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Category Archives: Space Law Current Events

ARI Seeking Submission for Newsletter

Source – Astrosociology Research Institute:

Dear ARI Members, Supporters, and Followers,

We are currently soliciting submissions for the next issue of the ARI newsletter Astrosociological Insights. Given recent events related to the meteorite explosion over Russia and recent asteroid and comet fly-bys, we will institute a theme for the next issue, namely “the astrosociological impact of celestial bodies and the need for planetary protection.” While we will accept and consider any submission of relevance to the newsletter, the newsletter’s theme includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:
• Social impacts related to meteorite impacts and their possible mitigation
• Social impacts related to asteroidal mining
• The policy and legal issues associated with planetary protection and asteroidal mining
• Stories related to the meteorite explosion over Russia
• Social impact of a possible comet impact with Mars
• Asteroid detection

Please send your submissions of approximately 350-500 words in English to chearsey@astrosociology.org by Sunday, March 31, 2013 11:59 Pacific time. All editorial decisions are final and any submission not considered will be considered for the next issue.

You can find the latest issue of our newsletter on the home page of the Astrosociology Research Institute at www.astrosociology.org.

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Event: The Launch of Outer Space Law

Source – Miami Law School:

Thursday, February 28, 2013
12:30 – 1:50 PM
Reading Room, Law Library, D201
Lunch will be provided

Sylvia Ospina and Rafael Moro
The Launch of Outer Space Law

Sylvia Ospina is a seasoned legal expert in various aspects of satellite communications, space law and related space activities. She obtained her J.D. from New York Law School and her LL.M. degree from McGill University’s Institute of Air and Space Law in Montreal, Canada. She has served as an expert for various international organizations, including the World Bank and the International Telecommunication Union. In 2010, she received the International Institute of Space Law’s “Distinguished Services Award” for her writing and publishing in the area of space law. She is fluent in English, French, Spanish and conversant in German, Italian and Portuguese.

Rafael Moro is a lawyer specialized in space activities. He worked at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs early in his professional career. He received his J.D. from the Autonoma University of Madrid and his LL.M. from the University of Michigan. He currently works as the head of legal affairs at the European aerospace firm Orbspace Engineering. In addition, he serves as an advisor to the Spanish government on space matters, including matters related to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). He is a frequent lecturer on international space law issues and is currently writing a book on international space law.

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EVENTS: UND Space Studies Colloquium Series

Source – UND School of Aerospace Sciences:

UND Space Studies presents space law expert Edythe Weeks as part of its spring colloquium series

Next presentation: Monday, Feb. 25

The University of North Dakota Department of Space Studies Spring 2013 Space Studies Colloquium Series focuses on the general theme “Near-Earth Asteroid Mining” and features several leading experts in the field.

The second presentation in this series hosts Edythe E. Weeks, a faculty member at Webster University in St. Louis.

Topic: “Reading Tea Leaves, Space Law & Policy: A Method for Elucidating the Next Big Thing”

Date/time: Monday, Feb 25., 4 p.m.

Location: Ryan Hall, Room 111

About the topic:

Edythe Weeks will discuss recent U.S. space policy and U.S. space law provisions and how they complement and/or potentially conflict with International space treaty provisions, and how this is likely to be relevant regarding space mining plans being articulated within the space community.

About the speaker:

Edythe Weeks completed a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1984, and a J.D. in 1987 from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

In 2006, Weeks successfully defended her dissertation titled “The Politics of Space Law in a Post-Cold War Era: Understanding Regime Change” at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. This research relied on an analysis of recent trends in space law. For the past four years, Weeks has been creating and teaching online courses, including the New Space Rush and International Law and Politics of Outer Space at Webster University Worldwide and Washington University in St. Louis.

Weeks has presented and published papers via the International Astronautical Federation Congresses and was elected into the International Institute of Space Law in 2004. She speaks on topics related to space law and newly emerging trends for outer space development to space organizations, K-12 groups, university clubs and organizations, companies, and creates space themed courses for social and behavioral sciences students.

Web viewers:

Those unable to attend in person may view the live webcast via Connect-Pro: http://connect.aero.und.edu/colloquium/ Sign in as a guest or use your Connect-Pro log-in.

A live webcast is also available at http://realmedia.aero.und.edu/liveclass.html

Colloquium presentations will be added to the space.edu colloquium website after the live event for later viewing at http://www.space.edu/Academic%20Programs/colloquium.aspx?academic

Contact:

Juan Miguel Pedraza, writer/editor, National Media Relations Coordinator, UND Office of University Relations, 701.777.6571| juan.pedraza@und.edu

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EVENT: China’s ASAT & Missile Defense Programs – A Review of Programs, Plans, and Motivations

Source – The Marshall Institute:

China’s ASAT & Missile Defense Programs – A Review of Programs, Plans, and Motivations

February 19, 2012

The Techamerica Space Enterprise Council and the George C. Marshall Institute present a forum on
China’s ASAT & Missile Defense Programs – A Review of Programs, Plans, and Motivations

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
TechAmerica 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 600 North Building (Indiana Ave. entrance)
Washington, D.C.

In 2007, China destroyed one of its own satellites, prompting a critical reexamination of the threats to the security of outer space. In 2010, China conducted a ballistic missile defense test, with subsequent assessments suggesting the two systems were intertwined. In recent weeks, reports suggested another ASAT test was imminent. Whether or not that test occurs, a broader understanding of the motivations driving these investments and plans for the development and use of those capabilities would improve U.S. thinking about how best to respond to China’s actions.

Please join the TechAmerica Space Enterprise Council and the George Marshall Institute on February 19th for a forum discussing China’s plans, programs, and intentions for its ASAT and missile defense programs.

Featuring:

Dean Cheng, Research Fellow at the Asian Studies Center, Heritage Foundation,
Mark Stokes, Executive Director, Project 2049 Institute,
Scott McMahon, Senior Defense Research Analyst, RAND Corp.

For reservations, call 571-970-3180 or email info@marshall.org

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London Institute to Offer Space Law Short Course

Source – ISPL (email Events@space-institute.org for more information):

CERTIFICATE COURSE IN SPACE LAW AND POLICY
This course explores the principles and foundations of space law and policy. The Certificate in
Space Law and Policy is intended for professionals desiring a good understanding of national,
European, and international space law and for students interested in broadening their education. It
is a requirement for non-lawyers wishing to pursue a higher degree with ISPL.

WHY STUDY AT ISPL?
ISPL is the only UK institution focusing on space policy and law, and one of a handful worldwide.
We provide the knowledge to assess and to work with the policies and regulatory framework in
place, and to be prepared for future changes.

WHAT WILL THIS COURSE COVER?
• An overview of space technology, policy and legal structures in place, and their impact on
space activities.
• The sources and structures of space law.
• Specific subjects: uses and limits of space, the layers of local and international regulation,
and jurisdiction.
• Licensing, finance, liability and aspects of space regulation.
• Access to space.
• Current issues affecting the sector and areas of concern, such as debris and interference.
• The space sector’s potential direction and development.
• Aspects of space policy.

SCHEDULE & TEACHING
The course will comprise two full-day sessions and one half-day session over four weeks, at our
premises in central London. Provisional study sessions are:

Monday 22 April 2013 9 – 12.30, 13.45 – 17.15
Monday 29 April 2013 9 – 12.30, 13.45 – 17.15
Monday 13 May 2013 9 – 12.30

A reading list will be available online to prepare participants for the lectures, which will be given
by ISPL and visiting experts in space law, policy, insurance and other areas. The course will
include seminar sessions that will encourage a high level of discussion and interaction among
participants and lecturers.

Access to the IALS library is available for those wishing to take advantage of its excellent
resources.

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EVENT: Threats to U.S. Space Investments

Source – Secure World Foundation:

Threats to U.S. Space Investments

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

When: Wednesday, February 20th, Lunch served at 11:30am, Panel Discussion 12:00p-1:00p

Where: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2325

On Wednesday, February 20th, 2013, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Space Foundation, and Secure World Foundation (SWF) will team up to host a luncheon and panel discussion on Capitol Hill addressing the importance of sustainability in outer space. The United States relies upon space for a variety of essential daily services. Valuable space assets underpin our national security, help us forecast weather and predict natural disasters, enable GPS and satellite TV, spur our economy and industrial base, and keep U.S. troops and allies safe and secure around the world. Unfortunately, the current space environment threatens our ability to continue relying on these assets and all of the benefits they afford us. Speakers will discuss this situation from national security, legal, political, and commercial perspectives. This event is open to the public, but will take place strictly under Chatham House Rules. RSVP is required.

Speakers:

Brendan Curry (Moderator), Space Foundation

Patricia Cooper, Satellite Industry Association (SIA)

Henry Hertzfeld, George Washington University, Space Policy Institute

David Turner, U.S. Department of State, Office of Space and Advanced Technology

Anthony Mastalir (Invited), U.S. Joint Staff, Strategic Plans & Policy, Space & Missile Defense Division

To RSVP, please click here.

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EVENT: UKSEDS National Student Space Conference

The UKSEDS National Student Space Conference will be held in Bristol, U.K. on 23-24 February 2013. One of the speakers will be addressing space law issues:

Prof. Sa’id Mosteshar / London Institute of Space Policy and Law
A Brief Survey of Space Law and Policy Issues

Professor Mosteshar holds degrees in both Physics and Econometrics, as well as certification as a barrister and an attorney. He has served as an advisor to governments, international agencies and major space corporations on legal and policy issues for over twenty-five years, and is currently a Senior Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS), and Director of the Institute of Space Policy and Law (ISPL)

His talk will briefly survey space law and policy issues, including the origins of space law in USSR and USA, the role of the ITU in access to space services, the impact of ITAR on advancement in technology, and the risks associated with space activities.

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EVENT:17th ISU Annual International Symposium

The International Space University will host its 17th ISU Annual International Symposium March 5-7, 2013 in Strasburg:

17th ISU Annual International Symposium

ISU Central Campus, Strasbourg

5th – 7th March 2013

SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND TELE-REACH:

BENEFITING HUMANITY ON EARTH AND BEYOND

ISU’s next symposium, the seventeenth in a series, will address ‘Tele-reach’ where we use this term to refer to technologies and applications which allow remote presence, participation, interaction or control. The emphasis here will be placed on exploring the role that space can play in broadening and sustaining the ‘reach’ of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems to benefit humankind in areas such as education, healthcare and environmental management. Looking beyond the socio-economic benefits here on Earth we will widen the scope to include fields such as tele-presence and tele-operation of remote equipment both on Earth and in space.

Six half-day sessions, all held in plenary, will address:

symposium17-preliminary-program-coverTues. 5th March:

1. Tele-Reach Needs, Current Provisions and Future Plans

2. Tele-Education

Wed. 6th March:

3. Tele-Health

4. Tele-Reach and the Environment

Thurs. 7th March:

5. Political, Economic, Legal and Ethical Challenges

6. Other Applications of Tele-Reach on Earth and in Orbit

At the end of each session a Panel Discussion will provide further opportunities for questions and for interactions by participants. A Poster Session will be held on the first evening in conjunction with the Symposium Reception and posters will then be displayed prominently throughout the following two days.

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