International Hackathon on Space Law, Policy & Global Governance Frameworks

International Hackathon on Space Law, Policy & Global Governance Frameworks

Dates: September 5–7, 2026
Mode: Online
Organized by: Wings of Aero
Convenor: Ms. Suguna B – Co-Founder & CBO, Wings of Aero

1] About the Hackathon

The International Hackathon on Space Law, Policy & Global Governance Frameworks brings together young legal minds, policy researchers, engineers, economists, space enthusiasts, and innovators to explore how humanity will govern the rapidly expanding domain of outer space.

With rising satellite mega-constellations, lunar resource extraction missions, commercial spaceports, space tourism, and militarization concerns, there is an urgent need for modernized policies and globally harmonized legal frameworks. This hackathon challenges participants to develop creative, practical, and future-ready solutions addressing regulatory gaps, ethical concerns, compliance structures, and international cooperation mechanisms.

Participants will reimagine space governance through real-world problem scenarios, contributing to a safer, sustainable, and collaborative future in space exploration.

2] Hackathon Problem Statements / Tracks

Track 1: Legal Framework for Lunar & Asteroid Resource Utilization

Problem: Existing treaties do not clearly regulate commercial space mining or resource ownership.
Expected Solution: Policy models, non-sovereign resource-sharing mechanisms, and compliant exploitation guidelines aligned with the Outer Space Treaty.

Track 2: Space Traffic Management (STM) for Mega-Constellations

Problem: Increasing satellite launches heighten collision risks and congestion in orbit.
Expected Solution: Regulatory frameworks, licensing structures, STM protocols, and shared global standards for satellite operators.

Track 3: Space Debris Mitigation & Liability Governance

Problem: Debris growth is a major threat, and liability between nations and private operators is unclear.
Expected Solution: Updated liability rules, insurance frameworks, end-of-life disposal mandates, and international compliance mechanisms.

Track 4: Space Tourism Safety & Certification Standards

Problem: Commercial human spaceflight lacks uniform safety standards globally.
Expected Solution: Certification policies, passenger rights frameworks, risk communication models, and guidelines for operator responsibility.

Track 5: Militarization & Dual-Use Technology Regulations

Problem: Space-based weapons, surveillance satellites, and dual-use technologies challenge existing treaties.
Expected Solution: Arms-control frameworks, verification mechanisms, confidence-building measures, and updated policy agreements.

Track 6: Cybersecurity & Data Governance for Space Assets

Problem: Increasing cyberattacks threaten satellites, navigation systems, and space infrastructure.
Expected Solution: Cybersecurity protocols, data protection policies, encryption regulations, and incident response frameworks for space systems.

Track 7: Ethical & Legal Governance of AI in Space Operations

Problem: AI-driven satellites, autonomous rovers, and automated decision-making raise accountability and transparency concerns.
Expected Solution: Ethical AI guidelines, accountability models, legal responsibility frameworks, and risk-mitigation policies.

Track 8: Harmonized Global Space Governance for Developing Nations

Problem: Most developing nations lack inclusion in global space governance dialogue.
Expected Solution: Policy recommendations, cooperative frameworks, funding models, and capacity-building mechanisms ensuring equitable access.

Track 9: Regulatory Frameworks for Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP)

Problem: SBSP networks raise questions on power transmission rights, orbital zoning, safety, and environmental impact.
Expected Solution: Licensing frameworks, international zoning guidelines, energy transmission protocols, and risk assessment policies.

Track 10 (Open Innovation Track): Individual Student Innovation

Participants may propose any unique governance, legal, or policy innovation related to space regulation.
Expected Solution: Original proposed frameworks, treaty amendments, governance models, or futuristic legal structures for space societies.

3] Event Schedule (Three Days)

Day 1 – September 5, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Opening Ceremony & Introduction to Space Governance Challenges

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Expert Sessions on Space Law & Global Policy Trends

• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Team Formation & Problem Statement Selection

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Work Session 1 – Policy Research & Ideation

Day 2 – September 6, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Work Session 2 – Mentorship Review & Guidance

• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Break

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Work Session 3 – Drafting Governance Models & Legal Frameworks

Day 3 – September 7, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Final Submission & Presentation Preparation

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Presentations & Jury Evaluation

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Closing Ceremony & Awards

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

Team Size:

• 2–4 members

Eligibility:

Open to students, researchers, professionals, legal scholars, policymakers, engineers, and interdisciplinary innovators.

Code of Conduct:

• Maintain professionalism, respect, and integrity.

• All submissions must be original, properly referenced, and created during the hackathon.

• Misuse of copyrighted policy documents or classified information is strictly prohibited.

• Jury decisions are final.

• Teams may be cross-institutional and international.

5] Evaluation Criteria

• Innovation & Creativity

• Practical Application / Social Impact

• Technical Implementation (Policy Depth & Clarity)

• Scalability & Feasibility

• Presentation Quality

6] Prizes & Recognition

🏆 Awards & Opportunities

• Top 10 Ideas/Winners:
  Receive USD 1000 Voucher under the Idea to Startup Scheme by SUKISH GROUP.

• Top 3 Ideas:
  Will be shared with major global organizations working in space governance, including:

  1. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

  2. International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

  3. European Space Policy Institute (ESPI)

  4. NASA – Office of International & Interagency Relations

  5. Secure World Foundation (SWF)

• All Participants Receive:

  • Certificate of Participation

  • Eligibility for Innovation Awards at WOA International Awards 2026

  • Showcase opportunity at related WOA International Conferences

  • Selected ideas published as abstracts in WOA International Journal

7] Registration Section

Indian Team (Up to 4 Members):

• Fee: Rs. 499

• Registration Link: https://rzp.io/rzp/OIdx3sUB

International Team (Up to 4 Members):

• Fee: USD 50

• Registration Link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GQX8AYUCPJ7GL

Registration Deadline:

August 29, 2026 (One week before the hackathon)

8] Contact Information

• Email: contact@wingsofaero.in

• Website: www.wingsofaero.in/events