• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.151-208
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• 2020

Japan's two outer space-related laws were promulgated on November 16, 2016. There are the Act on Launching of Spacecraft, etc. and Control of Spacecraft (Act No. 76 of 2016, Space Activities Act) and the Act on Securing Proper Handling of Satellite Remote Sensing Records (Act No.77 of 2016, Remote Sensing Records Act). Japan's Space Activities Act states that a person who launches a satellite from the territory of Japan, or from a ship or airplane registered in Japan, must obtain permission from the Prime Minister prior to the launch. To obtain the permission, the person must have a certificate for a rocket design and for radio equipment at a launching facility. In addition, the ability to launch a rocket safely and the purpose for the satellite launch must be evaluated. Managing a satellite from Japan also requires permission from the government. A person who launches a rocket must have insurance for any potential damage arising from accidents, and the government is to supplement the potential compensation to allow for damage that cannot be covered by private insurance. The purpose of this paper reviews regulations of launch services and management of satellites in the Japan's Space Activities Act. It also offers some implications and suggestions for regulations of launching of spacecraft and management or operation of satellites.