6
8.
The proposed Outer Space Ordinance would require a
company incorporated in Hong Kong to apply to a Space Objects
Authority for a licence to be granted by the Governor in
Council before engaging in activities relating to the launch
and operation of any space object, including a
telecommunication satellite. The Space Objects Authority
would have a duty to maintain a register of space objects
licensed by him, complying with obligations under the
Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer
Space. A licensed company would be bound to observe a set of
licence conditions so as to ensure that it conducted its
operations in such a way that avoids any breach of Hong
Kong's obligations under international treaties. For
example, it would indemnify the UK/Hong Kong Government
against any claims brought against the Government in respect
of damage or loss arising out of the launch and/or operation
of its space object(s).
+
9.
The detailed drafting instructions are at Appendix
I (for the proposed amendments to the Telecommunication
Ordinance) and II (for the proposed Outer Space Bill).
Economic Services Branch
28 December 1989