Equitable access to orbital and spectrum resources under international law: Implications for Vietnam
Published: October 3, 2026
Abstract
The rapid increase in the number of satellites is placing growing pressure on orbital and radio-frequency spectrum resources, thereby limiting access opportunities for later-developing States. Based on an analysis of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST), the Constitution of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the 2024 Radio Regulations, and the experiences of the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, this study clarifies the principle of equitable access, evaluates the limitations of the existing legal framework, and examines the current state of Vietnamese law. On this basis, the study proposes several directions for improving Vietnam’s legal framework governing orbital and spectrum management and space activities.
Keywords
orbital resourcesradio-frequency spectruminternational space law
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