Regulation Must Keep Up with Novel Space Technology, Experts Say

Panelists at the Satellite 2023 conference noted that the relationship between government and industry when it comes to space is still a “paradigm from yesteryear.”

Regulation and standards are imperative to the success of novel space technology and activities, government and industry officials said on a Wednesday panel at the Satellite 2023 conference.

The panelists noted that there are no standardized processes to authorize and supervise private sector activities in space. Furthermore, the existing regulation and space architecture is too outdated to handle issues arising from novel space technology and activity.

“Our imaginations are capable of conceiving of a really incredibly complex, vibrant, internationally driven future for our space activities, but I think when we look at the way we regulate how the government interacts with commercial sector, I think we’re still trapped in a paradigm from yesteryear,” said Richard DalBello, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ...