Bartier Perry’s space law group joins 76th International Astronautical Congress

This article was originally published by Jacqueline So for Australasian Lawyer (29 September 2025)

The Sydney event highlights the rapidly developing space industry in Australia

Bartier Perry’s space law team is participating in the 76th International Astronautical Congress, which is being held in Sydney this year.

The event is expected to host over 10,000 delegates from across the globe.

“The fact Sydney is hosting such a significant international space conference highlights Australia’s growing interest and investment in this sector, across both the public and private spheres”, Bartier Perry partner Darren Gardner said.

He explained that Australia’s increased and accelerated space activity has birthed burgeoning legal issues.

“Alongside growth in the industry comes the need for proactive compliance and risk management of both terrestrial and extra-terrestrial issues. By way of example, debris from discarded or disabled satellites have already landed in remote areas of Australia. If, as has happened in the United States, such debris were to destroy a home or business, the question becomes: who is responsible?” Gardner asked.

The key, he said, is to strike a balance between regulation and innovation.

“Space is an evolving area and government recognises it could stifle involvement if it clamps down too harshly – particularly when it has traditionally been such an expensive sector to enter”, Gardner said.

At the congress, Bartier Perry partner Gerard Basha will be presenting on the topic “Incapacity, death and inheritance – space and society”, which highlights different legal concerns in a space context. The congress started today September 29 and will run until 3 October.

Bartier Perry will co-exhibit with the NSW government and conduct a networking session.