As space activities continue to expand around the world, international legal and policy frameworks play an increasingly important role in ensuring their safe, secure, and sustainable conduct. To encourage critical discussions on emerging issues in space law and governance, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is inviting law students nationwide to participate in the Space Law Essay Writing Contest as part of Philippine Space Week 2026. The contest aims to foster a deeper understanding of space law and encourage participants to think creatively about its future and role in shaping future space activities. 

Delve into the intersection of law and space by answering the question: “As the Philippines prepares for human spaceflight in the future, what domestic legal frameworks should be in place to ensure the welfare of Filipino astronauts?” 

The authors of the top three (3) essays will be recognized during Philippine Space Week and receive cash prizes. Submit entries by 22 July 2026 (Wednesday) via email to splad@philsa.gov.ph with the subject line: SURNAME_NAME_ESSAY TITLE. 

Mechanics:

    1. Open to all law school students in the Philippines. Proof of enrollment for the current or immediately preceding semester must be submitted together with the essay.
    2. Essays must be written in English, encoded, single–spaced, with 1.5 spacing after each paragraph, and contain a minimum of 1,200 words to a maximum of 1,500 words (excluding the title). Entries must be submitted in PDF format using A4 paper size. 
    3. The total word count should appear on the last page of the essay. 
    4. All entries must be original, unpublished, and directly address the essay question: “As the Philippines prepares for human spaceflight in the future, what domestic legal frameworks should be in place to ensure the welfare of Filipino astronauts?” 
    5. AI tools may be utilized to assist in paraphrasing, reference matching, and the general research process. However, participants must maintain full authorship and responsibility over the content of their essays. Submissions found to be generated using AI shall be disqualified.
    6. Entries should be submitted via email to splad@philsa.gov.ph on or before 11:59 PM, 22 July 2026 (Wednesday).
    7. The email subject line must follow the format: SURNAME_NAME_ESSAY TITLE  
    8. The following information must also be included in the email:
      1. Name 
      2. Year of Study 
      3. School
      4. Contact Number 
      5. Accomplished Participation Waiver and Release Form. Download the form here: http://bit.ly/45uuaE7  
    1. Following the initial evaluation of entries, selected finalists shall be invited to participate in an online presentation and interview with the Board of Judges represented by the Head Judge to discuss their essays, as applicable.
    2. The decision of the judges shall be final and cannot be appealed. 
    3. Winners will be notified through email, phone call, and official letter.
    4. PhilSA employees, their relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, and previous winners of PhilSA Space Law Essay Writing Contest are ineligible to join. 

Criteria for Judging:

Content

  • Relevance to the theme – connection, significance of the issue being discussed 
  • Comprehensiveness – how complete and detailed the writer’s exposition of the topic 
  • Originality – uniqueness, novelty, and authenticity of ideas 
  • Insights – a fresh way of looking at things, critical view of the subject 
 50% 
Organization 

  • Clarity of Thoughts – use of simple and appropriate words to convey ideas or issues 
  • Creativity – the use of appropriate devices and expressions in the exposition of the subject 
  • Unity and Consistency – ability to highlight the focal point 
 30%
Punctuation, Spelling, Capitalization, and Grammar  

  • Correct use of punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and grammar 
 20%
TOTAL 100%

The Space Law Essay Writing Contest aims to provide aspiring legal professionals with an opportunity to examine contemporary space law issues and offer insights on how legal frameworks can support the future of space activities in the country. 

Take part in shaping the future of Philippine space policy and regulation—submit your essay and share your vision for the next frontier of law and space!