Drafting of national space laws to ensure compliance by States with their international commitments has been a recent trend globally. However, the specific legislative process at each State typically renders those laws lacking in the capacity to suit, in a timely and adequate manner, the innovative and transformative nature of the sector.
Regarding the Portuguese Space Law, open-concepts were used and lower level legal frameworks where included, allowing for the necessary flexibility to address the challenges brought on by a technology-based sector, where evolving technical knowhow and third-party standardization is of the essence to ensure the safety and quality of space activities. All while taking into consideration that Portugal is part of the EU and is, thus, subject to EU legislative and policy measures that have a direct impact on space activities and the way in which space activities may end up being regulated in Portugal.