Description

Space activities are increasingly commercial. While crewed launches capture media attention, the bulk of the global space industry remains focused on building, launching and operating satellites. But satellites are subject to a complex international and national regulatory regime (as well as the unique operating environment of outer space). The result is that transactions and disputes involving satellites invariably present novel legal issues.

This seminar will address these issues in the Singaporean context. Specific topics will include licensing under the Telecommunications Act (Cap. 323), essential clauses in satellite-related contracts, and satellite financing’s legal aspects. The regulatory impact of different commercial satellite applications, from television broadcasting to high-resolution imaging and navigation, will also be outlined.  The seminar will close with a discussion of global and regional developments in commercial space law, and an assessment of how Singapore can leverage its status as a maritime and aviation hub to become a ‘space hub’.

About the Speaker

Jack Wright Nelson is a full-time research associate at the Centre for Banking & Finance Law (CBFL). His research focuses on Asia-Pacific satellite regulation and financing. His work has been published in the Journal of Space Law, the Asian Journal of International Law, the German Journal of Air & Space Law, the European Journal of Legal Studies and the Asian International Arbitration Journal. In 2020, he was elected to membership of the International Institute of Space Law. Prior to joining CBFL, Jack practiced law with King & Wood Mallesons in Hong Kong and Singapore. During his 5 years in practice, he specialized in the regulation and financing of emerging technologies projects, with a particular focus on satellites and other
commercial space applications. He is admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Hong Kong.