IISL

Join us for a discussion on “Legislating for Commercial Space Activities in the United Kingdom.” 🇬🇧 The session will explore the UK’s evolving legal and policy framework supporting the growth of commercial space activities since 2018. 🔒 For IISL Members only.

📢 The Responses to Requests for Clarification for the 2026 @SpaceLawMoot, Inkaton v. Accadia, are now available. 👉 Access the document here: iisl.space/wp-content/upl… Best of luck to all teams as preparations continue.

IISL launches a new Expert Initiative on Article XI of the Outer Space Treaty. Members are invited to help draft a Conference Room Paper for the 2026 COPUOS LSC. Capacity-building + expert input. More info: iisl.space/new-iisl-ventu…

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: MANFRED LACHS SPACE LAW MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2026 The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) invites eligible Kenyan universities and law schools to participate in the 2026 Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition (MLSLMCC), organized under the auspices of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL). Further details are provided below.👇

🚀 Call for Nominations | IISL Awards 2026 The International Institute of Space Law (@IISL_space) invites nominations celebrating excellence & service in space law with multiple 🏆 Award categories 🏆 📅 Deadline: 27 Feb 2026 🔗 Details & eligibility: iisl.space/iisl-awards-20…

⚖️ Presenting at the 68th Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space hosted by the @iisl_space, being consistently inspired by everyone's legal projects, and making many new IISL connections!

I was glad to take part last week in #Sydney at judging the Final of #ManfredLachs Space Law Moot Court Competition organized by International Institute of Space Law @iisl_space, which promotes space law & rule of law in the exploration & use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

Lesley Jane Smith (@iisl_space): “We owe the next generation information safety, even as technology advances.” @JosefKoller: “We’re not just visiting space, we’re building to last.” 🚀🌍 A powerful call to responsibility from The Ethics of Space session. ✨

We are proud to announce that Team Kenya from Strathmore University(@StrathU ) emerged victorious in the 2025 Africa Regional Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition held in South Africa, making history as the first Kenyan team to advance to the global finals. The regional finals brought together ten distinguished universities: Strathmore University (Kenya), Africa Nazarene University School of Law (Kenya), Ambrose Ali University (Nigeria), Cavendish University (Uganda), Midlands State University (MSU) (Zimbabwe), North West University (South Africa), Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria), University of Fort Hare (UFH) (South Africa), and the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) (Zimbabwe). Kenya will represent Africa at the Manfred Lachs Competition Finals, which will take place during the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, Australia, from September 29th to October 3rd, 2025. This prestigious event is part of the 69th IISL Annual Colloquium, the world's largest convention for global space agencies and the space industry. The 2025 Africa Regional Manfred Lachs, themed "Africa Space Law for Solidarity and Equality," was hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) in partnership with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the National Earth Observations and Space Secretariat (NEOSS), an initiative of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. Strathmore University was also recognized for producing the Best Oralist. This competition provides a valuable platform and exposure for students, academics, legal professionals, and the space community to engage in legal debates concerning international law and space law matters. It particularly offers a unique opportunity for university law students from around the world to delve into legal issues related to outer space. 👏 Let’s cheer on our champions as they prepare to take the global stage!

Kenya Space Agency Hosts National Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Moot Court Competition On 21 March ,2025, the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) hosted the National Rounds of the prestigious Manfred Lachs Moot Court Competition which was instituted by the International Institute of Space Law (@iisl_space) in 1992. This competition promotes the further development of space law and the expansion of the rule of law in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes. The event brought together teams from various universities, including Africa Nazarene University(@africanazarene), Strathmore University (@StrathU), Mount Kenya University - MKU(@MountKenyaUni ), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (@DiscoverJKUAT), and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (@cuea_official). The participating students engaged in intense and intellectually stimulating moot court sessions, demonstrating their legal expertise and advocacy skills in the specialized field of space law and international law. Among the 5 teams, Africa Nazarene University emerged the winner with Strathmore University securing the first runners-up positions. Both teams will represent Kenya at the Africa Regional Round, scheduled to take place in South Africa from May 22nd to 24th, 2025. The winning team in the Africa Region will compete in the World Finals, which will be held at the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), scheduled for 29 September – 3rd October 2025, in Sydney Australia, as part of the 69th IISL Annual Colloquium in conjunction with the 76th IAC, the world’s largest convention of global space agencies and space industry. A distinguished panel of judges, comprising of Prof Isaac Rutenberg, Counsel Kuria Waithaka, Counsel Joyce Ndumia, Counsel Melanie Munyori, Counsel Joan Kiama, and Lt Col Arnette Naija. The sessions were coordinated by Joan Chesoni, KSA Board Director. The DG KSA, Brig Hillary Kipkosgey highlighted the significance of such initiatives in fostering a new generation of legal professionals well-versed in space law, ensuring that Kenya remains actively engaged in shaping international space governance. #spacelaw #IISL

[UPDATE] The Asia-Pacific Regional Round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition has updated dates for the Oral Rounds and the International Conference on Space Law. 🗓 Updated Dates: Oral Rounds: 10-12 April 2025 International Conference on Space Law: 13 April 2025

This year, the Latin American Regional Round will be hosted by Universidad Católica de Colombia in collaboration with the Space Network for Latin America and the Caribbean – ReLaCa. More information at: iisl.space/index.php/lati…

Register to the 15th Africa Regional Round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition. 🗓️ Key Dates: - 28 March: Deadline for submission of memorials - 22-23 May: Regional oral rounds. 🔗 Registration and further information at: iisl.space/index.php/mlmc…

⚠️ The Note for IISL members wishing to submit a paper for IAC Sydney 2025 is now available. It provides essential information to guide your submission process and ensure a smooth experience. 🔗 Find all the details here: iisl.space/index.php/2025…

✨ The Asia Pacific Regional Round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition 2025 will be hosted by Gujarat National Law University. 🗓 Oral Rounds: 27-29 March 2025 International Conference on Space Law: 30 March 2025 🔗 More information: iisl.space/index.php/asia…

🚀 The European Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition will take place at the @ESA HQ in Paris, France, from April 1-3, 2025. This is your chance to represent your university, compete with top teams and gain experience! Register at: forms.office.com/pages/response…

Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Space Law, edited by Mahulena Hofmann @uni_lu & @BlountsFolly of @durham_uni Contributors incl @AntoninoSalmeri @spaceliability @IanGrosner More info e-elgar.com/shop/isbn/9781… 🆓 Entry: The Artemis Accords by Brian D Wessel doi.org/10.4337/978180…

The Responses to the Requests for Clarification of this year's Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition have been published! iisl.space/index.php/2025…

Dear potential new members of the International Institute of Space Law, we have some news for you: our application system is now fully digital! Visit iisl.space/index.php/memb…. Next deadline for application is 1 February 2025. We look forward to receive your application!

🌟 Happy New Year 2025 from the IISL! 🚀✨ As we welcome 2025, we send warm wishes to all our members, partners, and supporters for a year filled with happiness, health, and success! This year, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance space law and policy!