Construction law quarterly

From procurement and integration to launch and inorbit operations, each phase presents distinct legal and technical challenges NASA's recent announcement of plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 marks a turning point in the evolution of the space sector.This milestone signifies more than scientific progressit underscores the emergence of space as a serious commercial frontier.Once dominated by state-led exploration, the industry is increasingly characterised by rapid commercialisation, multinational collaboration, and the construction of complex infrastructure projects both on Earth and beyond.Construction in the space sector is uniquely complex.Projects often involve stakeholders across the globe, nascent technologies, a nexus of domestic and international laws and regulations, as well as high-value contracts.With this complexity comes an increased risk of disputes, ranging from procurement delays to inorbit damage.Legal practitioners are increasingly called upon to work alongside key players, such as engineers, contractors and space agencies, to navigate these challenges.This article explores the types of construction disputes commonly arising in the space sector and the role of arbitration in their effective resolution.