The ‘Space Moot Problem’ at the Malaysia Space Law Moot Court Competition (PMPA 2025) is designed to challenge law students to engage with complex legal and policy issues arising from Malaysia’s growing involvement in outer space activities. Participants are expected to understand the evolution of space law as a body of international and national norms that governs the conduct of states, international organisations, and private entities in the peaceful exploration and responsible use of outer space.

Mooters will be presented with a detailed fact pattern that requires them to apply domestic legislation especially the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 (Act 834) and, where appropriate, other national laws. In parallel, they must interpret Malaysia’s rights and obligations under the core United Nations space treaties, particularly the Outer Space Treaty 1967, and ensure alignment with relevant principles of international space law.

In line with current global priorities, this year’s moot problem integrates the theme of space sustainability as a central legal and ethical consideration. Participants must consider challenges such as orbital congestion, satellite collisions, debris mitigation, equitable access to orbital slots and frequencies, and the preservation of the outer space environment. These issues are not only central to international discourse, but also crucial to the successful implementation of the Malaysia Space Policy 2030, which envisions a safe, secure, and sustainable national space ecosystem.

By engaging with these themes, the competition aims to cultivate a new generation of forward-thinking space lawyers who are legally proficient, ethically grounded, and committed to sustainable space governance. It also contributes to the broader goal of fostering legal scholarship and policy innovation that supports Malaysia’s strategic aspirations in space, in accordance with national interests and international best practices.

In summary, the Space Moot Problem is intellectually rigorous and policy relevant. It encourages critical legal reasoning, constructive debate, and creative problem-solving in a simulated judicial setting, laying the groundwork for future professionals who will help shape a resilient and sustainable space future for Malaysia and beyond.