International Conference | Rule of Law in Space | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) | V.S. Mani Centre for Air and Space Law (VSMCASL) | Submit by 15th Jan 2026

International Conference | Rule of Law in Space | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) | V.S. Mani Centre for Air and Space Law (VSMCASL) | Submit by 15th Jan 2026

About Gujarat National Law University (GNLU):

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), established under the Gujarat National Law University Act, 2003, is a premier institution of legal education in India. Recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), GNLU operates from its Gandhinagar and Silvassa campuses.

• National Rankings:
  • Ranked 5th best law school in India by NIRF (2025).
  • Rated ‘Five Star’ University in law by GSIRF with the highest CGPA.
  • Ranked 3rd among top law institutes by Outlook and 3rd best law college by India Today (2025).

About V.S. Mani Centre for Air & Space Law (VSMCASL):

Founded in 2019, the Centre is dedicated to advancing scholarship and policy in Air and Space Law. Its vision is to strengthen legal frameworks for safe, secure, affordable, and sustainable aviation, while contributing to the governance of humanity’s future in space.

Objectives include:

• Providing a research platform for students in Air and Space Law.
• Encouraging trans-disciplinary research on aviation and space issues.
• Contributing to law and policymaking at national and international levels.
• Organizing seminars, conferences, workshops, and roundtables for stakeholder dialogue.
• Offering research insights to defence and security forces.
• Collaborating with universities and institutions worldwide for faculty and student exchange.

Conference Theme: Rule of Law in Space

The conference explores the evolution and future of international space law, beginning with the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and subsequent agreements such as the Rescue and Return Agreement (1968), Liability Convention (1972), Registration Convention (1975), and Moon Agreement (1979).

Key developments shaping the discourse today include:

• Rise of private players in space exploration.
• Democratization of space-faring nations.
• Integration of cyber technology and artificial intelligence in space activities.
• Concerns over militarization and weaponization of space.
• Competing governance models such as the Artemis Accords and the International Lunar Research Station.

India’s reforms since 2020, including the establishment of INSPACe and the Indian Space Policy 2023, highlight the nation’s commitment to building a vibrant space ecosystem. The anticipated enactment of national space legislation is expected to support India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

This conference provides a platform for scholars, professionals, and students to deliberate on these challenges and opportunities.

Sub-Themes:

Participants may submit papers on the following indicative topics:

• Delimitation of Space
• Militarisation and Weaponisation of Outer Space
• Space Mining and Tourism
• Space Traffic Management
• Regulation of Space Environment and Debris
• Space Insurance and Financing
• Intellectual Property Rights in Space
• Regulation of Satellites
• Moon as Gateway for Deep-Space Exploration
• Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Space Law
• National Space Legislations
• Space Crimes and Space Weather
• Space Start-ups and Reforms for Viksit Bharat @2047

Submission Guidelines:

• Abstract: 300–500 words
• Full Paper: 3500–5000 words (excluding references)
• Citation Style: OSCOLA (4th Edition)
• Formatting: Times New Roman, size 12, spacing 1.5
• Similarity Score: Must comply with UGC regulations
• File Format: Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx)
• Co-authorship: Allowed up to two authors
• Language: English
• Important Note: Identification marks on papers will lead to disqualification.

Selected papers may be considered for publication in the GNLU Journal of Air and Space Law.

Important Dates:

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 January 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: 24 January 2026
• Early Bird Registration: 31 January 2026
• Final Registration Deadline: 28 February 2026
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: 15 March 2026

Participation Fee:

• Concession: GNLU students receive discounted fees.
• Inclusive: GST, conference kit, certificate, meals, and high tea.
• Exclusive: Accommodation at GNLU VIP Residency or outside campus (subject to availability).

Organising Committee:

• Chief Patron: Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Director, GNLU
• Convener: Dr. Divya Tyagi, Head, VSMCASL & Assistant Professor of Law, GNLU

Faculty Coordinators:

• Dr. Heena Goswami, Assistant Professor of Science & Technology, GNLU
• Ms. Pavithra R., Assistant Professor of Law, GNLU
• Mr. Shivam Pandey, Teaching and Research Associate, GNLU

Student Coordinators:

• Ms. Shruti Kumari, Student Member, VSMCASL
• Ms. Laxmi Verma, Student Member, VSMCASL

Contact Details:

gnluspacelawcon_vsmcasl@gnlu.ac.in

For More Information:

Disclaimer:

Any content on this website (i.e www.lawof.in)is solely for information purpose. It does not constitute formal recommendation or any professional advice.  Due care has been taken in posting information, the existence of omissions herein is not ruled out. Neither the author nor lawof.in accepts any liabilities for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of any inaccurate or incomplete information on this website nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. No part of posts on this website should be distributed or copied (except for non-commercial use, personal) without express written permission of lawof.in if there is any question or query then please mail on lawof.in@gmail.com

#GujaratNationalLawUniversity #InternationalConference #RuleOfLawInSpace #GNLUConference2026 #AirAndSpaceLaw
#SpaceLawIndia #VSMCASL #GNLUGandhinagar