Due Regard in Outer Space: Current Legal Implications

Overview

The 2025 Symposium was held on 14 May, 10:00 – 13:00 Vienna Time (CEST) in M-Plenary, Vienna International Centre.

A panel of prestigious speakers discussed the following subject: “Due regard in outer space: current legal implications” during the morning session of the 64th Legal Subcommittee of the UN COPUOS. 

Please find an abstract and the Symposium programme below.

This IISL/ECSL Annual Symposium on Space Law is co-organised every year by IISL and ECSL and takes place during the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) in Vienna, Austria. Both IISL and ECSL are permanent observers to the COPUOS Legal Subcommittee.

This Symposium brings together academic experts and leading practitioners in the field of space law, policy and regulation to discuss pressing issues and to propose solutions to the international community.

Group picture at the 2025 Symposium

Abstract of the Symposium Programme

The exploration and use of outer space has become an integral part of the economic and technological development of all Countries. Ensuring the rational, safe, and sustainable uses of space has therefore become essential to preserve the critical reliance of our daily lives on the services that it provides.

A key role in achieving this fundamental objective to be played by the legal principle of due regard, as enshrined in Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty. Given the increasing number of space actors and space objects, the continuous evolution of space technology, as well as the steady growth of the global space economy, it is vital to reflect on the legal implications and practical implementation of the due regard principle in modern times.

The IISL/ECSL Symposium therefore provided State Members of the Legal Subcommittee with expert insights on the principle of due regard to help them build capacity and navigate contemporary legal
challenges, promoting international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space for the benefit of all humanity.

Symposium programme