Professor Chris Borgen, Co-Director of the Center for International and Comparative Law at St. John’s University, discussed his work in space law during a conversation with Dean Jelani Jefferson Exum, according to a May 5 statement. The interview was part of the university’s Law Matters story series.
Borgen explained that space law covers both international and domestic regulations governing human activities beyond Earth. “Space law is the international law and domestic law that regulates human activities in space: everything from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites helping you find the fastest route home, to millionaires flying to space in commercial rockets, to astronauts spending months on the International Space Station and, maybe one day, to humanity establishing bases on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Space is an area beyond national jurisdiction, but that doesn’t mean it’s lawless,” he said.
He described how his interest began with astronomy as a child but developed into legal scholarship focused on topics like asteroid mining and military activity in outer space. “I combined my new interest in the legal aspects of space operations with my existing work in law and international conflict and focused on military space activities. From there, I broadened my scope to consider the complex relationships between national regulations and international law concerning space,” Borgen said.
Borgen also addressed challenges arising from more countries and private companies operating satellites. “A common saying is that space is congested, contested, and competitive. We’ve gone from it being the exclusive realm of superpowers to middle schools having satellites in orbit… The regulatory challenges today—and tomorrow—are staggering for those who want to foster sustainable and equitable space activities,” he said.
He noted that while major treaties are decades old, policymakers rely on interpreting existing laws alongside industry codes of conduct or best practices because new treaties are unlikely soon due to current geopolitics. He emphasized what is at stake if responsible behavior does not prevail: “Space infrastructure is part of the wiring of the modern world… Whether our future in space will be one of conflict or cooperation… will in part be determined by whether and how our space activities will—or will not—be shaped by the rule of law.”
St. John’s University supports initiatives through its centers focused on multicultural efforts; operates campuses in Queens and Manhattan as well as sites abroad; offers over 100 undergraduate programs across six schools; operates as a Catholic Vincentian institution dedicated to liberal arts education; is affiliated with the Vincentian Community; and Rev. Brian J. Shanley has held its presidency—all according to the official website.
