Uruguay Space Bill Would Cover Satellites and Space Tourism
URUGUAY · SPACE
Key Facts
—What happened: Uruguay’s government drafted a 101-article space bill and presented it to the Council of Ministers.
—How big it is: The bill would create a legal framework for space activities, including licensing and a registry.
—What it means: It could lead to a National Space Commission under the industry ministry, not a space agency.
—The catch: The bill is not yet a law; it still needs presidential approval and parliamentary debate.
—Who it hits: It affects private space firms, universities, and shifts policy lead from the Air Force to industry.
—What comes next: The bill must be signed by the president, then sent to Parliament for debate and changes.
The Uruguay space bill runs to 101 articles and would regulate satellites, launches and even space tourism. It still needs presidential sign-off before it reaches Parliament.
What the new bill proposes
The bill has 101 articles in four chapters. It was drafted by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining, with the Defense Ministry and the Presidency’s science secretariat.
It was presented to the Council of Ministers on September 1, 2026. President Yamandu Orsi, in office since March 1, 2025, chaired that meeting.
The bill implements article 289 of the 2025 budget law. That article instructed the industry ministry to draft a bill creating a National Space Commission.
The commission would sit under the industry ministry, not the Presidency. It would oversee space policy and regulation.
What the bill covers
The bill creates a licensing regime for space activities. Operators must meet technical, economic, and environmental requirements.
It covers satellites, exploration of celestial bodies, and space tourism. It also sets up a registry for objects launched into space.
The bill defines the boundary of space as 100 kilometers above Earth. That is a common definition used in space law.
It would also create a directing council and a business advisory council. The advisory council would include representatives from space companies.
The body it would create
The bill would set up a Comision Nacional del Espacio inside the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining.
That is not the same as a space agency. A separate 2022 bill would create the Agencia Espacial Uruguaya inside the Presidency.
The commission would have a governing council and an advisory council drawn from companies.
What the bill would license
The text sets technical, economic and environmental requirements for operators. It covers satellites, activity on celestial bodies and space tourism.
It uses 100 kilometres above sea level as the boundary of space. Uruguay is already party to the main United Nations space treaties.
Uruguay signed the Artemis Accords at NASA on 15 February 2024. The foreign minister signed on the country’s behalf.
An older bill for a space agency
Uruguay also has a separate, older bill to create a space agency. That bill, titled ‘Agencia Espacial Uruguaya – Creacion’, has 12 articles.
It was sent to Parliament in December 2022 by then-President Luis Lacalle Pou. Defense Minister Javier Garcia signed it at the time.
The agency would sit inside the Presidency as an autonomous technical body. It would direct and coordinate Uruguay’s space policy.
That bill has not passed. It was reprinted in March 2025 as Repartido No 70 and sits in the Chamber of Representatives’ National Defence Committee.
How the two bills differ
The 2026 bill is broader, covering principles and regulations for space policy. The 2022 bill focuses on creating an agency.
The 2026 bill would create a National Space Commission under the industry ministry. The 2022 bill would create an agency inside the Presidency.
The government has not said whether the 2026 bill would replace the older one. They may work together or the newer one may supersede the older.
The 2026 bill moves the lead from Defense to the industry ministry. That is a shift from the past, when the Air Force drove policy.
Why Uruguay wants a space law
Uruguay has about 3.4 million people. A space law could help it attract investment and create jobs in a high-tech industry.
Industry Minister Fernanda Cardona said the aim is to boost aerospace industry and generate knowledge, employment, and innovation.
She said the discussion is not only about national security. That marks a change from the past, when the Air Force led space policy.
A clear legal framework also helps Uruguay participate in international space projects. It signals that the country is serious about space.
Uruguay’s place in space
Uruguay does not have a significant space program, according to SpaceNews. But it has signed the Artemis Accords, a U.S.-led agreement for peaceful space exploration.
Uruguay signed the accords on February 15, 2024, at NASA. The foreign minister signed on behalf of the country.
Uruguay is also party to the main United Nations space treaties. These include the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention.
Its space activity has been driven by the Air Force, government ministries, and universities. A small private sector is emerging.
The Air Force’s role changes
The Air Force prepared a draft bill in 2021 to regulate private space activity. That work led to the 2022 agency bill.
But the 2026 bill moves the lead from Defense to the industry ministry. Cardona framed it as going beyond national security.
The current defense minister is Sandra Lazo. She was not involved in the 2022 bill, which was signed by Javier Garcia.
The shift means space policy is now a civilian matter. That could open doors for private investment and international cooperation.
Similar laws in Latin America
Brazil is the only country in Latin America with a comprehensive space law. It enacted Law 14,946 in July 2024.
Argentina has a space agency but its legal framework is fragmented. Mexico has an agency but no comprehensive space statute.
Uruguay’s proposed law would not make it part of a growing list. It would be a rare example in the region.
The bill still needs presidential sign-off and parliamentary approval. It could change during debate.
What happens next
The bill must be signed by President Orsi before going to Parliament. Then it will go through committee review and debate.
The legislative process can take months or years. Lawmakers may change the bill as they hear from industry and government bodies.
If passed, Uruguay would have a modern legal basis for space activities. That could attract private investment and international partnerships.
The full text of the bill has not been released. The government has only provided summaries so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Uruguay’s space bill?
Uruguay’s government has drafted a 101-article bill to regulate space activities. It would create a National Space Commission under the industry ministry.
When will Uruguay’s space bill be passed?
The bill has not yet been sent to Parliament. It needs presidential sign-off first, then debate, which can take months or years.
What does the space bill cover?
The bill creates a licensing regime for satellites, celestial-body exploration, and space tourism. It also sets up a registry for objects launched into space.
Does Uruguay have a space agency?
Not yet. A 2022 bill to create an agency inside the Presidency is still in Parliament.
Why does Uruguay want a space law?
Uruguay wants to attract investment and create jobs in a high-tech industry. A clear legal framework also helps it participate in international space projects.
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