Summary report LOS 2008

SUMMARY REPORT

French Law on space operations: overview, prospects and future challenges

17 March 2025, LexLab, 9 rue Boissy d’Anglas, 75008 Paris

Download the report (English version)

Téléchargez le rapport de synthèse (French version)

On 17 March 2025, SPATIO brought together experts from the space sector for a round-table discussion on the impact of Law No. 2008-518 of 3 June 2008 on space operations. The event shed light on the legal, technical and strategic dimensions of a constantly evolving legislative framework. Representatives from institutional, industrial and academic bodies shared their views on the application of the law, the responsibilities of operators and the challenges posed by the emergence of new players and technologies. The summary report that emerged from this meeting faithfully reflects the discussions, the shared analyses and the recommendations made.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Recent developments in the legal framework

Revisions now include modern issues such as space debris management, cybersecurity and the impact of satellite constellations on astronomy.

• Legislative framework and legal stability

The 2008 law on space operations establishes a strict and reliable regulatory framework, which is essential for space operators, guaranteeing objective and transparent enforcement.

• CNES support role

CNES supports operators by providing compliance tools and plays a key role in the technical supervision of French space activities.

• Responsibility and liability

The law imposes strict criteria in terms of authorisation, safety, environment and defence, while clarifying the responsibility of operators in the event of space damage.

• Balance between a strict framework and the need for competitiveness

Although French law is rigorous and recognised internationally, it can generate additional costs and distortions of competition, which is why it is important to strike an appropriate balance.

• Specific challenges for new players

While traditional operators have taken onboard these obligations, emerging players may find it difficult to adapt, justifying specific support measures.

• The French framework sets an legal example

The French model is a benchmark for other countries, particularly in terms of technical regulation and responsible practices for the sustainability of space activities.

• The concrete impact of the EU Space Act

France is playing an active role in the development of a European space legal framework, with the proposed EU Space Act to harmonise practices and strengthen regulation of the sector.

WORKING GROUPS

EVENTS

MEMBERSHIP

CONTACT

SPATIO is built by and for private and public sector players (lawyers, financiers, institutions, engineers, scientists, academics, and researchers) based in Europe.

A non-profit organisation serving the public interest, SPATIO provides a forum for dialogue and reflection about the space sector, with thematic working groups, defined in consultation with members.

Publications are produced on a regular basis by SPATIO to serve as a tool for dialogue and for forging links between members. This documentation enables know-how to be shared and work to be coordinated.

SPATIO organises events dedicated to the interests of its members to provide a platform for discussions about the space sector, and foster exchanges within the network.