Space Exploration: Innovation Over Regulation

Fundamental individual rights, property rights, and free enterprise should be our Northstar

The recent inclusion of Denmark in the Artemis Accords highlights U.S. leadership and the potential for international cooperation in outer space. However, as humanity ventures further into this exciting frontier, we must approach international laws and regulatory frameworks cautiously, or in some cases, not at all.

History and recent developments within the United Nations (UN) COPUOS Working Group illustrate the risks of overregulating before fully understanding the environment and its opportunities. Much of what transpires in these UN bodies goes unchecked by the American people and Congress. Such unchecked legislative activity invariably infringes on individual rights and disrupts the delicate balance of power.

When foundational space treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty (OST), were established, our understanding of outer space was limited. These agreements aimed to prevent a militarized space race, an imperative in the geopolitical climate of the time. Decades later, the context has changed significantly with advances in technology and knowledge. Yet despite progress, our understanding of outer space’s true potential remains nascent. Overreaching with regulations now risks stifling innovation and exploration under layers of premature bureaucracy.