• Planning and environmental compliance for space infrastructure projects, as well as advice on property rights in space

• Indigenous culture, heritage and native title issues

• Intellectual property, information and new technology protection to safeguard innovations

• Privacy, data protection and cyber security assurance, to defend against potential threats targeting space systems

• Human workforce management and work safety compliance

• Personal space travel and wills and estate plan wishes extending into outer space

Podcast

Jennifer Shaw and Paul Monaghan, senior ethics solicitor for the Law Society of NSW, delve into the captivating world of space law. Discover the unique legal challenges of this final frontier and the exciting opportunities that await aspiring space lawyers. Listen here: