Innovative technological advances, new space actors, and ambitious strategies have drawn increasing attention to space and space-related activities. In Australia, focus has been sharpened further with the establishment of the Australian Space Agency and publication of the Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019-2028.
Effective space governance is critical if we are to achieve our strategic goals and advance space-related activities in secure, safe, and sustainable ways. Australia has reformed its domestic space legislation, and other nations have also adopted laws that support their national agenda, but more harmonised approaches are needed to avoid potential risks and conflicts. International law has a potential role to play, yet the five international space treaties were adopted decades ago, and have since been supplemented with soft law and transnational arrangements.
Furthermore, governance gaps remain as we seek to engage in commercial activities in space and consider possibilities such as living and working in space. At our August event, Erika Techera discusses the space law and governance landscape, highlights national legislative and strategic developments, and explores some areas for future development.
Dr Erika Techera is a Professor of Law at University of Western Australia (UWA). She is an international and comparative environmental lawyer with particular expertise in the Indo-Pacific region.
Her research explores legal frameworks to support blue economy goals, including issues at the interface of science, technology and law. Relevantly, her research projects include the uses of satellite data to enhance monitoring and enforcement of environmental law. She teaches postgraduate subjects in International Environmental Law, Oceans Governance, and Space & Satellite Law. Erika is a member of the interim advisory board for the International Space Centre at UWA. She is Australia's National Focal Point for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Academic Group (IORAG), and has also been appointed to the Heritage Council of WA and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) Council. Erika is a former barrister, and an elected Fellow and Director of the Australian Academy of Law.
