Legal Shifts and the Future of Space Regulation

Government, Private Industry and Insurance All Have Roles to Play

Polaris Dawn Private Spacewalk

As the space industry accelerates into a new era of private exploration and commercial opportunity, regulatory frameworks are being challenged, reshaped, and questioned. Previously, we explored the balance between innovation and regulation, focusing on the FAA’s role and the industry’s perspective. But what are the deeper, more complex changes occurring within the legal landscape of space regulation, particularly in the United States. 

With the recent Supreme Court ruling that reduces the power of "Chevron deference" and the continuing moratorium on FAA regulations, the future of space regulation is being contested on multiple fronts. Adding another layer of complexity is the significant influence of the insurance industry, which can drive compliance by controlling access to necessary financial protection. These legal shifts will likely have a significant impact on the future of space exploration.