Regulatory challenges and policy gaps for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing technologies

In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) technologies provide incredible opportunities to improve space exploration by giving space assets longer lives, enabling the creation of space objects that are too large to launch from Earth, and allowing space technology to be built using materials sourced from other celestial bodies. However, ISAM technologies also pose legal and regulatory challenges. There are some ongoing challenges with satellite regulations that also apply to ISAM technologies, like spectrum allocation and enforcement, and some difficulties that are unique to ISAM, like mission authorization and continuing supervision. This paper explores how ISAM technologies fit within current space policy framework and the current efforts to regulate ISAM. Additionally, it identifies policy gaps and future work to be done to ensure the safe and sustainable use of ISAM technology.