Legal
Launching State
A state that launches or procures the launch of a space object, or from whose territory or facility a launch occurs.
The concept of "launching state" is central to international space law liability and registration frameworks, determining which states bear responsibility for space objects.
Definition Sources Both the Liability Convention and Registration Convention define launching state as a state that:
- Launches the space object
- Procures the launching of the space object
- Provides territory from which the launch occurs
- Provides facilities for the launch
Multiple Launching States A single space object may have multiple launching states:
- Operator's state (procuring)
- Launch provider's state (launching)
- Launch site state (territory)
Implications Launching state status means:
- International liability for damage
- Registration obligations
- Jurisdiction over personnel and objects
- Responsibility for authorization
EU Context Under the EU Space Act:
- Member states remain launching states
- EU coordination for international obligations
- Intra-EU liability allocation rules
Practical Examples
- French Guiana launch of German satellite: France and Germany are launching states
- UK-procured launch from New Zealand: UK and New Zealand are launching states