The Spaceport as “Gateway” between the Earth and the Outer Space: A Comparative Study of Legal Measures of The United States of America, Russian Federation, Australia, Indonesia and People’s Republic of China
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Abstract
The objectives of this article are to study and compare guidelines and measures related to the establishment of spaceports in various foreign countries, including the United States, the Russian Federation, Australia, Indonesia, and the People’s Republic of China. The aim is to derive effective guidelines applicable to the establishment of a spaceport in Thailand. Currently, a ‘Spaceport’ is considered an essential infrastructure for space activities, serving as ‘the gateway to outer space.’ It marks the starting point for humanity’s exploration and utilization of outer space, promoting the New Space Economy and bridging gaps in space development. The research indicates that for each country there are: (1) its own ‘definition’ of spaceports, tailored to its specific context; (2) some common characteristics, particularly the specified purpose ‘for launching space objects (including astronauts) into outer space’; and (3) the establishment of operational guidelines for the spaceport. Regarding operational models, countries generally adopt one of three approaches: (3.1) the state acts as the sole operator of the spaceport, (3.2) the state allows the private sector to operate the spaceport, with the state serving as the sole promoter and regulator, and (3.2) joint operation by both the state and the private sector. For recommendations to Thailand on establishing a spaceport, Thailand shall (1) issue policies and laws for establishing a spaceport, (2) clearly define the definition of “spaceport”, (3) clearly specify the objectives for establishing a spaceport, and (4) determine the operating model for establishing a spaceport by using the model (4.1) granting licenses and/or permissions to the private sector under promotion and supervision by the state, or (4.2) a jointly governmental and private sector operation model.
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