Opening Arguments Let’s Talk Space Law! It’s Law, but From OUTER SPACE!
Jul 15, 2025
Michelle Hanlon, an expert in space law and cultural heritage, discusses the fascinating and uncharted territory of space governance. She highlights the importance of international agreements for managing a crowded cosmos and explores property ownership issues, particularly regarding the Moon. The conversation intertwines humor with serious legal implications, referencing 'Star Trek' and its influence on space treaties. Hanlon emphasizes the necessity of protecting lunar heritage and the pressing need for regulations as privatization accelerates in the space industry.
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No Clear Boundary Between Air And Space
- The legal boundary between airspace and outer space remains undefined internationally.
- This ambiguity complicates sovereignty, military, and commercial activities at the edge of space.
Star Trek Shaped Her Space Vision
- Michelle Hanlon grew up overseas watching Star Trek on reels in places like Madagascar and Hong Kong.
- This shaped her optimistic vision of a diverse, cooperative human future in space exploration.
Space Property Rights Ambiguity
- The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits sovereign claims in space but leaves private ownership ambiguous.
- The US interprets mining materials as ownable, unlike the much less accepted Moon Agreement.
