Report of the International Institute of Space Law on light pollution of the night sky from a space law perspective

Abstract The International Institute of Space Law (IISL) is the largest worldwide association of space lawyers. In 2021, IISL created a Working Group (WG) on light pollution of the night sky caused by space objects, particularly by satellite constellations. The WG completed its research early in 2023 and issued a report that was adopted by IISL in June 2023. The report shows that light pollution generated by spacecraft in the optical range is a new problem that is currently unregulated. However, a number of existing and emerging rules in international law and in the domestic laws of many countries support the protection of astronomy and the night sky. The eventual adoption of standards limiting the brightness of satellites as well as international agreements protecting dark skies was also explored by the WG. The author, in his capacity as coordinator of the WG, summarizes the contents of the report and explores its implications.