The Making of Code of Conduct under China’s Space Station

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1671-0940.2025.02.006

摘要/Abstract

Abstract: In 2022, China’s space station completed construction and entered the application and development phase. With the ISS set to decommission in 2030, China’s space station will become the sole low-orbit space station. The selection of astronauts from Hong Kong, Macao, and Pakistan highlights the necessity of establishing a clear code of conduct. Drawing on the ISS experience, China’s space station should establish a code of conduct (CoC) with a legal framework that respects international law and emphasizes peaceful use and mutual benefit. Against this backdrop, it is of importance to design a legal framework, addressing key issues including but not limited to, jurisdiction, ethical standards for research, intellectual property protection and international collaboration mechanisms. This article is among the first attempts to answer those questions.

Key words: China space station, code of conduct, international cooperation

. The Making of Code of Conduct under China’s Space Station[J]. AEROSPACE CHINA, 2025, 26(2): 47-54.

KOU Chen, ZHANG Luping. The Making of Code of Conduct under China’s Space Station[J]. AEROSPACE CHINA, 2025, 26(2): 47-54.

参考文献

[1] ZHOU L N, ZHU Q C, ZHANG H, et al.Analysis and enlightenment of international cooperation patterns of space station[J]. Journal of Equipment Academy, 2015, 26(02): 57-61.
[2] JIANG S, ZHAO Y.China’s national space station: opportunities, challenges, and solutions for international cooperation[J]. Space Policy, 2021, 57: 101439.
[3] United States.Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Section 1214.403: Code of Conduct for the International Space Station Crew [Z]. Washington, D.C.: Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, 2000.
[4] Tosaporn L.The Protection of Intellectual Property Rights in Outer Space Activities [M]. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2017.
[5] AMS-02. AMS Collaboration [EB/OL].Available: https://ams02.space/collaboration.
[6] United States.Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Section 1214.403: Code of Conduct for the International Space Station Crew [Z]. Washington, D.C.: Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, 2000.
[7] YIN Y H.International cooperation mechanism in space development[J]. Journal of Zhengzhou Institute of Aeronautical Industry Management, 2001, 19(1): 49-52.
[8] GAO G.Issues on the national space legislation concerning Chinese space activities and prospects for the future[J]. Journal of Beijing Institute of Technology (Social Sciences Edition), 2011, 13(4): 85-90.
[9] ZHANG L P.China’s space station and international law-making[J]. Acta Astronautica, 2025, 232: 32-38.
[10] GAO G.Current situation, legal issues and relevant space legislation of China’s international cooperation in space[J]. Journal of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2019, 32(5): 99-109.
[11] ZHANG L.China’s space station and international law-making[J]. Acta Astronautica, 2025, 232: 32-38.
[12] CAI G, ZHANG J.Intellectual property protection of international cooperation of Chinese space station[J]. Journal of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Social Sciences Edition), 2021, 34(4): 131-141.
[13] JIANG S, ZHAO Y.China’s National Space Station: Opportunities, Challenges, and Solutions for International Cooperation[J]. Space Policy, 2021, 57: 101439.
[14] ZHOU L, ZHU Q, ZHANG H, et al.Analysis and Enlightenment of International Cooperation Patterns of Space Station[J]. Journal of Equipment,2015,26(02):57-61.
[15] Fukushima M.Legal analysis of the International Space Station (ISS) programme using the concept of “legalisation”[J]. Space Policy, 2008, 24(1): 33-41.
[16] GAO G.Issues on the national space legislation concerning Chinese space activities and prospects for the future[J]. Journal of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2011, 13(4): 85-90.
[17] XIN J.Legal and policy research on Sino-American cooperation on space station [D]. Beijing: Beijing Institute of Technology, 2016.
[18] ZHAO Y.The basic legal issues related to the operation of China’s space station[J]. Journal of Shanghai University of Political Science and Law (The Rule of Law Forum), 2022, 37(2): 26-36.
[19] REN C.Legal challenges and countermeasures of international cooperation on China’s space station [D]. Beijing: Beijing Jiaotong University, 2019.
[20] ZHOU J.Chinese space station project overall vision[J]. Manned Spaceflight, 2013, 19(2): 1-10.
[21] YIN Y.Legal issues related to international cooperation in the development of outer space[J]. Aerospace China, 2002, (10): 18-22.
[22] XIA C.On the legal framework of the International Space Station and lawmaking for international space cooperation[J]. Journal of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Social Sciences Edition), 2010, 23(5): 28-33.
[23] LI M.Study on the code of conduct for crew members of the International Space Station[J]. Aerospace China, 2023, (07): 44-48.

ISSN 1671-0940

CN 11-4673/V