With the recent boom in space activities and the space economy, the need to regulate space activities has come to the forefront. While Singapore currently has no specific overarching legislation regulating space activities, there are several legal instruments that shape the Singaporean space law regulatory framework.
Space activities in Singapore are managed by the Office of Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn), Singapore’s national space office, and the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), Singapore’s telecommunications and media regulator.
Among others, OSTIn’s mandate is to advance space technology capabilities to meet Singapore’s needs and cultivate a supporting regulatory framework for Singapore’s space activities. In this regard, OSTIn issued the Guidelines for Singapore-Related Space Activities (Guidelines) in May 2024. The Guidelines apply to the following entities (Applicable Entities):
Under the Guidelines, Applicable Entities are requested to register their space objects in OSTIn’s national registry of space objects at least 30 days before the date of their planned launch. In addition, Applicable Entities are requested to register with OSTIn any significant change to the status of space objects, such as a space object’s planned re-entry or loss of function, at least 30 days before the change takes effect (or if this is not possible, within 30 days after the change takes effect). The Guidelines also provide that space activities should be aligned with international requirements, guidelines, standards and best practices.
On the other hand, IMDA is responsible for the registration and coordination of satellite networks with the International Telecommunication Union and administering the licensing framework for the use of Singapore’s satellite orbital slots.
Singapore has acceded to or ratified 3 international agreements on outer space:
1. Outer Space Treaty – sets out the general principles for space activities, including that the exploration and use of outer space shall be for the benefit for all mankind and outer space is not subject to any claim of sovereignty.
2. Rescue Agreement – requires states-parties to rescue and assist astronauts in distress and upon request, aid the launching state in recovering space objects that land outside its territory.
3. Liability Convention – holds the launching state liable for damage caused by its space objects on Earth or in space.
In addition, Singapore has signed the Registration Convention but has not ratified it. The Registration Convention requires states-parties to have a database to identify space objects launched by it or within its territory.
Apart from the treaties above, Singapore has also signed the Artemis Accords, a series of non-binding multilateral arrangements drafted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration that outline principles in carrying out activities in outer space.
While there is no overarching Singapore legislation regulating space activities, there are legal instruments in place that shape its space law regulatory framework. Therefore, entities engaged in space activities should be aware of the relevant legal instruments to ensure compliance with them.
OrionW regularly advises clients on satellite and space law matters. For more information about satellite and space law, or if you have questions about this article, please contact us at info@orionw.com.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
