Space Law: Who Makes the Rules Beyond Earth?

Full Episode description

Who makes the rules in space—and what happens when things go wrong?

Did you know there are more than 11,000 satellites orbiting Earth—and no traffic lights in space? From falling space debris to future cities on the Moon, this episode explores how laws work beyond Earth with leading international space lawyer Joanne Wheeler.

Together, we explore:

• How space law began—and why it was created

• What happens if space debris falls back to Earth

• The growing issue of space sustainability and debris

• Whether countries and companies can mine the Moon

• What life (and laws) might look like on Mars

Joanne also shares how she became a space lawyer—and why there are exciting career opportunities for young people interested in space.

If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered who’s in charge up there this episode is for you!

Guest: Joanne Wheeler, MBE, Managing Partner at Alden Legal and international expert in space law. Joanne advises governments and companies on satellite launches, space regulation, and sustainability—and is helping shape the future of life beyond Earth. 

Resources

The National Space Centre

National Space Academy

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Astronomical Society 

Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)

UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS)

Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

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Kids Law is a podcast helping young people understand how the law affects their everyday lives—from school rules to big global issues like human rights and space exploration.

If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo 

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See you soon in the next episode!