Handbook for New Actors in Space
2nd Edition, Revised for 2024
The Handbook for New Actors in Space is the Secure World Foundation’s essential guide for organizations and individuals entering the rapidly evolving space environment. Whether you are a government official, a commercial actor, a startup exploring space, or an academic, the newly revised second edition provides the most up-to-date insights, laws, and best practices for safe and sustainable space activities.
Why This Handbook Matters
With over 10,000 active satellites in orbit and the global space economy projected to surpass $630 billion, the challenges of ensuring long-term sustainability in space have never been more urgent. This Handbook offers critical guidance for navigating the complexities of the space domain, making it an indispensable resource for new and established space actors alike.
What’s New in This Edition?
- New Sections: Expanded coverage of UN COPUOS Guidelines, the UN Online Index of Objects Launched Into Outer Space, and updates on international frameworks such as the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Missile Technology Control Regime.
- In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM): Covering the emerging technologies shaping space logistics and sustainability.
- Cislunar Space Operations: New insights into the growing role of Cislunar space activities and commercial human spaceflight safety.
- Case Studies: Featuring real-world examples such as SpaceX Starbase, the Artemis Accords, and New Zealand’s Space Regulatory and Sustainability Platform.
Who Should Read This Handbook?
The Handbook for New Actors in Space is tailored for:
- Government Officials: Looking to develop national space policies and regulations.
- Commercial Entities & Startups: Entering the space sector and seeking to understand the operational and regulatory landscape.
- Universities & Research Institutions: Engaging in space-related education or projects.
- Investment and Insurance Firms: Assessing risk and opportunities in the growing space economy.
How to Get Your Copy
The Handbook for New Actors in Space (2nd Edition, Revised 2024) is available in multiple formats:
- Download a free digital copy
- Purchase paperback on Amazon
- Pick up a copy at key space events throughout the year
For reference, translations of the original 2017 edition are still available:
For bulk orders or educational discounts, please contact us.
Get Involved
We welcome feedback on this edition and encourage readers to contribute to future updates of the Handbook for New Actors in Space. As the space arena continues to evolve rapidly, we aim to regularly revise the Handbook to reflect the latest developments in space sustainability, governance, and best practices.
Publication Abstract
Handbook for New Actors in Space offers a practical introduction to space governance, international space law, and responsible space operations for organizations and individuals entering the space domain. Written for government officials, commercial space companies, startups, universities, researchers, and investment and insurance professionals, the second edition explains the international framework for space activities, national space policy and regulation, and operational practices across the full life cycle of a space mission. The handbook covers the Outer Space Treaty, UN COPUOS guidelines, registration of space objects, remote sensing, frequency management, export controls, orbital debris, cislunar space operations, in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing, and commercial human spaceflight safety. It provides new and emerging space actors with a clear foundation for understanding rights, responsibilities, risks, and best practices in a more crowded and complex space environment.
