2020 has been a tough year for many of us with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges the pandemic has brought, a lot has been achieved in 2020. Looking to space, we saw SpaceX launch the first privately operated crew mission to the International Space Station, RocketLab launched seven missions from its Mahia Peninsula launch facility, Southern Launch successfully launched a rocket to the edge of space from regional South Australia and Japan returned another asteroid sample to the Australian desert.
2020 saw the evolution of the Australia and New Zealand Space Law Interest Group (ANZSLIG) into the Space Law Council of Australia and New Zealand Ltd (SLC-ANZ) – a more formalised structure established to promote awareness of and education in space law and policy issues while also acting as a binational network for those with an interest in space. The initial Board of the SLC-ANZ would like to thank every person who assisted in this process including those who established ANZSLIG in 2018, ANZSLIG members who contributed to the discussion on operating structures, and those who drafted documents and registered the SLC-ANZ as a company – thank you. Thank you to every member of ANZSLIG who has followed our journey into becoming the SLC-ANZ, your patience with this process has been amazing. To everyone who has joined the SLC-ANZ since August, thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for space law and policy. The pioneer spirit of Australia and New Zealand is represented in our efforts to develop the SLC-ANZ into a body capable of providing opportunities to its members to debate and add value to the conversation around legal and policy issues in the space industry.
The SLC-ANZ is looking to 2021 with great enthusiasm. We are already looking at a program of diverse and interesting activities focused on space law and policy issues in Australia and New Zealand. Early in 2021, the SLC-ANZ will open for formal memberships – a step we hope will provide our members with an enhanced experience and greater opportunities.
The SLC-ANZ has been established for its members by its members and we look forward to working with each and every one of you in 2021.
Best wishes
The Board of the SLC-ANZ
Did You Miss Our Last Event?
You can check out the recording at any time at www.spacelawcouncilanz.com/past-events
Inquiry into the Australian Space Industry
The SLC-ANZ is preparing a submission into the Australian Space Industry. If you would like to be involved in the preparation of this submission, get in touch with the SLC-ANZ at secretary@spacelawcouncilanz.com
Keep an eye out on your emails for an invitation to join the SLC-ANZ Submission Round Table in early-January.