--- title: "Nigerian National Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law" description: "4th Nigerian National Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition is a moot court conference in Abuja, Nigeria, Apr 9, 2026." url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/conferences/moot-court/4th-nigerian-national-rounds-of-the-manfred-lachs-space-law-moot-court-competition-2026" --- # 4th Nigerian National Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition Apr 9, 2026[Abuja, Nigeria](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1\&query=Abuja%2C%20Nigeria)In-person [Registration open](https://central.nasrda.gov.ng/nasrda-hosts-top-universities-as-space-law-contest-takes-off/) The 4th Nigerian National Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition will convene in Abuja, Nigeria. This collegiate-level event focuses on the specialized field of space law, providing a platform for students to engage with complex legal issues surrounding outer space activities. Participants will argue hypothetical cases before panels of legal experts, simulating proceedings of the International Court of Justice. ## Committees & topics - Topics The Evolving Framework of International Space Law ## Why it matters The competition is significant for several reasons. First, it fosters expertise in [space](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/space) law, a rapidly evolving field with increasing relevance due to global advancements in space exploration and commercialization. As more nations and private entities venture into space, the need for clear legal frameworks and skilled practitioners becomes paramount. Second, by hosting national rounds, NGA contributes to the development of a specialized legal workforce capable of addressing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by outer space. This local focus ensures that future legal professionals are equipped to advise on national space policies and international obligations. Furthermore, the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, named after a former President of the International Court of Justice, is globally recognized. Success in the national rounds can lead to participation in international stages, exposing NGA's legal talent to a broader, global discourse on space governance. This engagement is crucial for NGA to assert its voice and interests in the formulation and interpretation of international space law, which impacts everything from satellite operations to resource utilization in space. The competition thus serves as a vital incubator for future leaders in this critical domain. ## How to prepare Participants should thoroughly familiarize themselves with foundational international space law treaties and principles, including the [Outer Space Treaty](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/outer-space-treaty). A deep understanding of the nuances of international legal interpretation, as applied to novel situations in space, will be crucial. Students should also research the legal precedents set by the International Court of Justice, as the competition's format often mirrors its proceedings. Beyond legal knowledge, strong advocacy skills are essential. This includes the ability to construct persuasive arguments, respond effectively to judicial questioning, and present complex legal concepts with clarity and precision. Teams should engage in extensive practice sessions, simulating courtroom environments, to refine their oral and written submissions. Collaboration within the team is also vital, ensuring a cohesive and well-supported legal strategy. ## Country perspectives Where the most-relevant 6 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile. [Nigeria](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/nigeria) [Actively developing domestic expertise in space law to support its growing space sector and participate in international space governance.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/nigeria) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/nigeria) [As the host nation for these national rounds, NGA demonstrates its commitment to fostering legal scholarship and practical application in space law. This initiative supports the nation's broader aspirations in space, ensuring that its legal professionals are prepared to navigate the complexities of international space activities and contribute to the global legal framework.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/nigeria) [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [A leading spacefaring nation with significant influence on international space law and a strong advocate for commercial space activities.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [The United States, as a major player in space exploration and commercial space ventures, heavily influences the development and interpretation of international space law. Its legal scholars and practitioners are at the forefront of debates concerning issues such as space resource utilization and orbital debris, making its perspective crucial in any discussion of space law.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Russia](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [A foundational space power with a historical legacy in space law, often emphasizing state sovereignty and non-militarization of space.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Russia, with its long history in space, has been a key architect of international space law. Its perspectives often emphasize the principles of state responsibility and the peaceful uses of outer space, contributing significantly to the ongoing dialogue about the future of space governance.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [An emerging space power rapidly expanding its capabilities and increasingly asserting its interests in the evolution of space law.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [China's rapid advancements in space technology and exploration mean its voice in international space law is growing in importance. Its legal interpretations and policy positions on issues like space traffic management and lunar exploration will increasingly shape the global legal landscape.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [India](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/india) [A significant contributor to space activities, focusing on sustainable space development and equitable access to space resources.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/india) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/india) [India is a prominent spacefaring nation with a focus on sustainable and equitable access to space. Its legal and policy positions often advocate for the interests of developing nations in space, contributing to a more inclusive international space law framework.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/india) [Luxembourg](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/luxembourg) [A pioneer in establishing national legal frameworks for commercial space resource utilization, influencing international discussions.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/luxembourg) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/luxembourg) [Luxembourg has taken a proactive stance in developing national laws to facilitate commercial space resource extraction. Its innovative legal approach has sparked international discussions and debates on the legality and implications of such activities under existing space treaties.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/luxembourg) ## Topics & background The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it. 1 ### The Evolving Framework of International Space Law International space law emerged at the height of the Cold War, as the launch of Sputnik in 1957 and the ensuing US-Soviet space race forced states to confront the legal status of activities beyond Earth's atmosphere. The UN General Assembly established the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in 1959, which produced the foundational corpus juris spatialis: the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the 1968 Rescue Agreement, the 1972 Liability Convention, the 1975 Registration Convention, and the largely unratified 1979 Moon Agreement. These instruments enshrined core principles — outer space as the province of all humankind, non-appropriation, freedom of exploration, peaceful uses, state responsibility for national activities (including those of non-governmental entities), and international liability for damage caused by space objects. The legal regime, designed for an era of two superpower space programs, is now under strain from the commercialization and democratization of space. Mega-constellations such as Starlink and OneWeb, the rise of private launch providers, lunar and asteroid resource-utilization initiatives (e.g. the US 2015 Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, Luxembourg's 2017 space resources law, and the US-led Artemis Accords), and a growing population of orbital debris have outpaced treaty-era assumptions. Anti-satellite (ASAT) tests by the United States, Russia, China, and India, together with the militarization of dual-use space assets, have revived concerns about an outer-space arms race and the adequacy of Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty, while negotiations on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) remain stalled at the Conference on Disarmament. Today, debates focus on whether existing treaties can be reinterpreted to cover space resource extraction, debris remediation, traffic management, cyber-interference with satellites, and military activities, or whether new binding instruments are required. COPUOS Working Groups on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities and on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities reflect this tension, as do competing initiatives such as the Artemis Accords and the Sino-Russian draft Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space (PPWT). For moot court purposes, contemporary disputes frequently turn on questions of liability under the 1972 Convention, jurisdiction and registration of space objects, due regard and harmful interference under Article IX OST, and the legality of resource appropriation — issues that sit at the intersection of treaty law, customary international law, and emerging state practice. Key players - [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Largest spacefaring power; architect of the Artemis Accords and a leading proponent of commercial space resource rights.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) - [Russia](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Co-sponsor with China of the PPWT draft treaty; major launch state and historical shaper of the Outer Space Treaty regime.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) - [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Rapidly expanding civil and military space program; co-author of PPWT and operator of the Tiangong station and lunar exploration missions.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) - [India](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/india) [Emerging space power; conducted the 2019 Mission Shakti ASAT test and active in COPUOS debates on sustainability and equitable access.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/india) - [Luxembourg](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/luxembourg) [Pioneer of national space-resources legislation, shaping state practice on commercial appropriation of asteroid and lunar materials.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/luxembourg) - [Nigeria](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/nigeria) [Leading African spacefaring state through NASRDA; advocate for equitable access, capacity-building, and developing-country interests in COPUOS.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/nigeria) ## Resources News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 4th Nigerian National Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition. Recent reporting to ground your prep [Canada's Saab GlobalEye Deal Shifts Defense](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/canadas-saab-globaleye-deal-shifts-defense) [U.S. House Passes Alert Act for Aviation](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/us-house-passes-alert-act-to-enhance-aviation-safety) [California Chemical Leak Forces Evacuations](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/california-chemical-leak-forces-evacuations) [Isaacman Advocates NASA's Shift to In-House](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/isaacman-uses-huntsville-to-redraw-nasas-boundaries) The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance [Nigeria](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/nigeria) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/nigeria) [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Russia](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [India](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/india) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/india) [Luxembourg](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/luxembourg) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/luxembourg) ## Frequently asked questions - - - Free account Save conferences, research any topic with AI, build position papers, and keep your daily prep streak — free. 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