ABSTRACT
The Finnish Act on Space Activities promulgated in 2018 was prompted by plans by non-governmental organisations, such as scientific institutions and start-up companies, to conduct upstream space activities. While arguably the most important reasons for enacting a national space law is to comply with the state’s international obligations and limit the state’s risk with liability and responsibility arising from national space activities, it does not however mean that a national space law could not take a positive and supportive approach towards private space activities at national level, while prescribing for adequate legal and political safeguards. This chapter will examine some ways a national space law can support and incentivise private space activities while also supporting important public values, such as security and sustainability of space activities. In this context, this chapter looks at some of the possible developments that are prompted in response to the evolving character of space activities. Does the current framework live up to its expectations and what further issues could be considered within the national space law?
