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IISL/ECSL Symposium

IISL/ECSL Symposium
16 MAR. 2026 publication date 12269 Views

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.

The 2026 symposium was held on the 14th of April 2026, at the Vienna International Centre. A panel of prestigious speakers discussed the following subject: "Legal approaches for a safe space environment".

You can find all relevant information on the 2026 edition and previous editions in the corresponding reports.

Objective of the Symposium and ECSL Student Observers

Within the evolving space sector, 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. Each year, a different theme is explored and analysed by international experts to support delegations in the discussions that take place during the Legal Subcommittee of COPUOS.

Students from all over Europe have each year the opportunity to attend the Symposium with the ECSL and experience the discussions held at the Legal Subcommittee as observers!

Applications for the 2026 edition are closed and information regarding the 2027 edition will be communicated closer to the event.

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

2026 Symposium - Legal approaches for a safe space environment
14 April

2025 Symposium - Due regard in outer space: current legal implications
14 May

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

Programme of the Symposium

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

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