Skip to main contentSkip to main content
Back to Glossary
Legal

Jurisdiction

The legal authority of a state over space activities and objects based on registration or other criteria.

Jurisdiction determines which national law applies to space activities.

Bases for Jurisdiction

  • Registration of space object
  • Nationality of operator
  • Territory of launch
  • Location of control

EU Space Act Approach

  • Harmonized rules across EU
  • NCA determines applicable jurisdiction
  • Mutual recognition of authorizations