The regional African satellite communications organization (RASCOM): International legal status

Various developed countries have launched satellites in space over the years while many developing countries haven't due to lack of adequate resources and technologies for the effective exploration and exploitation of space. The fast evolution of today's technologies and huge potential resources of space has awakened the African countries to tap into the technology era to create elaborate strategies in the field of exploitation of space. The African states, hence estab­lished the Regional African Satellite Communications Organization (RASCOM) to deal with the issues of the use of space. This organization was created in the 1990's and since then more than 45 African countries have become members of this first Pan-African space organization. This paper discusses the international legal status of the Regional African Satellite Communications Organization, analyses different relevant documents and addresses challenges that may arise between states and companies in connection with the activities of RASCOM. © 2020, Univelt Inc. All rights reserved.