2024 Finals

The Finals will be held on

Thursday, 17 October 2024, 15:00 h
Palazzo Emilio Turati, Via Meravigli 9/b, Milano, Italy.

The World Semi-Finals will determine the teams that will take part to the World Finals, among the winners of the five regional rounds:
Africa: Midlands State University (Zimbabwe)
Asia-Pacific: Singapore Management University (Singapore)
Europe: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece)
Latin America: National Autonomous University of Mexico (Mexico)
North America: McGill University (Canada)

Buses will pick up attendees from Venue to the Palazzo.

Extra info: All guests will be seated by 14:55 h, and introductions and summary of the problem will be read at 15:00 h sharp. Oral arguments will commence at 15:15 h.

The event takes place with the kind support of Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

This year's case 2024

Republic of Angani (Applicant) vs. Federal State of Bolvanger (Respondent)
Case Concerning The Protection Of Dark And Quiet Skies And The Freedom Of Scientific Investigation

Synopsis

BOLVANGER, a highly developed spacefaring nation, has decided to issue a licence to a private company, KRONOS Limited, to launch the TandaNet satellite constellation, intended to provide global broadband services, especially to remote and conflict zones. Shortly after the first generation TandaNet commenced launch in 2026, astronomers and scientists raised concerns regarding the brightness emitted by TandaNet satellites. In addition, a first-generation TandaNet satellite, HJR-3, became uncontrollable.

Concurrently, the Gallivespian Space Organisation (“GSO”) was established with 31 Member States, including ANGANI, and developed, as its first project, a space-based telescope KirR, aiming to revolutionize astronomical investigations. Despite delays and internal pressures, KirR launched at the end of 2030 from ANGANI, but collided with HJR-3, rendering KirR inoperative and creating widespread debris that reduced the lifespan of the remaining TandaNet satellites.

Later that same year, BOLVANGER announced the construction of the TAO telescope for advanced celestial imaging, with an emphasis on detecting near-Earth asteroids. The international scientific community lauded the endeavour. GSO announced its second project - the NYX3 satellite constellation. The first batch of NYX3 satellites were launched from ANGANI. When the TAO telescope began operations later that year, it encountered significant distortions in its imaging due to the interference of satellite constellations, particularly from the NYX3 satellites. The non- reflective coating on these satellites inadvertently emitted light on wavelengths the TAO was calibrated to detect, thereby compromising its function.

In 2032, unable to find a resolution to by diplomatic consultations, ANGANI and BOLVANGER have agreed to present the case to the International Court of Justice for adjudication.

Regional Rounds

Africa

MLMC African Regional Rounds 

14th Africa Regional Round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition 24-26 April 2024 (Wednesday – Friday) Online Session Timeline for the 2024 Rou…

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific | Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition

Contact Email the IISL Asia Pacific Representative: lachsmoot-asiapacific@iisl.space Chief Director: Prof. Souichirou KOZUKA (Japan) General Advisor: Prof. Set…

Europe

ESA - Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition

The ECSL organises, together with the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), the European Rounds of the annual Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competi…

Latin America

Latin America | Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition

Contact Email the IISL Latin America Representative: lachsmoot-latinamerica@iisl.space Regional Organiser: Dr. Jairo Becerra - email Assistant Regional Organis…

North America