The Working Group is closed.

Working Group Overview

The IISL AI Study Group, initiated and coordinated by IISL member Tuana Yazici, is dedicated to exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and space law, and building frameworks for how AI should be regulated in space. This initiative, titled "Balancing Innovation and Responsibility: International Recommendations for AI Regulation in Space," aims to address the legal, regulatory, and ethical dimensions of AI applications in space activities. The working group is chaired by Tuana Yazici and comprises esteemed members: Anne-Sophie Martin, Steven Wood, Lisa Kucher, Roser Almenar, Laura Yvonne Zielinski, Stefan-Michael Wedenig, and Giovanni Tricco.

Aims and Objectives

  1. The primary aims and objectives of the IISL AI Study Group are to:
  2. Examine the current landscape of AI technologies in space activities, including their applications in space traffic management, satellite operations, communications, robotics, and data analytics.
  3. Analyze the legal frameworks relevant to AI in space, drawing parallels from the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention to understand where AI fits within these scenarios.
  4. Investigate the regulatory aspects of AI, emphasizing export control procurement issues and telecommunications laws that impact the transfer and use of AI technologies in space.
  5. Address the ethical concerns related to AI through case studies and propose guidelines for ethical AI deployment in space.
  6. Explore the role of AI in environmental protection in space, including autonomous monitoring, collision prediction, and space debris removal.
  7. Develop recommendations for international cooperation and robust frameworks based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to govern the ethical and responsible use of AI in space.

Methodology

The methodology adopted by the IISL AI Study Group involves a comprehensive review of existing legal and regulatory frameworks, case studies analysis, and interdisciplinary research. This will include insights from international human rights law, robotics, genetics, autonomous vehicles, and privacy protection regulations. The study will also incorporate collaboration with international legal experts and space law practitioners, culminating in a final report outlining findings and recommendations.

Outcomes

The expected Outcomes of the Working Group are as follows:

  1. A detailed report outlining the current state of AI technologies in space and their implications.
  2. Legal analysis and recommendations for updating international treaties to accommodate AI advancements.
  3. Regulatory guidelines for the secure transfer and use of AI technologies in space, addressing export control and telecommunications issues.
  4. Ethical guidelines for AI deployment in space, based on lessons from other high-stakes technologies.
  5. Frameworks for using AI in environmental protection, enhancing space sustainability and safety.
  6. Recommendations for creating international authorities to ensure cooperation and establish standardized regulations for AI in space activities.

Timeline of the Working Group

April 2024 - December 2024

  • The Working Group presented their paper during the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan in October 2024 to the IISL Board Members.
  • Following the presentation, the report was finalized after the board review for publication.

Final report of the Working Group

The Working Group on Legal Aspects of AI in Space's Final Report entitled "Balancing Innovation and Responsibility: International Recommendations for AI Regulation in Space" can be found below:

Final Report of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of AI in SpaceDownload

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