The European Centre for Space Law (ECSL) was established in 1989 at the initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA).

The main objective of the ECSL is to build up and spread, within Europe and elsewhere, an understanding of the legal framework relevant to space activities. ECSL does this by fostering the exchange of information among interested stakeholders and by helping to improve and promote the teaching of space law. Its aim is to provide updated information on Europe’s contribution to space activities beyond Europe, and therefore to enhance the European position in the field of space law practice, teaching and publications. For further information please visit the website of the ECSL.

ECSL encourages the establishment of National Points of Contact (NPOCs) in ESA member States in order to facilitate the dissemination of information and the organisation of activities. NPOCs play an important role in promoting activities such as conferences and symposia as well as in advancing research on space issues in their countries. Besides the NPOC Space Law Austria, ECSL National Points of Contact have been established inter alia in: Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and the United Kingdom. Their status differs depending on whether an institute or centre for space law exists in the country and on the legal structure chosen by its members.

The NPOC Austria acts as an interface between ECSL and persons interested in space law in Austria. This includes the dissemination of information about the activities that are organised by ECSL, such as the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, the ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy and the ECSL Practitioners’ Forum.