Aerospace Law
Outer Space Treaty
The Outer Space Treaty, signed in 1967, is an international agreement establishing the fundamental principles for the use and exploration of space. It is one of the treaties on which aerospace law is based, divided into two main areas: aeronautical law (relating to airspace) and outer space law.
Although these areas are governed by separate treaties and belong to different regulatory spheres, they are partly interconnected.
Many believe that the law of outer space derives directly from the law of terrestrial navigation, but the differences between the two areas are in fact profound. Space law is in fact a recent legal system, created during the Cold War to meet completely new needs. Unlike maritime law, it does not cover concepts such as routes or exclusive economic zones.
Today, space is governed by outdated treaties and non-binding political agreements, such as the Artemis Accords, which makes the need for a new global treaty, based on a broad international consensus, increasingly urgent, but at the moment this still seems far off.
The last binding UN treaty on space matters is the Moon Agreement of 1979, which specifically regulates activities on the Moon and other celestial bodies in the solar system.
Space-related activities and aviation technology pose complex legal challenges, requiring an interdisciplinary vision and specific expertise in outer space law and aviation law.
In this context, Studio Legale Tributario Morabito offers highly qualified legal and tax assistance to companies, investors and operators in the aerospace sector, both in Italy and abroad.
We accompany our clients at all stages of development and management of aerospace and satellite projects, ensuring full compliance with national and international regulations, as well as the protection of the economic and strategic interests involved.
Our consulting services include:
- drafting and negotiating aerospace contracts (industrial partnerships, launch contracts, technology licences);
- assistance with the registration and use of space assets in accordance with international conventions;
- management of regulatory profiles relating to safety, liability and insurance in the aerospace sector;
- taxation and tax planning of international projects and joint ventures;
- legal support on drones and remotely piloted aircraft.
We work alongside technology start-ups, space agencies, funds and industries, offering integrated and tailored support with an innovation and compliance-oriented approach.
Contact Studio Legale Tributario Morabito for expert advice on aerospace law.