OUTER SPACE LAW RELATING TO SATELLITES AND DEBRIS
(29 October 2026)
WHAT ATTENDEES SAID …
Adv Paledi Sathekge: “My knowledgee was once limited to aviation law, but I have since expanded my understanding to include aspects of space law. This is increasingly important for African mediators and legal practitioners.”
Mr Tinus Schoeman: “The topic of space jurisdiction and dispute resolution will grow exponentially. It needs to be explored, dissected and subjected to international control beefore it becomes unmanageable.”
Dr Pingla Udit: “Fascinating presentation, a very informative and learning experience.“
Law has long been anchored to territory but the decades ahead will be far harder to contain. States around the world already license satellites and assert jurisdiction over hardware hundreds of kilometres above their own soil.
The Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa) NPC (the Association), in collaboration with Prof Christopher Newman from the Northumbria Law School at Northumbria University (UK), invites you to attend this fascinating webinar to hear from on of the UK’s leading authorities as he examines the future of outer space law, regulations and policies, as part of the Association’s ongoing mission to provide regular upskilling opportunities for everyone interested in alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
WHY THIS TOPIC MATTERS
Space will only get busier as humans return to the Moon and commercial stations begin carrying occupants. Borrowing Carl Sagan’s pale blue dot, Prof Newman will ask how should terrestrial legal systems govern:
- Conduct they can neither see nor police?
- Orbital debris?
- Satellites maneuvering uncomfortably close to one another?
- Lunar resources?
- Constructing bases on the Moon?
The outer space race is progressing at lightening speed and understanding these issues is becoming increasingly important for legal professionals, governments, dispute resolvers and businesses operating within the outer space sectors.
KEY ISSUES TO BE COVERED
Prof Newman will consider the role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and more especially arbitration, in this rapidly developing sector. As commercial activities in outer space expand, disputes are expected to increase in relation to:
- Satellite operations;
- Orbital congestion;
- Space debris;
- Launch services;
- Commercial contracts; and
- Future extra-terrestrial resource activities.
Arbitration is a flexible, confidential and internationally enforceable mechanism to resolve complex cross-border disputes and is well-suited to the space industry’s unique challenges.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Legal practitioners;
- ADR practitioners – arbitrators, adjudicators, mediators;
- Construction and engineering professionals;
- Space sector stakeholders, including government officials;
- Academics;
- Scientists;
- Students;
- Everybody interested in ADR and/or outer space.
MEET THE PRESENTER
PROF CHRISTOPHER J NEWMAN, Northumbria University (Newcastle, UK)
Prof Newman is an internationally recognised academic, researcher and commentator specialising in space law, space governance, international space law, satellite regulation, commercial space activities and emerging space policy. He has published extensively on the legal, ethia, and regulatory frameworks that underpin the sustainable use and governance of outer space.
Prof Newman lectures widely at universities, professional forums and specialist conferences across the United Kingdom and internationally. He is a member of the International Institute of Space Law and the British Interplanetary Society and has contributed to significant discussions on the future of space governance, outer space resources, satellite constellations, space sustainability, planetary protection and space debris regulation. In addition to his academic work, Prof Newman has acted as a consultant on space law matters and has collaborated with experts from the military, ethics, astrophysics and space technology sectors. He is a sought-after media commentator and has appeared on Sky News, BBC Radio 4 Today, BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC World Service, providing expert analysis on developments in space law and policy.
Prof Newman is widely recognised for his contribution to advancing understanding of the legal and policy challenges arising from humanity’s expanding activated in outer space
WEBINAR DETAILS
Refer to the Brochure for more information.
GAIN INSIGHT INTO HOW ESTABLISHED DISPUTE RESOLUTION PRINCIPLES MAY BE APPLIED TO THE NEXT FRONTIER OF HUMAN ACTIVITY.
DATE
Thursday, 29 October 2026, 18:00 to 19:30 (SAST), 16:00 to 17:30 (GMT).
VENUE
Attend online via Zoom.
COST (Incl. VAT)
AoA, ACPM, BIArb, CESA, ICE-SA, MBA, RICS, SAICE and WISA Members: R200.00
AoA students: R0.00
Non-members: R250.00
Students, university students, candidate attorneys, pupil advocates and professional trainees can attend free of charge!
ENSURE YOU DON’T MISS THIS VALUABLE UPSKILLING OPPORTUNITY – RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
REGISTER
For more information please download the Brochure.
Click here to register:
Registration Closing Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2026
ENQUIRIES
Contact Miss Michelle Venter (Financial Manager):
Email: michelle@arbitrators.co.za
Tel.: +27 11 884 9164/5
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, 29 October 2026.
FRONTIERS OF SPACE RISK: NATURAL COSMIC HAZARDS & SOCIETAL CHALLENGES
ORDER YOUR COPY HERE.
