Overview of act on launching of spacecraft, etc. and control of spacecraft in Japan

Abstract The Japanese Act on Launching of Spacecraft, etc. and Control of Spacecraft (commonly cited as “Space Activity Law”) and related documents came into force on November 15, 2018. To implement UN treaty obligations related to outer space accurately and smoothly, to ensure public safety, and to contribute to enhancing the livelihood of people and the development of the economy, Japan established a system related to launch, launch vehicles, control of spacecraft and a compensation scheme for damage to third parties caused by the launch of a launch vehicle. In addition to the Japanese Space Activity Law, there are many other international “space activity laws”. In order to update and harmonize the Japanese Space Activity Law with international space law, the National Space Policy Secretariat (NSPS) conducted an investigation of international and national space laws, especially the United Kingdom, France and United States of America through both documentary research and in-person meetings. This paper provides an overview of the Japanese Space Activity Law.