ABSTRACT
In the immediate post-Sputnik era space commerce was both conducted and regulated by governments. Except in science fiction there were no private activities in outer space. In the 1980s space industries began to change rapidly thanks to technological advance and developments in the regulatory environment, commercial strategies and consumer demand. The Space Protocol is intended to reduce the risks of space asset financing, and to provide default remedies in the area, thus facilitating and encouraging investment in space activities through security arrangements constituted over their assets. The Space Protocol is aimed at securing finance for space activities from banks and private investors, and protecting those investments. Capital markets have special challenges. Interest tends to be higher, but so are the rewards. Availability is unpredictable. Ultimately satellite operators may use both financing methods. In the past commercial satellite companies borrowed money from banks, private investors and from state-funded import-export banks.
