IISL/ECSL Symposium
This event is co-organised annually with the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) and takes place during the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) in Vienna, Austria. The IISL and ECSL are both observers at the Legal Subcommittee.
This Symposium brings together academic experts and leading practitioners in the field of space law, policy and regulation to discuss pressing issues and to propose solutions to the international community.
This year's symposium will be held on the 14th of April 2026, at the Vienna International Centre. A panel of prestigious speakers will discuss the following subject: "Legal approaches for a safe space environment". More information will be added during the coming weeks.
You can find all relevant information on previous editions in the corresponding report.
Abstract of the 2026 Symposium
Space-based infrastructure has become vital to modern societies, underpinning navigation, communications, environmental monitoring, and the protection of critical systems on Earth. However, the rapid expansion of governmental and commercial space activities has led to a dramatic rise in the number of satellites and debris in orbit, particularly in low Earth orbit, making space operations increasingly complex and risky.
These developments call for robust international legal and policy frameworks on issues such as debris mitigation, responsibility and liability, and coordination among actors.
Within this evolving context, COPUOS plays a central role in advancing dialogue, expertise, and cooperation. Through informed dialogue and interdisciplinary perspectives, the IISL/ECSL Symposium aims to support COPUOS Member States in advancing shared understanding and reinforcing the legal foundations for the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space for the benefit of all countries.
This year's Symposium will be in person only.
ECSL Student observers
From 14th to 15th of April, 12 students will have the opportunity to attend the Symposium with the ECSL and experience the discussions held at the Legal Subcommittee as observers!
If you are interested in attending the LSC and the Symposium please submit the following form by Sunday 22 March, 23.59 CET
Selected candidates will be notified as early as possible of the outcome of the Selection Committee.
Please note that the ECSL will not cover any expenses, and that invited students will have to organise their trip and cover the costs associated with participating themselves.
More information about the work of the Legal Subcommittee and previous IISL/ECSL Symposia is available here: www.unoosa.org and below.
Previous IISL/ECSL Symposia
2025 Symposium - Due regard in outer space: current legal implications
14 May
Programme of the Symposium available here: https://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/copuos/lsc/2025/International_Institute_of_Space_Law_IISL_and_European_Centre_For_Space_Law_ECSL_-_2025_Space_Law_Symposium_Flyer.pdf
2022 Symposium - National Laws and Regulations to Ensure Space Sustainability
5 April
Presentations of the Symposium available here: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/lsc/2022/symposium.html
2021 Symposium - Space Law for the Global Space Economy
8 June
Presentations of the Symposium available here: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/lsc/2021/symposium.html
2020 Symposium - (Cancelled amid covid-19)
2019 Symposium - The Moon Agreement Revisited: The Road Ahead
1 April
Presentations of the Symposium available here: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/lsc/2019/symposium.html
2018 Symposium- The 50th Anniversary of the Rescue and Return Agreement: Relevance and Challenges
9 April
Presentations of the Symposium available here:https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/lsc/2019/symposium.html
2017 Symposium - Legal Models for Exploration, Exploitation and Utilization of Space Resources 50 Years After the Adoption of the Outer Space Treaty
27 March
Presentations of the Symposium available here: http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/lsc/2017/symposium.html
2016 Symposium - Registration Convention and Today's Practical Issues
4th April 2016
Presentations of the Symposium
2015 Symposium - Space Traffic Management
13th April 2015
Presentations of the Symposium
2014 Symposium - Regulatory Needs for Very Small Satellites
24th March 2014
Presentations of the Symposium
2013 Symposium - The UNIDROIT Space Protocol
8th April 2013
Presentations of the Symposium
2012 Symposium - Transfer of Ownership of Space Objects: Issues of Responsibility, Liability and Registration
9th March 2012
2011 Symposium - A Fresh Look on the Delimitation of Airspace and Outer Space
28th March 2011
Presentations of the Symposium
2010 Symposium - National Space Legislation: Crafting Legal Engines for the Growth of Space Activities
22nd March 2010
Presentations of the Symposium
2009 Symposium - 30th Anniversary of the Moon Agreement: Retrospect and Prospects
23rd March 2009
Presentations of the Symposium
2008 Symposium - Legal Implications of Space Applications for Climate Change
31st March - 1st April 2008
Presentations of the Symposium
2007 Symposium - Capacity Building in Space Law
26th - 27th March 2007
Presentations of the Symposium
2006 Symposium - Legal Aspects of Disaster Management and the Contribution of the Law of Outer Space
3rd April 2006
Presentations of the Symposium
