TDM Call for Papers: Special Issue on “International Arbitration and the Space Industry”

Key Takeaways

• Space economy projected $1.8 trillion by 2035
• Private firms now dominate satellite launches and commercial spaceflight
• TDM invites papers on arbitration challenges in space law
• Deadline for proposals: May 31 2026; publication Q4 2026
• Topics include liability, ownership, investor‑state disputes, debris mitigation

Summary

Transnational Dispute Management (TDM) is publishing a special issue on International Arbitration and the Space Industry, edited by Freshfields partners Alexandra van der Meulen, Kate Gough, Joshua Kelly, Annie Pan and Veronika Timofeeva. The call invites scholarly articles on topics ranging from liability and ownership to investor‑state disputes and space‑debris mitigation. Proposals of 150‑200 words must be submitted by May 31 2026, with the issue slated for the final quarter of 2026. The World Economic Forum projects the global space economy to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, driving a surge in complex cross‑border disputes.

Pulse Analysis

The commercialisation of space has accelerated dramatically over the past decade, shifting from a government‑only arena to a bustling marketplace of private launch providers, satellite constellations, and orbital manufacturing ventures. This transition fuels a $1.8 trillion economy forecast for 2035, creating unprecedented financial stakes and a mosaic of cross‑border contracts. Traditional dispute mechanisms are strained by the sector’s technical complexity, rapid innovation cycles, and the intertwining of commercial and national security interests, prompting a need for specialised legal tools.

International arbitration is uniquely positioned to address these emerging challenges because it offers neutral forums, enforceable awards, and flexibility to craft procedural rules that reflect space‑specific realities. Practitioners must grapple with novel issues such as the definition of territoriality for satellite assets, the quantification of damages for failed launches, and the allocation of liability for space debris. Moreover, the rise of investor‑state disputes over spectrum rights and regulatory approvals underscores the importance of tailored treaty frameworks and arbitration clauses that balance sovereign interests with private profit motives.

TDM’s upcoming special issue provides a timely platform for scholars, counsel, and policymakers to dissect these complexities and propose forward‑looking solutions. By soliciting in‑depth analyses on topics from ownership regimes to multi‑party contract structures, the journal aims to influence both academic discourse and practical arbitration practice. Contributors have the opportunity to shape the nascent body of space‑law arbitration precedents, ensuring that the industry’s rapid growth is underpinned by robust, predictable dispute‑resolution mechanisms.