RUMLAE Members Prof Melissa de Zwart, Dr Stacey Henderson and Joel Lisk recently attended the Australian Space Research Conference in Surfers Paradise.  Prof de Zwart presented a key note address on the commercialisation of space, highlighting the delicate balance between domestic legislation, intellectual property protection, and motivating innovation in the space industry.  Dr Henderson presented a paper on exploring a legal framework for the colonisation of Mars, highlighting the legal issues that will need to be considered and resolved before humans venture to a new Mars colony.

All three then presented papers as part of the Space Law Professional Development Series, designed to provide a brief snapshot of the law relating to various aspects of space activities. These included papers on the international legal framework for space activities (Dr Henderson), protection of intellectual property for space activities (Prof de Zwart and Dr Henderson), and comparative regulatory approaches and competing for global sales opportunities (Mr Lisk).