Introduction and Evaluation of Slovenian Space Activity, Policy, and Legislation Considering International Space Law

Abstract

The examination of the development of space activities on a global scale, identifies several trends. One of them is the transition from dualism to multilateralism – from the Cold War, when only the two world superpowers of the time were active in space, to a situation where several countries are joining the now already large circle of spacefaring nations. Recently, Slovenia has followed the trend, and has in the last three years successfully launched three satellites, drawn out its space policy, and adopted its first space legislation. As it was one of the first countries in the region to do so, it can serve as a learning tool for other states wishing to embark on the same journey, enabling them to take a critical perspective and optimise their efforts. This study briefly presents Slovenian space activity, policy, and legislation. This study focuses on the legislative part, which presents and examines the compliance with international law. Based on this, certain improvements can be made and other states can decide how to draw their own national legislation governing space activities.