Entered into Force: The 2020 Space Law of Luxembourg

In comparison with the broad spectrum of Luxembourg’s activities, the national legal framework allowing for authorizing and supervising activities under Luxembourg’s jurisdiction was narrow. The 1991 Law on Electronic Media allowed for the authorization of the SES telecommunication satellites. The 2017 Space Resources Law was adopted speedily to welcome operators in this specific area. A legal basis for other activities was missing – there were no binding provisions enabling domestic authorities to regulate launching of space objects, Earth observation, navigation, or on-orbit activities. The Law of 15 December 2020 on Space Activity fills this gap. From 1 January 2021 onwards, future Luxembourg space operators can apply for an authorization of their space activity in or out of its territory, and the conditions for a successful application are known, as are the price and consequences.