Resolution of Space Disputes in the New Space Age: A Dispute System Design Approach
Date & Time: March 20, 2026 (Friday) 14:00-15:00
Venue: Room 723, 7/F Cheng Yu Tung Tower, The University of Hong Kong
Language: English
(In-person Event)
Abstract:
The expansion of commercial space activities in the New Space Age has transformed the legal and contractual landscape of the global space sector. Despite the growing importance of dispute resolution in the space sector, existing research has largely focused on arbitration, leaving other dispute resolution mechanisms underexplored.
The emergence of New Space has significantly increased the number and diversity of space sector contracts, including spacecraft construction and cooperation agreements, component supply contracts, research and development agreements, technology transfer and non-disclosure agreements, patent licenses, satellite sales and launch service contracts, satellite operation agreements, and contracts related to space tourism and space mining. These developments challenge the traditional public international law paradigm and raise complex questions about resolving disputes between private companies and other actors. Their technical, legal, and commercial complexity requires tailored dispute resolution mechanisms incorporated directly into contracts.
The talk will introduce the main dispute resolution mechanisms currently available in the space sector, outline the types of disputes that commonly arise, and describe the key actors involved. It will examine the integration and strategic use of negotiation, mediation, dispute boards, arbitration, and litigation in resolving space-related disputes. The talk will also explore how these mechanisms can be structured to address the technical, legal, and commercial challenges of the space sector, aiming to provide a more efficient, predictable, and sustainable legal infrastructure for the rapidly evolving space economy.
Speaker:
Ata Türkfiliz, PhD Researcher, University of Antwerp Faculty of Law and Antwerp Center on Responsible AI (ACRAI); Young Professionals Group Steering Committee Member, Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation Center (SVAMC)
Moderator:
Prof. Yun Zhao, Henry Cheng Professor in International Law, Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong
This is an in-person event. Prior registration is required. Please visit https://bit.ly/4lGv8mR to register. For inquiries, please email Louisa at .
To watch recordings of past CCL events, please subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Centre for Chinese Law – YouTube. To keep up with our activities, follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/CCLHKU. Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law at The University of Hong Kong promotes legal scholarship with the aim to develop a deeper understanding of China and facilitate dialogue between East and West. For more information, visit: Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law