Reflections on the 2024 United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs Space Law and Policy Conference

Urgent Need for International Cooperation: The 2024 Space Law and Policy Conference highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation to address the legal and regulatory challenges posed by the rapid growth of space activities, including mega-constellations, lunar settlements, and resource extraction. 

Balancing Innovation and Sustainability: Discussions focused on balancing technological innovation with the sustainable use of outer space resources, emphasizing the importance of preventing an arms race and protecting the night sky for astronomical research.

Information Sharing as a Critical Concern: The conference emphasized the significance of information sharing among space actors to enhance safety, prevent collisions, and mitigate the threat of space debris. Different approaches to achieving this objective were debated.

Call for Global and Regional Action: The conference concluded with a call for states to sign UN space treaties, adopt national space legislation, and actively participate in international and regional cooperative efforts to ensure responsible and sustainable space activities.