Estonia’s Ministry of Economics Affairs and Communications had drafted a new Space Act aimed at boosting Estonia’s business environment and providing the private sector with confidence to invest in Estonia’s space-related infrastructure.
In a news release, Economic Affairs and Industry Minister Erkki Keldo described the drafting of the new law as an important step for any country which works in the field of high technologies. Estonia’s need for a space law is based on international requirements, but each country is allowed to decide on its own precise focus in this regard. Estonia’s plan is to support technological entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Estonian Space Act will regulate the foundations for space-related activities, requirements for operators of objects in space, procedures to obtain licensing for activities in space, the registration and operation of objects in space, the state’s recovery rights vis-à-vis operators, the activities of the competent government authority, and the way in which the state will supervise all of these activities.
Estonian universities and students have already worked on ways of boosting space-related technology entrepreneurship.
“Clear authorisation and insurance rules for all parties must be put in place to allow companies which have had previous projects to grow in the space sector and to attract investment,” says Minister Keldo. “This law will help Estonia to ensure sustainable behaviour among its companies and research institutions. If an Estonian object in space causes damage, the law will address ways in which to deal with the legal consequences.”
Two technology companies in Estonia have plans to launch satellites into orbit in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA). The minister says that this is promising for economic growth in Estonia, because such companies create high value-added products and services which cannot easily be copied by others.
The law will set out conditions for the growth and development of technology and businesses whilst also mitigating risks related to space activities. This is important in that such activities are increasingly being organised not just by governments, but also by private enterprise.
Space-related laws are in effect in 12 European Union member states at this time, and others are drafting relevant legislation. Estonia’s timing in this regard fits in well with pan-European debates about how best to govern the EU’s space sector. This is a discussion in which Estonia can also make a contribution.
The United Nations Outer Space Treaty addresses the action of member states in the exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies. Objects in space are the responsibility of their country of origin. States must regulate the space once the private sector starts operating in space. The Outer Space Treaty and private sector activities have created the need for regulations in Estonia and in its national laws.
Estonia must ensure sustainable development of the space sectors and also ensure that there are no situations which harm the country or its companies, the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications said in its press release. Clear regulations demonstrate Estonia’s internationally responsible behaviour and its willingness to co-operate with others in the outer space sector, the ministry added.
The Estonian Space Act is due to enter force on January 1, 2026.
Source: BNS
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