The International Day of Human Space Flight falls on 12th April, commemorating the day in 1961 when Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to cross the boundaries of Earth’s atmosphere and travel into space. The Space Race had begun four years earlier with the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. But it was Gagarin’s historic flight that ushered in what came to be known as the ‘fourth dimension of geopolitics’, as Cold War rivalries extended beyond Earth into outer space.

While the first human venture into space occurred in a period marked by intense geopolitical tension, today, the presence of men and women beyond our planet aspires to embody peace and international cooperation, exemplified by major joint ventures such as the International Space Station. This is the spirit behind the Day’s celebration.

Current developments point towards new trends, particularly regarding the use of satellites. Professor Fabio Spitaleri, lecturer in European Union Law and International Law, offers his insight:

‘We are witnessing a true revolution in the use of space resources. In the past, space was initially a domain of political and technological competition between major powers, and later, a field of cooperation for scientific and industrial initiatives. In recent years, a new phase has begun: alongside governmental agencies, private groups have become increasingly active. By creating constellations of satellites, they are able to provide internet access from virtually any point on the planet. There is an urgent need for international regulation of these new developments, in order to preserve the peaceful use of space, steer and support investment, safeguard scientific research, and ensure equitable access to limited resources, such as low Earth orbit.’

Further reading:

• UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)
• Draft Bill on ‘Provisions for the Space Economy’