Denmark passes its first outer space law

Setting the rules for future cosmic explorations

Lucie Rychla

May 3, 2016

Last September, Denmark sent its first astronaut, Andreas Mogensen, into space and today the Danish Parliament has unanimously passed the country’s first law concerning outer space.

According to the new legislation, the minister for education and research must approve any activity that involves sending objects into or out of outer space.

All objects sent from Denmark into orbit or further out into space must be registered.

Space debris
The law also states that people who send objects into space will be liable for any damage or injury caused by the object both on the ground or during the flight.

Violation of the rules can be punishable by up to two years in prison – for instance, if someone’s life is put in danger.

Finally, the law sets guidelines on how to deal with the so-called space waste.

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