Overview
Guidance as to the law affecting space operations can be found in ADDP 06.4 Law of Armed Conflict9 and AAP1003 Operations Law for 9 Australian Defence Headquarters, 2016,Australian Defence Doctrine Publication 06.4 Law of Armed Conflict, Canberra, First Edition. 42 RAAF Commanders. The Australian Defence Organisation space policy framework is also derived from: a. International space-related treaties, laws and guidelines b. Australian domestic laws c. Australian bilateral and multilateral agreements d. National policy and plans e. Defence policies, plans, and guidance f. Defence contracts.
Space treaties: Australia is a signatory to the:
- 1967 United Nation (UN) Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies
- 1968 UN Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space
- 1972 UN Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects
- 1975 UN Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space
- The 1979 UN Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and other Celestial Bodies
UNGA Resolution 75/36 on responsible behaviours in space should counsel responsible and consistent language across government. That resolution is a diplomatic way past the international stalemate on space arms control, by encouraging states to identify principles that may
help alleviate the security dilemma in space.
Australian domestic Space laws:
a. The Space (Launches and Returns) Act, 2018
b. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Act, 2005
c. The Space Activities Regulations, 2002
d. The Radiocommunications (Australian Space Objects) Determination, 2000
e. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act (ARPANSA), 1998
and many more!
