Estonia prepares first space law as commercial missions approach

Estonia is preparing its first space law as companies begin planning commercial satellite missions, ERR reports. The legislation would set rules for authorising space activities, registering space objects, assessing risks and determining liability and supervision.

Until now, space activities in Estonia have not been regulated by a single law. Gloria Kõgel, a space sector expert at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, said the field had effectively been a grey area.

Estonia is a party to the United Nations Outer Space Treaty and is required to ensure that space activities under its jurisdiction are authorised and supervised, Kõgel said.

Estonian space activity has so far mainly consisted of satellite projects run by universities and students. In the coming years, however, four commercial satellite missions are expected to reach orbit. The first Estonian commercial satellite is currently planned for launch in 2028.

As the space sector moves increasingly from research towards commercial activity, the demand for regulation is growing, Kõgel said.

Under the draft law, companies would be required to have insurance covering potential damage of up to 60 million euros. The liability insurance would cover harm caused by a space object to third parties, including private individuals or states in other countries.

The requirements would be risk-based rather than identical for all projects. Lower-risk activities and research and development projects could qualify for reduced requirements or exemptions from some obligations, Kõgel said.