Guides: Space Law: The Law of Outer Space: National &amp; Regional Space Agencies

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National and Regional Space Agencies

The first two decades of space exploration occurred during the Cold War and were dominated by the intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The modern era of space exploration is characterized by a greater degree of international cooperation and the emergence of private sector actors.

To date, more than 70 countries have established state-funded agencies to facilitate space exploration and research, the deployment of artificial satellites, and the development of space resources. In addition, several groups of countries have pooled their resources to establish regional agencies for the same purposes.

Only a small number of these national and regional space agencies are capable of launching satellites and vehicles into space. Even fewer have human spaceflight and lunar landing capabilities. Links to the websites of selected national and regional space agencies are provided below.

Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) (in Portuguese)
Brazil's space program is the most advanced in Latin America and includes a rocket launch facility and a spaceport.
China National Space Administration (CNSA)
China's space agency has emerged as a major player in space exploration, with both lunar landing and human spaceflight capacity. The agency's Chinese language website includes additional content.
European Space Agency (ESA)
Established in 1975 to facilitate cooperation among European states in space research and exploration. Although most of its 22 member states also are members of the European Union, the ESA is a separate legal entity.
- ESA Treaties & Agreements (gateway page)
- ESA Convention (the treaty that established the ESA)
- Link to the website of the ESA's European Centre for Space Law
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
The agency's Hindi language website includes additional content.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Visit this page of the agency's English language website for information about relevant Japanese laws and space policy. The agency's Japanese language website includes additional content.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Established in 1958 as an independent agency of the U.S. federal government, NASA is responsible for aeronautical and space research, as well as the development of the U.S. civilian space program.
- NASA Office of the General Counsel (OCG)
  - About the OCG (NASA's legal department)
  - OCG's International Law Resources
- NASA Office of International & Interagency Relations (OIIR)
  - OIIR Export Control Division
  - OIIR Useful Links (U.S. space policy & other gov't agencies)
Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos)
Roscosmos is the successor to the Soviet Union's space program, which, along with its U.S. rival NASA, pioneered space exploration during the Cold War era. The agency's Russian language website includes additional content.