News Science Quarterly (NS)

News Science Quarterly (NS)

An Analysis of the Responsibility and Obligations of the State of Nationality with Respect to Satellite Companies: Perspectives from International Law

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Aligholi Ganji 1
Peyman Boloori 2
Ali Sabernejad Alavian 3
1 PhD Candidate in Public International Law, Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran.Email: aligholi.ganji@gmail.com
2 Corresponding author, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran.Email: boloori.pe@iau.ac.ir
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Law, Ghazali Institute of Higher Education, Qazvin, Iran; and Visiting Faculty Member, Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran. Email: saberi@ghazali.ac.ir
10.22034/lrsi.2026.538163.1407
Abstract
Objective: The exponential expansion of private satellite operations has fundamentally reshaped the normative architecture of international space law, raising complex questions concerning the scope, structure, and intensity of State responsibility. Within this evolving landscape, launching States occupy a pivotal juridical position, as they remain the primary subjects of international responsibility for national space activities conducted by both governmental and non-governmental entities. Pursuant to Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty regime, States bear international responsibility for activities carried out in outer space under their jurisdiction, regardless of whether such activities are undertaken by public authorities or private corporations. This doctrinal construct establishes a dual-layered model of accountability: externally, States are internationally responsible vis-à-vis the international community; internally, they are obligated to establish robust domestic regulatory frameworks ensuring the authorization, licensing, and continuous supervision of private satellite operators.
Method: This study employs a doctrinal analysis of relevant treaties and general principles of international law governing State responsibility. It examines domestic regulatory frameworks and State practices in supervising private satellite operators. Furthermore, it provides a normative evaluation of due diligence standards with respect to space sustainability and transnational risk management responsibility.
Results: Launching States play a central role in maintaining legal stability and space security. State responsibility extends beyond treaty obligations to encompass general international law and due diligence standards. Private satellite operations create tensions between national regulatory autonomy and collective international interests.
Conclusions: Launching State responsibility remains a cornerstone of international space governance. Existing frameworks require interpretive refinement to address the challenges posed by privatization and to ensure long-term space sustainability. A recalibrated understanding of responsibility is necessary to balance national oversight with the collective interest of the international community.
Keywords
Satellites
Media
International Obligations
State Responsibility
International Law
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