Spanish Law and the International Space Station

Abstract

The Outer Space Treaty, in particular Articles VI, VII and VIII, strongly encourages States to consider establishing national space legislation, in particular where private entities become involved. Regarding the Spanish law related to space activities, reference must be made to the Registro de Objetos Espaciales (Record of space objects) where a selection of Royal Decrees (Real Decreto), laws and orders can be found. The Centre for Technological and Industrial Development (CDTI) was established as a public business entity, dependant on the Ministry of Industry, with the objective of promoting innovation and technological development in Spanish companies. The results of the experiments carried out in International Space Station (ISS) and their implications for Spanish law must be taken into account, provided the discoveries fall within Spanish jurisdiction. Keywords: CDTI; International Space Station (ISS); national space legislation; Outer Space Treaty; Spanish law