Professor Chris Borgen discusses space law and its impact in interview with Dean Exum
Professor Chris Borgen, Co-Director of the Center for International and Comparative Law at St. John’s University School of Law, discussed the complexities of space law in an interview published on May 5. The conversation was part of the Law Matters story series and focused on how legal frameworks shape activities beyond Earth.
The discussion highlights the growing importance of space law as more actors become involved in activities such as satellite launches and commercial space travel. With increasing reliance on space infrastructure for everyday life, questions about regulation and governance have taken on new urgency.
Borgen said, “Space law is the international law and domestic law that regulates human activities in space: everything from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites helping you find the fastest route home, to millionaires flying to space in commercial rockets, to astronauts spending months on the International Space Station and, maybe one day, to humanity establishing bases on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Space is an area beyond national jurisdiction, but that doesn’t mean it’s lawless.” He explained his personal journey into this field: “I’ve been fascinated by astronomy and space exploration since I was a child… I combined my new interest in the legal aspects of space operations with my existing work in law and international conflict… Besides my scholarship, I created a Space Law course for St. John’s in 2021.”
Addressing challenges from increased participation by companies and countries in outer space activity, Borgen said: “A common saying is that space is congested, contested, and competitive. We’ve gone from it being the exclusive realm of superpowers to middle schools having satellites in orbit… The regulatory challenges today—and tomorrow—are staggering for those who want to foster sustainable and equitable space activities.” He also emphasized governance tools outside formal treaties: “Other tools that might be persuasive… are also important… For example, industry codes of conduct and the elucidation of ‘best practices’ can address risks and clarify expectations.”
St. John’s University supports initiatives through its centers focused on multicultural efforts locally and globally; it features campuses in Queens and Manhattan as well as international sites; offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across six schools; operates as a Catholic Vincentian institution dedicated to liberal arts education; holds affiliation with the Vincentian Community; Rev. Brian J. Shanley has served as president—all according to the official website.
Borgen concluded by reflecting on what is at stake if responsible action does not occur: “Space infrastructure is part of the wiring of the modern world… Whether our future in space will be one of conflict or cooperation… will in part be determined by whether or how our space activities will—or will not—be shaped by rule of law.”
