Risk Management in Outer Space Activities: An Australian and New Zealand Perspective

Risk Management in Outer Space Activities assesses selected risks associated with space activities, from an Australian and New Zealand perspective. The book explores the rise of commercial space activities and considers the development of Australia and New Zealand’s regulatory frameworks, and how they are equipped to address new and emerging risks in the space sector.

The book examines the juxtaposition of international space law against the domestic legal regimes of Australia and New Zealand, and how these regulatory frameworks are designed to create governance mechanisms to control space risk. Both national jurisdictions approach space risk from the perspective of liability and international legal obligations, but as a result of their different historical space trajectories, their risk approaches differ. This is illustrated by research that suggests that from an Australian point of view, much of its space industry development has been influenced by Cold War era military and national security concerns. On the other hand, the New Zealand perspective is grounded on the rapid market-led commercial development that is currently underway in the country.

The book examines a variety of risks that can and do emerge in the course of undertaking space activities. It does this by presenting a series of space risk case studies. There are chapters devoted to examining commercial space risks, space insurance, the risks posed by space debris, cybersecurity and space assets, light pollution as a risk for astronomy and the risks inherent in landing objects on the Moon.

The work contained in this book is intended to provide a clear, practical and informed approach to understanding risk management in outer space activities. It will appeal to policy makers, risk professionals, space lawyers, national space agencies as well as academics, researchers and students

Dr Maria Pozza is the Director and Principal of Gravity Lawyers, a law firm that specialises in New Zealand’s space law, international space law, cybersecurity compliance over data, IT and system frameworks, as well as providing commercial and corporate in-house legal support. Dr Maria holds a PhD in international law and policy in outer space, working in both the Faculty of Law and the Department of Politics at the University of Otago. She holds a Masters of International Studies with distinction, New Zealand Law and Practice Exams, PGDip in Legal Skills, BVC, and an LL.B (Hons). In 2013 Maria secured a visiting fellowship at the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, University of Cambridge, UK. Dr Maria has received a number of accolades and awards in recognition of her work and contribution to the field of space law.