At the International Space Conference 2025, space policy and governance took center stage. As space becomes more accessible and contested, the need for comprehensive policy frameworks and international cooperation is more critical than ever. This year’s ISDC addressed these issues head-on, bringing together legal experts, policymakers, and thought leaders to tackle the challenges of governing space activities.
ISDC 2025: Why Space Policy and Governance Matter
The International Space Conference 2025 dedicated a full track to Space Law and Policy, highlighting the increasing urgency to regulate activities beyond Earth. These sessions explored:
- International Collaboration: The role of diplomacy and multilateral agreements in space missions.
- Regulatory Frameworks: How governments and private entities can develop cohesive laws for space activities.
- Sustainability in Space: Crafting policies that prioritize the long-term health of the space environment.
These discussions underscored the complexity and necessity of building cooperative systems for exploration, commerce, and sustainability in space.
Key Voices in Space Policy at the International Space Conference 2025
A number of influential figures in space law and governance contributed to the policy conversations at ISDC 2025, including:
- James E. Dunstan – Senior Counsel at TechFreedom, known for his work on legal innovation in space technology.
- Rees Empey – Senior Director of State Government Affairs at the Libertas Institute, offering insights on state-level initiatives.
- Dr. Nicola Fox – Associate Administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, sharing NASA’s collaborative approach to science and policy.
Their sessions provided attendees with deep insights into the evolving legal landscape and the roles various institutions play in shaping it.
Global Governance Through ISDC Collaboration
One of the defining themes of ISDC 2025 was the importance of international cooperation in governance. Panels examined how partnerships between agencies, countries, and private actors can foster:
- Peaceful and equitable use of outer space.
- Open data sharing to advance science.
- Conflict resolution mechanisms in orbit.
By bringing these conversations into the spotlight, the International Space Conference 2025 reaffirmed ISDC’s role as a global leader in advancing responsible space governance.
Policy Sessions You Shouldn’t Have Missed
Some of the standout sessions from the ISDC 2025 policy track included:
- Building Legal Frameworks for Commercial Spaceflight
- Protecting Orbital Environments through International Law
- The Future of Lunar Governance: Who Owns the Moon?
These talks were attended by policymakers, attorneys, researchers, and private-sector leaders—all eager to contribute to a balanced and functional legal order in space.
International Space Conference 2025: Ongoing Commitment to Space Policy
As a hub for space development, the International Space Conference 2025 and future ISDCs will continue to drive the global conversation around space law. Through its support of academic, commercial, and international partnerships, ISDC ensures that space governance evolves alongside technological innovation.
Want to be part of the future of space policy? Stay connected and learn more at https://isdc.nss.org/.
