The Secure World Foundation Podcast

ESG in Space Podcast | James Cemmell | Episode 1 Feb 13, 2025

Welcome to "ESG in Space," a groundbreaking series brought to you by the Secure World Foundation and Exponential Academy.

In this inaugural episode, join hosts Nishan Deeran and Mickey S.H. as they engage with James Cemmell, a seasoned space industry expert with a 17-year tenure shaping the sector’s landscape. James explores the transformation of space from a government-dominated realm to a vibrant arena of private innovation and discusses the vital role of satellites in societal advancements across the globe.

With insights spanning from orbital mechanics to international collaborations, this episode offers a deep dive into the mechanisms that ensure space remains a sustainable and accessible frontier for future generations.

Tune in to explore how environmental, social, and governance factors intersect in the ever-evolving expanse of space.

Recorded October 7, 2024

Conversations on Investing & Space Sustainability Episode 4: Nishan Degnarain Dec 08, 2022

Episode 4's guest is Nishan Degnarain, the CEO of EXO Solutions and Former Chair, World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Oceans. In this conversation with Nishan, recorded on December 2nd, 2022, themes discussed include sustainability in comparison between the ocean and space domains, development of effective ESG strategies in new investment sectors; and the opportunities for growth in sustainable space activities.

Conversations on Investing & Space Sustainability Episode 3: Matthew Kuta Nov 10, 2022

Episode 2's guest is Matthew Kuta, the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Operating Officer of Voyager Space Holdings. In this conversation with Matt, recorded on October 4th 2022, themes discussed include the increasing importance of ESG requirements for large investment capital sources; the possible role of ESG factors as a discriminator between companies in private equity investment decisions; and the challenges and outlooks for developing ESG practices and reporting for NewSpace companies.

Conversations on Investing & Space Sustainability Episode 2: Matt O'Connell Oct 27, 2022

Episode 2's guest is Matt O'Connell, Operating Partner at DCVC. In this conversation with Matt, recorded on August 26th, 2022, themes discussed include the links between sustainable operating practices in space and sustainable business results; the challenges of large constellations, and the need for improving information sharing as commercial space activities expand. The discussion also covers both the benefits and downsides of ESG motivations in the space sector.

Conversations on Investing & Space Sustainability Episode 1: Mark Boggett Oct 13, 2022

Episode 1's guest is Mark Boggett, CEO and Managing Partner of Seraphim. In this conversation with Mark, recorded on August 1st 2022, themes discussed include the contribution of ESG factors in driving investment activity; the ways in which venture capital funds can interact with portfolio companies to address sustainability; and the role of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for tracking investment outcomes.

Capacity-building for Space Sustainability: The role of government, industry and civil society Jul 29, 2020

What are the most pressing challenges confronting governments, industry and civil society in terms of building capacity for implementing international space sustainability guidelines, and what steps should each of these three sectors prioritize to build such capacity? This panel of leading international experts shared their thoughts on how governments, industry and civil society can jointly build capacity in the space community to support the implementation of the international guidelines for space sustainability recently adopted by the UN. For more background information on these guidelines, see our SWF Factsheet.

Panelists

Government

Niklas Hedman, UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, Austria
Andre Rypl, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazil
Keren Shahar, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel
David Turner, Department of State, United States

Industry

Aarti Holla-Maini, EMEA Satellite Operators Association, Belgium
Therese Jones, Satellite Industry Association, United States
Daniel Oltrogge, Space Safety Coalition, United States
Charity Weeden, Astroscale, United States

Civil Society

David Kendall, Outer Space Institute, Canada
Jean-Jacques Tortora, European Space Policy Institute, Austria
Guoyu Wang, Beijing Institute of Technology, China
Danielle Wood, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States

Examining the Socioeconomic Benefits of the International Space Station Mar 27, 2020

Secure World Foundation and the ISS National Labs co-hosted the first in a two-event series, one in the San Francisco Bay area and one in Washington, DC. This series is designed to highlight and examine the socioeconomic benefits of the International Space Station. Global efforts like the Sustainable Development Goals are benefiting from work being done on ISS but these activities have received little attention.

Speakers comprised a diverse group of ISS National Lab partners, data end-users, and government representatives who spoke to unique work that’s being done, the observed or expected benefit on Earth, and the importance of maintaining the space environment to support this work.

Is Spectrum Shifting the Playing Field for the Weather Enterprise? Oct 01, 2019

Many earth scientists unknowingly use special allocations of spectrum that are reserved for the collection and transmission of hydrometeorological data, particularly involving weather satellites. These allocations, for example, provide rebroadcasts of geostationary weather satellite imagery, transmit National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data to academic and industry partners, and enable passive microwave sensing of weather systems over the ocean. Data received through these allocations are paramount to achieving the best possible timeliness and quality of weather forecasts and warnings. Satellite observations of Earth’s atmosphere are a major contributor to weather and climate research, and improve the predictions from numerical weather prediction models.

However, the spectrum allocations for meteorological observations and earth exploration is potentially becoming threatened from proposals to deploy 5G and other advanced networks in adjacent bands, introducing risk and uncertainty for longstanding remote sensing applications. Because scientists and other users of weather data do not typically follow the complex and technical government spectrum proceedings, there is limited advocacy from those who could be impacted most and could best convey the true value of certain spectrum allocations for science.

In order to illustrate the wide range of potential impacts to weather satellite observations and timely earth science data transmissions, this panel, at the 2019 Joint Satellite Conference, discussed various spectrum proposals and how they might impact earth science research and users of earth-observing satellite imagery and products. The panel will also explain the regulatory environment and challenges to a brokered discussion on the relative merits of competing needs for spectrum allocations. It was an opportunity to share information with an international audience of satellite experts across government, academic and private sector audiences. The timing occurred shortly after the close in public comments to the FCC on the NPRM related to GOES real time data access (1675-1680 MHz) and just prior to the start of the World Radio Conference where discussions will include the rules around the global deployment of 5G technologies, including spectrum resources closely adjoining passive remote sensing observations for numerical weather prediction (especially near 23.8 GHz).

Speakers:

Jordan Gerth, Physical Scientist, National Weather Service Office of Observations
Ryan Terry, Director, Regulatory Licensing and Policy, Lockheed Martin Corporation
Elliot Eichen, 2018-2019 IEEE-USA Congressional Fellow, and former Director of R&D, Verizon Communications
Dave Lubar, Senior Project Leader, Civil Spectrum Management, Civil Systems Group, The Aerospace Corporation

Session Co-chairs:

Renee Leduc, Founder & Principal, Narayan Strategy
Krystal Wilson, Director of Space Applications Programs, Secure World Foundation

More details, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather as a Global Challenge 2019 Oct 01, 2019

Recorded in Washington, DC on September 26, 2019.

Since 2016, Secure World Foundation (SWF) has partnered with the U.S. Department of State to host multiple Space Weather as a Global Challenge events to facilitate discussions on the impacts of space weather across the globe, and plans to collaborate in observation, modeling, prediction, and mitigation of harmful effects. This year’s Space Weather as a Global Challenge will be held in coordination with the Next Step Benchmarks Town Hall, an event that supports the U.S. National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan, on September 26, 2019.

The Next Step Benchmarks is an effort funded by NSF and NASA, and led by the IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI), that has gathered 32 of the world’s leading space weather scientists to develop recommendations for improving the characterization of extreme space weather events. Initial characterizations of 1-in-100-year and theoretical maximum events for five space weather phenomena were described in the Space Weather Phase 1 Benchmarks report, released by the White House’s National Science and Technology Council in 2018. The Next Step Benchmarks team is developing a public report that will provide recommendations to improve the estimates found in the Phase 1 report. The Town Hall will be an opportunity for the space weather community to provide feedback on proposed recommendations and priorities for studies, data acquisition, and long-term research that would improve the characterization of extreme space weather events.

Following the Town Hall, SWF and the U.S. Department of State hosted an evening panel discussion and networking reception to share the general outcomes of the Town Hall and other U.S. and international space weather initiatives.

Speakers

Jean-Luc Bald, First Secretary, Space Global Issues & Innovation Section, Delegation of the European Union to the United States of America
Mark Harvey, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Resilience Policy, National Security Council Staff
Jeff O'Neil, Legislative Director, Office of Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07)
Geoffrey Reeves, Research Fellow, Los Alamos National Lab
Moderator: Josh Wolny, Project Manager, Secure World Foundation

More details, including transcripts, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Summit Panel: Space Traffic Management Jul 17, 2019

The growth in space activities has shifted space traffic management from an academic debate to real-world policy debate, yet there is still significant uncertainty about what it means and how to go about creating a workable regime. Should space traffic management be top-down with a global agreement on rules and standards? Or should it be done from the bottom-up with industry practices enshrined in national regulation? Who decides what the rules are, who they apply to, and how they are enforced? | Moderator: Chris Johnson, SWF Space Law Advisor

Panelists:

Didier Alary, University of Toulouse
Talal Al Kaissi, UAE Space Agency
Ron Lopez, Astroscale U.S.
Jennifer Warren, Lockheed Martin

Summit Panel: The Relationship Between Commercial Space and Counterspace Jul 16, 2019

Over the last several years, there has been a growing focus on two different conversations: one about the commercial and economic development of space, and another about the risk of conflict on Earth extending into space. Yet there is often very little dialogue on how these two issues interact and what impact each may have on the other. How might greater geopolitical instability or actual war in space impact commercialization? Can the private sector play a role in deterring space conflict or providing more resilient capabilities? | Moderator: Brian Weeden, SWF Director of Program Planning

Panelists:

Joshua Huminski, Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress
Pam Melroy, Melroy & Hollett Technology Partners
Bhavya Lal, Science and Technology Policy Institute
Doug Loverro, Loverro Consulting
Jeffrey Trauberman, VOX Space

This audio was recorded June 25th at the National Press Club in Washington, DC as part of the Secure World Foundation's Summit for Space Sustainability.

Closing Keynote: Jim Bridenstine Jul 12, 2019

Closing Keynote Delivered by NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine June 25, 2019 at the Summit for Space Sustainability.

Summit Panel: The Promises and Challenges of New Actors in Space Jul 12, 2019

The last decade has seen a surge in new actors entering the space domain. Many more countries are developing space programs and national law and policy while commercial startups are leveraging cheaper and better technology to do more with less. What are the benefits of the surge in new actors and what should we be wary of? What steps can the world take to ensure that new actors are contributing to space sustainability? | Moderator: Ian Christensen, SWF Director of Private Sector Programs

Panelists:

Jim Armor, Northrop Grumman
Simonetta di Pippo, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
Kalpak Gude, Swarm
Mark Mozena, Planet
Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, Observer Research Foundation

This panel took place June 25, 2019 at the Summit for Space Sustainability in Washington, DC.

Summit Luncheon Keynote: Kevin O'Connell Jul 11, 2019

Delivered in on June 25 at the SWF Summit for Space Sustainability in Washington, DC.

Summit Opening and Spotlight Talks Jul 11, 2019

This audio was recorded on June 25 during the SWF Summit for Space Sustainability at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

OPENING WELCOME & SWF VISION

Krystal Wilson, SWF Director of Space Applications Programs, Summit Chair

Peter Martinez, SWF Executive Director

SETTING THE STAGE: SPOTLIGHT TALKS

A series of short presentations by high-level experts on current situations, trends, and challenges in the space domain that impact space sustainability.

State of the Space Environment - Holger Krag, European Space Agency
The Globalization of Space - Rogel Mari Sese, Regulus SpaceTech
The Rise and Promise of Commercial Space - Carissa Christensen, Bryce Space & Technology
Militarization and Potential Conflict in Space- Jana Robinson, Prague Security Studies Institute
The Role of Space for Benefits on Earth - Anne Hale Miglarese, Radiant Earth Foundation
Past and Future of Space Governance - Niklas Hedman, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

India's ASAT Test: A Jolt To Space Stability May 15, 2019

Recorded in Washington, DC on May 6, 2019

On March 27, 2019, India successfully tested an anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon against one of its satellites. With this intercept, India became the fourth country to demonstrate this capability. While most of the debris that was created should be relatively short-lived, some of it will be around for months, if not years.

What does this test mean for the future of space security and stability? Has a precedent been established about how to test an ASAT in a way that the international community will accept? How will this affect international security and great power relationships? Does this test and potentially others like this pose a risk to the burgeoning commercial space sector? A panel of experts gathered in Washington, D.C to discuss potential consequences and fall-out from India's ASAT test.

Speakers:

Moderator: Brian Weeden, Director of Program Planning, Secure World Foundation

Panelists:

Bob Hall, Director, Commercial Space Operations Center, AGI
Ankit Panda, Adjunct Senior Fellow in Defense Posture Project, Federation of American Scientists
Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

More details can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

US-China Engagement in Space Apr 12, 2019

This audio was recorded in Washington, DC on March 29, 2019.

On March 29, 2019, The Secure World Foundation hosted a panel discussion on "US-China Engagement in Space." A group of experts talked about how the United States and China interact in space and looked toward future possibilities for further engagement across commercial, civil, and national security issues.

Speakers

Moderator: Victoria Samson, SWF Washington Office Director
Patrick Besha, Senior Policy Advisor for Strategic Engagement and Assessment in the Office of the Administrator at NASA Headquarters
Mike Gold, Chair of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee
Lincoln Hines, PhD candidate in the Government Department at Cornell University,Cornell University
Audrey Schaffer, Director, Space Strategy and Plans, Office of the Secretary of Defense
Brian Weeden, SWF Director of Program Planning

The Future of Space Safety: Keynotes and Panel Jan 07, 2019

Recorded in Washington DC, on December 6, 2018.

The orbital space around the earth is increasingly utilized by many actors across the world. Satellites built and launched by governments that strictly served national security and scientific exploration purposes have given way to privately (and even amateur) built and commercially launched space objects. This growth in participation has increased the amount of stakeholders interested in preserving the orbital domain, but it has also increased the amount of satellites and human-generated debris on orbit. As governments, and their myriad agencies, seek to preserve access to the benefits of space, how can collaboration reduce redundancies and avoid the complications of differing definitions, priorities, and data standards?

SWF and ESA co-hosted a luncheon panel discussion on international collaboration concerning space safety. Speakers and panelists discussed the roles of governments and industry, technical hurdles, and other challenges.

Speakers

Keynotes:

Johann-Dietrich Wörner, Director General, European Space Agency
Patrick Besha, Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Administrator at NASA Headquarters

Panelists:

Jim Cooper, Senior Systems Engineer, Space Situational Awareness, Analytical Graphics, Inc.
Todd Harrison, Director, CSIS Aerospace Security Project and Defense Budget Analysis
Diane Howard, Professor of Commercial Space Operations/Spaceflight Ops, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bill Murtagh, Program Coordinator, NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
Charity Weeden, US Managing Representative, Astroscale
Moderator: Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

More details can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather Enterprise Forum: Implementation of Activities Across the Space Weather Enterprise for the Protection of Critical Infrastructure Aug 09, 2018

Recorded in Washington DC, on July 25, 2018.

The SWEF brought together the space weather community to share information and ideas among policymakers, senior government leaders, researchers, private-sector service providers, space weather information users, media, and legislators and staff from Capitol Hill to raise awareness of space weather and its effects on society. This year's event sharpened the focus on critical infrastructure protection, with the necessary underpinnings of research, improved products and services, and applications to serve a broad and growing user community. The ultimate goal is to improve the Nation’s ability to prepare for, avoid, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the potentially devastating impacts of space weather events on our health, economy, and national security.

This recording features an presentations and a panel discussion on research-to-operations activities seeking to address threats from severe space weather.

Speakers

Mr. Steven Clarke, Senior Policy Analyst at the Office of Science and Technology Policy , Executive Office of the President
Dr. Conrad Lautenbacher, Chief Executive Officer, GeoOptics Incorporated and American Commercial Space Weather Association
Dr. Daniel Baker, Director, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder
Dr. Christopher Cannizzaro, Office of Space and Advanced Technology in the Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science, U.S. Department of State
Dr. Mizuhhiko Hosokawa, Vice President of National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Japan
Moderator: Mr. Mike Ryschkewitch, Head, Space Sector at Johns Hopkins University of Applied Physics Laboratory
Closing: Mr. Michael Bonadonna, Executive Secretary, Space Weather Operations Research and Mitigation Subcommittee and Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology

More details can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather Enterprise Forum: Opening Address and Understanding and Managing Risks and Impacts Associated with Space Weather Aug 09, 2018

Recorded in Washington DC, on July 25, 2018.

The SWEF brought together the space weather community to share information and ideas among policymakers, senior government leaders, researchers, private-sector service providers, space weather information users, media, and legislators and staff from Capitol Hill to raise awareness of space weather and its effects on society. This year's event sharpened the focus on critical infrastructure protection, with the necessary underpinnings of research, improved products and services, and applications to serve a broad and growing user community. The ultimate goal is to improve the Nation’s ability to prepare for, avoid, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the potentially devastating impacts of space weather events on our health, economy, and national security.

This recording features an opening address and presentations and a panel discussion about the risks and impacts associated with space weather.

Speakers

Opening Address: Representative Ed Perlmutter (CO-7)
Ms. Devon Streit, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Security and Energy Restoration, Department of Energy
Mr. Ralph Stoffler, Director of Weather, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force
Dr. James Spann, Acting Heliophysics Division Chief Scientist, Headquarters NASA
Dr. William Lapenta, Director, National Centers for Environmental Predictions, NOAA
Moderator: Mr. Ben Reed, National Space Council

More details can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather as a Global Challenge: Perspectives from the Private Sector and Closing Remarks Aug 06, 2018

Recorded in Washington DC, on July 24, 2018.

The Embassy of Japan, the U.S. Department of State, and Secure World Foundation held a discussion on space weather as a global challenge with a focus on research, operations and preparedness. This event updated the international community on progress made toward implementing the U.S. National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan.

This recording features presentations and a panel discussion about space weather's interaction with the commercial sector and concluding remarks.

Speakers

Ryoichiro Yasumitsu, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Hideaki Matsumoto, Pilot, ANA Airlines
Susan Taylor, Senior Associate, Abt Associates
Conrad Lautenbacher, Executive Committee Member, American Commercial Space Weather Association
David Roop, Director, Electric Transmission, Dominion Electric Power
Moderator: Mamoru Ishii, Director, Space Weather and Environment Informatics Laboratory, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology
Tomohiko Arai, Science Counselor, Embassy of Japan
Chris Cannizzaro, Physical Science Officer, U.S. Department of State

More details can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather as a Global Challenge: Toward Improved Space Weather Services and Preparedness Aug 06, 2018

Recorded in Washington DC, on July 24, 2018.

The Embassy of Japan, the U.S. Department of State, and Secure World Foundation held a discussion on space weather as a global challenge with a focus on research, operations and preparedness. This event updated the international community on progress made toward implementing the U.S. National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan.

This recording features presentations and a panel discussion on improving space weather services and preparedness.

Speakers

Mamoru Ishii, Director, Space Weather and Environment Informatics Laboratory, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology
Elsayed Talaat, Director, Office of Projects, Planning, and Analysis, NOAA/NESDIS
Terry Onsager, Physicist, Space Weather Prediction Center, NOAA
Ian Mann, Professor, University of Alberta
Nat Golpalswamy, Senior Scientist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Moderator: Mike Wiltberger, Geospace Section Head, National Science Foundation

More details can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather as a Global Challenge: Perspectives Around the Globe Aug 06, 2018

Recorded in Washington DC, on July 24, 2018.

The Embassy of Japan, the U.S. Department of State, and Secure World Foundation held a discussion on space weather as a global challenge with a focus on research, operations and preparedness. This event updated the international community on progress made toward implementing the U.S. National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan.

This recording features presentations and a panel discussion about space weather efforts around the world.

Speakers

Eric Laliberte, Director General, Space Utilization, Canadian Space Agency
Jean-Luc Bald, First Secretary, Global Issues and Innovation Section, Delegation of the European Union to the USA
Micheline Tabache, Director, Washington Office, European Space Agency
Marco Riale, Embassy of Italy
Bill Murtagh, Space Weather Prediction Center, NOAA
Moderator: Krystal Wilson, Secure World Foundation

More details can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather as a Global Challenge: Welcome and Japan's Space Weather Efforts and Outlook Aug 06, 2018

Recorded in Washington DC, on July 24, 2018.

The Embassy of Japan, the U.S. Department of State, and Secure World Foundation held a discussion on space weather as a global challenge with a focus on research, operations and preparedness. This event updated the international community on progress made toward implementing the U.S. National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan.

This recording features the welcoming remarks and a series of presentations about Japan's space weather efforts and outlook.

Speakers

Kazutoshi Aikawa, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan
Jonathan Margolis, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science, Space, and Health, U.S. Department of State
Hideyuki Tokuda, President, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology
Toshihiko Iyemori, Professor, Kyoto University
Ayako Matsuoka, Associate Professor, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

More details can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

The Commercial Sector and Norms for Responsible Use of Space Jul 09, 2018

Recorded in Colorado Springs, CO on April 19, 2018

The Secure World Foundation worked with the Space Foundation in sponsorship of an invitation-only lunch salon titled “The Commercial Sector and Norms for Responsible Use of Space,” which was held midday on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at the 34th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, CO.

At this event, a wide variety of perspectives discussed the potential instructive role that the commercial sector can play in setting up norms of behavior for responsible space actors. With the space environment changing so rapidly, it is often the commercial actors who are creating the rules of the road and often have been quite visionary in figuring out how to ensure that near-Earth space is usable and accessible over the long-term.

Speakers

Mr. Ian Christensen, Director of Private Sector Programs, Secure World Foundation
Mr. Erik Daehler, Director of Commercial Business Development, Lockheed Martin
Mr. David Hartshorn, Secretary General, Global VSAT Forum
Ms. Therese Jones, Senior Director of Policy, Satellite Industry Association
Mr. Chris Kundstadter, Senior VP and Global Underwriting Manager, XL Catlin
Moderator: Dr. Michael Simpson, Executive Director, Secure World Foundation

More details, including transcripts, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Traffic Management and Enabling Sustainable Commercial Development of Space Jun 20, 2018

Recorded in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2018.

Over the last decade, there has been growing interest and investment in commercial space activities. Companies are developing new and innovative space applications and services that could deliver significant societal, economic, and national security benefits on Earth. However, some of these ventures face obstacles from outdated, overly restrictive, or non-existent licensing and government oversight processes. At the same time, the growing congestion in critical orbit regimes and potential to launch tens of thousands of new satellites over the next decade have heightened concerns about orbital debris and the long-term sustainability of space.

As a result, the US government has spent much of the last decade debating national policy on space traffic management (STM), which includes both reform of the government oversight regime and improving civil space situational awareness (SSA) to increase knowledge of the space environment and space activities. This debate appears to be coming to a conclusion, as the Trump Administration readies a policy decision on STM. However, significant parts of their decision will require both changes to existing authorities and regulations and funding from Congress to implement, a matter on which Congress has yet to decide.

This luncheon panel discussion brought together experts from the Trump Administration, academia, and think tanks to discuss the challenges driving interest in STM, regulatory and administrative considerations, and ideas for how the Trump Administration and Congress can best implement an STM regime that enables sustainable commercial development of space.

Speakers

Opening Remarks: Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX 21), Chair, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee

Panelists:

John Giles, Col, USAF; Senior Policy Advisor, National Space Council
Theresa Hitchens, Senior Research Associate, University of Maryland's Center for International and Security Studies
Diane Howard, Professor of Commercial Space Operations/Spaceflight Ops, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Moriba Jah, Director of Advanced Science and Technology Research in Astronautics Program, University of Texas at Austin
Brandt Pasco, Attorney & Fellow, Hudson Institute
Brian Weeden, Director of Program Planning, Secure World Foundation

More details, including transcripts, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Trash in the Skies III: Prospects for Active Removal of Space Debris Nov 07, 2017

Recorded in Washington, DC, on November 2, 2017.

This luncheon panel discussion examined the technical, legal, and policy prospects for active debris removal (ADR), and the steps Congress can take to help incentivize the development of ADR technologies and capabilities.

Space debris continues to pose a significant threat to future space activities. Although progress has been made over the last decade on implementing voluntary guidelines to minimize the creation of new debris, some 22,000 pieces of space debris larger than 10 cm still exists in orbit around the Earth. Scientific studies done by multiple space agencies have shown that collisions between these debris objects will generate thousands of additional space debris, even if there were no new launches, and that removing some of the largest space debris objects from orbit can mitigate this growth and future risk.

In 2010, the Obama Administration issued a new US national space policy that included a directive to Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Secretary of Defense to jointly research and develop technologies and techniques to do ADR. Seven years later, little progress has been made, and neither NASA nor the Department of Defense has shown a willingness to invest in ADR development, despite the threat space debris poses to their continued use of space. NASA has awarded a few small grants to private sector entities for early concept studies of some promising ADR techniques, but that support has not included on-orbit demonstrations.

This event is the third in a series organized by Secure World Foundation (SWF) on Capitol Hill. In 2012, "Trash in the Skies: The Challenge of Space Debris" discussed the impact the growing amount of space debris has had on space activities, and the importance of improving space situational awareness (SSA) for managing the risk posed by space debris, and national and international efforts to mitigate space debris. In July 2017, "Trash in the Skies II: Industry Perspectives on Dealing with Space Debris" provided an update that looked at the progress made, and not made, over the last five years, and included perspectives from satellite operators and insurers on the risk to satellites from collisions with space debris.

Speakers

Opening Remarks: Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Member, Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness

Panelists:

Dr. Marshall Kaplan, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, Launchspace Technology Corporation
Mr. Jerome Pearson, President, Star Technology and Research, Inc.
Dr. Siegfried Janson, Senior Scientists, The Aerospace Corporation
Mr. James Dunstan, Founder, Mobius Legal Group
Dr. Brian Weeden, Director of Program Planning, Secure World Foundation

Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

More details, including transcripts, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Trash in the Skies II: Industry Perspectives on Dealing with Space Debris Jul 12, 2017

Recorded in Washington, DC, on July 10, 2017.

SWF held a luncheon panel discussion on Capitol Hill that brought together private sector experts to discuss the current space debris situation, what steps are being done (or not done) to address it, whether the blanket 25-year rule is still sufficient, and what role industry can play in helping ensuring the long-term sustainability of space while fostering continued innovation and growth of the space sector.

In 2012, Secure World Foundation (SWF) hosted an event on Capitol Hill called "Trash in the Skies: The Challenge of Space Debris" to discuss the impact the growing amount of space debris has had on space activities. The event highlighted the then estimated 22,000 pieces of space debris larger than a softball that could destroy a satellite in a collision, and the hundreds of thousands of pieces of smaller debris that could cause serious damage. The event also discussed the importance of improving space situational awareness (SSA) for managing the risk posed by space debris, and national and international efforts to mitigate space debris. The biggest effort focused on implementing voluntary space debris mitigation guidelines, the most important of which stipulated that no objects should be left in a protected region for longer than 25 years after the end of their useful life. In addition, the space community needed to focus on developing the capability to start removing space debris from orbit, in order to avoid long-term growth in increased risk over time.

Five years later, there have been few meaningful improvements in the situation. Space debris still continues to pose a threat to space activities. Compliance with the 25-year rule hovers around 40-60%, a rate scientists have concluded is insufficient to stave off long-term growth. Additionally, there have been only very limited efforts made to develop debris removal technologies, particularly in the United States where both NASA and the Department of Defense have shown little willingness to prioritize it. At the same time, the commercial space industry has grown, with dozens of new companies raising billions in private investment to embark on new and innovative uses of space. Several of these companies are planning large constellations of hundreds to thousands of satellites, sparking new concerns about space debris and congestion in space.

Speakers

Mr. Jonathan Goff, President and CEO, Altius Space Machines
Dr. Tim Maclay, Director of Mission Systems Engineering, OneWeb
Ms. Lauri Newman, Conjunction Assessment Manager, NASA
Dr. James Vedda, Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Space Policy and Strategy, the Aerospace Corporation
Mr. Mike Vinter, Executive Vice President, AON Risk Solutions
Moderator: Dr. Brian Weeden, Director of Program Planning, Secure World Foundation

More details, including transcripts, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather Enterprise Forum Session 5: The National Space Weather Partnership Jul 12, 2017

Recorded in Washington, DC, on June 27, 2017.

SWF co-sponsored, with the National Space Weather Partnership, the 2017 the Space Weather Enterprise Forum. This year’s theme was "Implementing a National Space Weather Partnership.”

The forum brought together a blended audience of space weather experts from both research and operations, space weather users from the public and private sectors, academia, international representatives, and policy makers. One of the event objectives was continuing outreach and education to raise awareness of space weather effects on systems and humans and to provide information on available services.

Speakers

Dr. Sarah Gibson, Chair, Committee for Solar and Space Physics, National Academies of Science, and University for Atmospheric Research
Mr. Alec Engell, NextGen Federal Systems and American Commercial Space Weather Association
Mr. Charles Chafer, Space Services Incorporated and American Commercial Space Weather Association
Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

More details, including transcripts, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather Enterprise Forum Session 4: National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan Update Jul 12, 2017

Recorded in Washington, DC, on June 27, 2017.

SWF co-sponsored, with the National Space Weather Partnership, the 2017 the Space Weather Enterprise Forum. This year’s theme was "Implementing a National Space Weather Partnership.”

The forum brought together a blended audience of space weather experts from both research and operations, space weather users from the public and private sectors, academia, international representatives, and policy makers. One of the event objectives was continuing outreach and education to raise awareness of space weather effects on systems and humans and to provide information on available services.

Speakers

Mr. Steven Clarke, Director, Heliophysics Division, Headquarters, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Dr. Jeffrey Love, Research Geophysicist, Advisor for Geomagnetic Research, US Geological Survey
Mr. Kenneth Hodgkins, Director, Office of Space and Advanced Technology, US Department of State
Moderator: Mr. William Murtagh, Program Coordinator, Space Weather Operations Research and Mitigation (SWORM) Subcommittee and NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center

More details, including transcripts, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather Enterprise Forum Session 3: Space Weather Services, Science, and Supporting Infrastructure Jul 12, 2017

Recorded in Washington, DC, on June 27, 2017.

SWF co-sponsored, with the National Space Weather Partnership, the 2017 the Space Weather Enterprise Forum. This year’s theme was "Implementing a National Space Weather Partnership.”

The forum brought together a blended audience of space weather experts from both research and operations, space weather users from the public and private sectors, academia, international representatives, and policy makers. One of the event objectives was continuing outreach and education to raise awareness of space weather effects on systems and humans and to provide information on available services.

Speakers

Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Dr. William Easterling, Assistant Director Geosciences, National Science Foundation
Dr. Louis Uccellini, NOAA Assistant Administrator for Weather Services and Director, National Weather Service
Dr. Conrad Lautenbacher, Chief Executive Officer, GeoOptics Incorporated and American Commercial Space Weather Association
Moderator: Mr. Martin Frederick, Northrop Grumman Civil Space Programs

More details, including transcripts, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather Enterprise Forum Session 2: Space Weather Impacts and Mitigation Jul 12, 2017

Recorded in Washington, DC, on June 27, 2017.

SWF co-sponsored, with the National Space Weather Partnership, the 2017 the Space Weather Enterprise Forum. This year’s theme was "Implementing a National Space Weather Partnership.”

The forum brought together a blended audience of space weather experts from both research and operations, space weather users from the public and private sectors, academia, international representatives, and policy makers. One of the event objectives was continuing outreach and education to raise awareness of space weather effects on systems and humans and to provide information on available services.

Speakers

Ms. Kenyetta Blunt, Chief, Recovery Planning Branch, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Mr. Ralph Stoffler, Director of Weather, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters, US Air Force
Dr. Ken Friedman, Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Department of Energy
Mr. Mark MacAlester, Telecommunications Specialist and National Response Coordinator in the Disaster Emergency Communications Division at FEMA
Moderator: Mr. Jack Anderson, Department of Homeland Security

More details, including transcripts, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather Enterprise Forum Welcome and Opening Address Jul 12, 2017

Recorded in Washington, DC, on June 27, 2017.

SWF co-sponsored, with the National Space Weather Partnership, the 2017 the Space Weather Enterprise Forum. This year’s theme was "Implementing a National Space Weather Partnership.”

The forum brought together a blended audience of space weather experts from both research and operations, space weather users from the public and private sectors, academia, international representatives, and policy makers. One of the event objectives was continuing outreach and education to raise awareness of space weather effects on systems and humans and to provide information on available services.

Speakers

Mr. Ralph Stoffler, Director of Weather, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters, US Air Force
Major General Scott Vander Hamm, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters, US Air Force
Dr. Stephen Volz, Acting Assistant Secretary for Environmental Observation and Prediction, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

More details, including transcripts, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Space Weather as a Global Challenge 2017 May 23, 2017

Recorded in Washington DC, on May 18, 2017.

The Embassy of Italy, the U.S. Department of State, and Secure World Foundation held a discussion on space weather as a global challenge with a focus on research, operations and preparedness. This event updated the international community on progress made toward implementing the U.S. National Space Weather Strategy and advances in Italy, Europe, and beyond.

Featuring space-weather experts from across the world, the morning's three panels focused on space weather research and observations, space weather services, and industry perspectives. Following lunch, the participants gathered for technical discussions about improving research and observation, developing international frameworks, and enhancing preparedness.

Speakers

H.E. Armando Varricchio
Prof. Roberto Battiston
Dr. Jonathan Margolis
Ms. Victoria Samson
Mr. Steven Clarke
Prof. Alberto Buzzoni
Dr. Paul Shepson
Dr. Mamoru Ishii
Dr. William Lapenta
Dr. Leonardo Sagnotti
Dr. Juergen Drescher
Gen. Luigi Del Bene
Mr. Ralph Stoffler
Mr. Ken Hodgkins
Mr. Bob Jackson
Mr. Frank Koza
Mr. Vincenzo Giorgio
Mr. Ignazio Droghini
Mr. Marco Brancati
Mr. Stefano Cesare

More details can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

New Actors in the Space Domain Apr 17, 2017

Recorded in Colorado Springs, CO, on April 6, 2017.

There are an increasing number of governmental and private sector actors in space, which could lead to existing new applications and benefits on Earth but also increased space sustainability challenges. To discuss these issues, SWF held an luncheon panel discussion at the 33rd Space Symposium. The panel featured a variety of perspectives to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing new actors, and the issues and potential positive benefits that the growth in participants poses to existing actors, with the goal of pointing out that structures need to be in place to ensure that all can continue to benefit from access to and use of space over the long-term. SWF presented our new Handbook for New Space Actors, an electronic version of which can be found here.

Speakers

Mr. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Assistant Director General for Science & Technology Sector, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
Mr. Pete Hoene, President and CEO, SES Government Solutions
Mr. Rich Leshner, Vice President of Government Affairs, Planet
Ms. Audrey Schaffer, Director, Space Strategy and Plans in the Office of the Secretary of Defense - Office of the Secretary of Defense

More details can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Signing of the Outer Space Treaty Jan 30, 2017

Recorded in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2017.

On January 27, 1967, the Outer Space Treaty was opened for signature in Moscow, London, and Washington DC. On the fiftieth anniversary of this occasion, a luncheon symposium was held at Georgetown University to reflect on the development of the Outer Space Treaty, the fundamental role the US government played in its development, as well as rationales behind the treaty and fundamentals of public international law underpinning the document and informing our understanding of it.

This event was organized by the American Society of International Law (ASIL) with the support of the Secure World Foundation and the Georgetown Space Law Society.

Speakers (in order of appearance):

Ms. Oonagh Sands, American Society of International Law
Mr. Christopher Johnson, Secure World Foundation
Moderator, Mr. Steve Mirmina, Georgetown University
Mr. David A. Koplow, Georgetown University
Mr. Robert E. Dalton, US Department of State

More details, including a video recording of the event, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

The United States, China, and Space Security: Issues for the Trump Administration Jan 17, 2017

Recorded in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2017.

On January 11, 2007, China destroyed one of its aging weather satellites using a ground-based anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon. The 2007 ASAT test, and a similar test by the United States a year later, reignited international and domestic debates over strategic stability and deterrence, space weaponization, and the potential for a space arms race. Ten years later, many of the same tensions and questions remain. This luncheon panel discussion brought together experts to discuss the evolution of the space security environment over the last decade, and specifically the evolution and current state of the relationship between the United States and China. Panelists will provide contrasting views on the perceptions and tensions on both sides, and outline potential options and strategies the Trump Administration may take going forward. Speakers (in order of appearance):

Mr. Kevin Pollpeter, Research Scientist, CNA
Dr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation
Dr. Gregory Kulacki, China Project Manager, Union of Concerned Scientists
Mr. Dean Cheng, Senior Research Fellow, Heritage Foundation
Moderator, Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

More details, including speaker bios and a video recording of the event, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Progress on International Best Practices for Space Sustainability - Part 3 Nov 15, 2016

Recorded in Washington, DC, on October 21, 2016.

On June 17, 2016, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) agreed to twelve long-term sustainability (LTS) guidelines, representing “best practices” for the safe and responsible use of space. These twelve voluntary guidelines mark a successful milestone out of years of discussions within COPUOS and represent the Committee’s role in fostering international cooperation in ensuring that everyone can continue to derive benefits from the use of space over the long-term.

Co-organized by the Secure World Foundation and the U.S. Department of State, "Progress and Planning Ahead: International Best Practices for Outer Space Sustainability" brought together top U.S. and international space policy experts from governments, industry, and academia to discuss the current state of the long-term sustainability guidelines discussions, national implementation strategies, and next steps for the international community to ensure that space is sustainable over the long-term.

This podcast is a recording of the third panel from the event, on "Multilateral Organizations: International Efforts and Successes." Speakers:

Mike Gold, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC)
Elliot Pulham, Space Foundation
Madhurita Sengupta, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Frank Slazer, Aerospace Industries Association
Charity Weeden, Satellite Industry Association
Moderator: Marcia Smith, SpacePolicyOnline.com

More details, including speaker bios and a video recording of the event, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Progress on International Best Practices for Space Sustainability - Part 4 Nov 09, 2016

Recorded in Washington, DC, on October 21, 2016.

On June 17, 2016, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) agreed to twelve long-term sustainability (LTS) guidelines, representing “best practices” for the safe and responsible use of space. These twelve voluntary guidelines mark a successful milestone out of years of discussions within COPUOS and represent the Committee’s role in fostering international cooperation in ensuring that everyone can continue to derive benefits from the use of space over the long-term.

Co-organized by the Secure World Foundation and the U.S. Department of State, "Progress and Planning Ahead: International Best Practices for Outer Space Sustainability" brought together top U.S. and international space policy experts from governments, industry, and academia to discuss the current state of the long-term sustainability guidelines discussions, national implementation strategies, and next steps for the international community to ensure that space is sustainable over the long-term.

This podcast is a recording of the fourth panel from the event, on "Multilateral Organizations: International Efforts and Successes." Speakers:

Gerard Brachet, space policy consultant, former chair of COPUOS
Sergio Marchisio, University Sapienza of Rome
Mazlan Othman, Academy of Sciences Malaysia, former Director of UNOOSA
Scott Pace, George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute
Moderator: Ken Hodgkins, U.S. Department of State

More details, including speaker bios and a video recording of the event, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Progress on International Best Practices for Space Sustainability - Part 2 Nov 07, 2016

Recorded in Washington, DC, on October 21, 2016.

On June 17, 2016, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) agreed to twelve long-term sustainability (LTS) guidelines, representing “best practices” for the safe and responsible use of space. These twelve voluntary guidelines mark a successful milestone out of years of discussions within COPUOS and represent the Committee’s role in fostering international cooperation in ensuring that everyone can continue to derive benefits from the use of space over the long-term.

Co-organized by the Secure World Foundation and the U.S. Department of State, "Progress and Planning Ahead: International Best Practices for Outer Space Sustainability" brought together top U.S. and international space policy experts from governments, industry, and academia to discuss the current state of the long-term sustainability guidelines discussions, national implementation strategies, and next steps for the international community to ensure that space is sustainable over the long-term.

This podcast is a recording of the second panel from the event, on "Multilateral Organizations: International Efforts and Successes." Speakers:

Alexander E. Ermolaev, Embassy of the Russian Federation
Pascal Faucher, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, France
Ken Hodgkins, Department of State, United States
Liu Jing, China National Space Administration, China
Andre Rypl, Agência Espacial Brasileira, Brazil
Atsushi Saito, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
Sarah Telford, British Embassy in Washington, United Kingdom
Moderator: Theresa Hitchens, University of Maryland

More details, including speaker bios and a video recording of the event, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

Progress on International Best Practices for Space Sustainability - Part 1 Nov 04, 2016

Recorded in Washington, DC, on October 21, 2016.

On June 17, 2016, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) agreed to twelve long-term sustainability (LTS) guidelines, representing “best practices” for the safe and responsible use of space. These twelve voluntary guidelines mark a successful milestone out of years of discussions within COPUOS and represent the Committee’s role in fostering international cooperation in ensuring that everyone can continue to derive benefits from the use of space over the long-term.

Co-organized by the Secure World Foundation and the U.S. Department of State, "Progress and Planning Ahead: International Best Practices for Outer Space Sustainability" brought together top U.S. and international space policy experts from governments, industry, and academia to discuss the current state of the long-term sustainability guidelines discussions, national implementation strategies, and next steps for the international community to ensure that space is sustainable over the long-term.

This podcast is a recording of the introductions and first panel from the event, on "Multilateral Organizations: International Efforts and Successes." Speakers:

Simonetta di Pippo, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
David Kendall, United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)
Peter Martinez, COPUOS Long Term Sustainability Working Group
Moderator: Victoria Samson, Secure World Foundation

More details, including speaker bios and a video recording of the event, can be found at the event page on the SWF website.

An Examination of the U.S. National Security Space Strategy Jun 01, 2016

Recorded in Washington, DC, on May 31, 2016 In 2011, the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence published a National Security Space Strategy (NSSS) that provided guidance to the U.S. national security space community on how to address the challenges of what they deemed an increasingly "contested, congested, and competitive" space environment. The 2011 NSSS proposed the following set of interrelated strategic approaches for meeting U.S. national security space objectives:

Promote responsible, peaceful, and safe use of space;
Provide improved U.S. space capabilities;
Partner with responsible nations, international organizations, and commercial firms;
Prevent and deter aggression against space infrastructure that supports U.S. national security; and
Prepare to defeat attacks and to operate in a degraded environment

In the five years since, the debate over the U.S. approach to meeting the challenges of the future space environment has only intensified. Within the national security space community, there has been a significant amount of effort put into fleshing out the concepts to implement the 2011 NSSS, culminating in the publication in 2015 of a white paper outlining a taxonomy for Space Domain Mission Assurance and elements of the FY2016 budget request. But details are still scarce, and both the overall approach outlined in the 2011 NSSS and its implementation have attracted significant criticism and critique. Congress has signaled its concern by mandating a study on "Alternative Defense and Deterrence Strategies in Response to Foreign Counterspace Capabilities" in the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act. Outsiders have criticized the current approach as both too weak and too aggressive. This luncheon panel discussion provided a range of perspectives on both implementing the 2011 NSSS as well as alternative approaches to addressing the challenges of the current and future trends in space. More details, including speaker bios and an audio transcript, can be found at the event page on the SWF website. Speakers

Mr. Todd Harrison, Director for Defense Budget Analysis and Senior Fellow with the International Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Dr. Peter Hays, Adjunct Professor, George Washington University
Dr. Joan-Johnson Freese, Professor for National Security Affairs, U.S. Naval War College
Dr. John Sheldon, Chairman and President, ThorGroup GmbH
Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation
Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, SWF Washington Office Director

Challenges and Opportunities Facing New Space Actors May 11, 2016

Space activities are becoming more globalized. Today, more than sixty countries operate one or more satellite in space, and virtually all countries depend on space for some combination of national security, social, and economic benefits. There are an increasing number of space actors as a result. Furthermore, countries with existing space programs are also expanding their space activities into new sectors. At the same time, the world is seeing a boom in private sector activity in space, driven by the commercialization of technology and increasing availability of capital.

As these new government and private sector actors enter into the space domain, and existing actors push into new areas, they face both challenges and opportunities. The growing use of space applications is helping address a greater number of challenges on Earth, while expanding commercial activity is leading to increased innovation and the potential development of new capabilities and lower costs. At the same time, new private sector actors face a steep learning curve for understanding regulatory requirements and safe space operations, and countries face challenges in putting in place national law and policy.

In conjunction with its project to develop a Handbook for new Actors in Space, SWF held a luncheon panel discussion on May 10, 2016, in Washington, DC, to examine the challenges and opportunities facing new actors in space. Panelists provided a range of governmental, international, and private sector perspectives on their experiences, the obstacles they face and efforts to address these challenges.

More information, speaker bios, and presentations can be found on the event page on the SWF website.

Speakers

Mr. Jean-Michel Eid, Managing Director, Space Partnership International, LLC (SPI)
Dr. Rich Leshner, Director of Government Affairs, Planet Labs
Mr. Philippe Moreels, Head of Strategy and Business Development, ASTROSCALE
Dr. Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, Senior Fellow and Head of the Nuclear and Space Policy Initiative, Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Ms. Laura Delgado López, Project Manager, Secure World Foundation (Moderator)

Asteroids, Mining, and Policy: Practical Consideration of Space Resource Rights May 06, 2016

As the domestic and international community discusses and implements policy and legislation focused on space resource rights, this panel will focus on identifying legal, policy, and business implications of that activity. The discussion will focus on practical considerations related to the development of space resources-related regulatory frameworks and their relationship to both commercial development and international commitments.

On May 5, 2016, SWF and the Alliance for Space Development (ASD) hosted a panel discussion in Washington, DC, on "Asteroids, Mining, and Policy: Practical Consideration of Space Resource Rights" to discuss these issues.

For further information, speaker bios, and presentations please see the event page on the SWF website. Speakers:

Kenneth Hodgkins, Director of Space and Advanced Technology, U.S. Department of State
Peter Marquez, Vice President for Global Engagement, Planetary Resources
Jim Dunstan, Founder, Mobius Legal Group
Christopher W. Ingraham, Senior Legislative Assistant, Office of Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK)
Moderator: Ian Christensen, Project Manager, Secure World Foundation

Space Security: Norms, Resiliency, and Protection Apr 25, 2016

Space security is an increasingly important issue, and one that has taken on new meaning in recent years with increased concerns about protecting space capabilities from both intentional and environmental threats.

On April 14, 2016, the Secure World Foundation hosted an invite-only luncheon panel discussion at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as part of the 32nd Annual Space Symposium, to discuss the current state of space security using the lens of existing norms of behavior, concerns about the resiliency of space assets, and changing attitudes about space protection.

For further information and speaker presentations, please visit the event page on the SWF website.

Speakers

Mr. Pierre Delsaux, Deputy Director General at the European Commission Directorate General for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SME’s
Mr. Erik Eliasen, Vice President at National Security Space Programs
Lt. Col. Mike Hellmann, Assistant Branch Chief of Strategic Planning and Concepts within the German MOD
Lt. General Eduardo Peña Merino, General de Aviación, Comandante del Comando de Combate, of the Chilean Air Force

Moderator: Dr. Michael Simpson, SWF Executive Director.

Spectrum Protection: An Examination of the Policy and Practical Implications Apr 08, 2016

Our continued ability to get benefits from space assets will be interrupted if spectrum is not responsibly protected. This issue is coming up more and more often, particularly so at meetings last November in Geneva for the World Radiocommunication Conference and as policymakers look at the future of GPS and other positioning, navigation, and timing systems. As the U.S. government takes on the mantle of looking at how its space assets can overall be more resilient, spectrum protection is a key part of this discussion.

This lunch-time panel will examine what major issues could potentially affect spectrum availability and utility over the near term and discuss what policies and/or legislation could help with those challenges.

For further information and speaker bios, please see the event page on the SWF website.

Speakers

Mr. Christopher Hegarty, Director, Communications, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS) Engineering and Spectrum, The MITRE Corporation
Mr. James J. Miller, Deputy Director, Policy and Strategic Communications Division, Space Communications and Navigation Program, NASA Headquarters
Dr. Scott Pace, Director, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University
Ms. Jennifer Warren, Vice President of Technology Policy and Regulation, Washington Operations Government and Regulatory Affairs, Lockheed Martin

Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, SWF Washington Office Director.

Broadcasting GEOSS: Key Issues in Spectrum Management and Earth Observations Nov 18, 2015

Recent multi-stakeholder discussions have highlighted the limited awareness on spectrum-related issues and their impacts within the broader Earth observations community, and the challenge of capturing the extent of reliance on potentially impacted programs and systems.

Sponsored by the Secure World Foundation, this morning panel event seeks to raise awareness of the risks facing the frequency bands used for meteorological purposes within the international GEO community, discuss opportunities for improved routine engagement between the relevant stakeholders, particularly at the regional level, and examine ways to communicate the impact of spectrum management decisions on the delivery of critical information services to policymakers.

For further information and speaker bios, please see the event page on the SWF website.

Moderator: SWF Executive Director Dr. Michael Simpson

Speakers:

Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba, Director, Strategy Space Applications, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)
Mr. David Hartshorn, Secretary General, Global VSAT Forum
Ms. Renee Leduc Clarke, Founder and Principal, Narayan Strategy
Mr. David Lubar, Radio Spectrum Management specialist in the GOES-R Program Office, Vaeros division of The Aerospace Corporation

Commercial Space Stations in LEO: Preparing For the Future Sep 23, 2015

Recorded September 22, 2015

Like many other sectors of space activities that were once "government only," the notion of privately owned and operated space stations is no longer science fiction. Within the next decade, it is likely we will have a scenario where there are multiple commercial and government space stations on orbit, with a mix of multiple government and private customers and a mix of government and commercial transportation services going back and forth. Such a scenario holds both incredible opportunity and a number of significant challenges to resolve.

This panel discussion brought together experts from civil society, industry, and the U.S. government to discuss what this future may look like, and what economic, policy, and regulatory challenges need to be overcome along the way.

For further information and a copy of the presentations, please see the event page on the SWF website.

Moderator: Mr. Ian Christensen, Project Manager, Secure World Foundation

Speakers:

Mr. Charles Miller, President, NextGen Space, LLC
Mr. Mike Gold, Director, DC Operations and Business Growth, Bigelow Aerospace
Ms. Carissa Christensen, Managing Partner, The Tauri Group
Mr. Steph Earle, Office of Commercial Spaceflight, Federal Aviation Administration

Challenges In Sharing Weather Satellite Spectrum With Terrestrial Networks Mar 31, 2015

This event was recorded on March 27, 2015.

On Friday, March 27, 2015, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the Secure World Foundation (SWF) hosted a luncheon panel discussion from 12:00pm to 2:00pm EST on “Challenges In Sharing Weather Satellite Spectrum With Terrestrial Networks” in Washington, DC.

In order to meet the growing demand for wireless broadband connectivity, the U.S. government is developing strategies to share radio frequency spectrum between federal and commercial users. Spectrum historically reserved for broadcasting meteorological satellite data to users from the current generation of polar-orbiting satellites was recently auctioned nationwide by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for over $2.4 billion. Federal regulators are now studying additional bands that may be shared in a future spectrum auction, including those currently used to download weather data from NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) and for the future GOES-R series.

If GOES downlink spectrum is selected for sharing, there is a possibility of radio frequency interference between the new terrestrial commercial broadcasts and the existing satellite broadcasts that may render the satellite-received data unusable or degraded. Such interference could have significant impacts on the GOES-Variable (GVAR), GOES-R GOES Rebroadcast (GRB), the Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN) - which is used to support first responders around the country, High-Rate or Low-Rate Information Transmission (HRIT or LRIT), as well as relay of hydrometeorological data from the GOES Data Collection System (DCS), used for monitoring and warning of floods.

A panel of experts discussed these issues, including the motivation for the sharing, potential impacts to end users of any interference, and options for mitigating potential interference.

Speakers

Mr. Jack Brown, Director, Arlington County Office of Emergency Management
Dr. Carol Anne Clayson, Senior Scientist in the Department of Physical Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)
Dr. Mike Johnson, Satellite Team Lead, Office of Science and Technology, National Weather Service, NOAA
Mr. David Lubar, Radio spectrum management specialist in the GOES-R Program Office, The Aerospace Corporation
Mr. Robert Mason, Chief, USGS Office of Surface Water, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Mr. Mark Mulholland, Chief Systems Engineer, Office of Systems Development (OSD), NOAA
Mr. Mike Steinberg, Senior Corporate Consultant, AccuWeather

Presentations

International Law and Military Activities in Outer Space Mar 24, 2015

Recorded March 23, 2015

Although some may consider the two to be at odds with each other, international law has a direct impact on military activities in both peacetime and during conflict. International law defines what constitutes an armed attack, the right to national self-defense, and the limits on use of force during an armed conflict consistent with the Geneva Conventions.

Over the last several decades, legal scholars and military practitioners have clarified the rules of international law applicable to military activities in several domains. This includes the Harvard Manual on International Law Applicable to Air and Missile Warfare, and most recently the Tallinn Manual on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Warfare. However, to date there has not been any significant attempts to clarify how international law applies to military activities in space.

The panel discussion provided an overview of international law as it applies to military activities, and examples of how it has been clarified in certain domains, such as air and cyber, or for certain types of weapons, such as autonomous systems. It also examined the current status of international law as applied to military activities in the space domain, and potential benefits of further clarifying the existing norms and interpretations.

Speakers:

Wing Commander Duncan Blake, Royal Australian Air Force

Mr. Gary Brown, Head of Communications, Washington Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross

Dr. Cassandra Steer, Executive Director, Centre of Research in Air and Space Law, McGill University

Dr. Peter Hays, Adjunct Professor, George Washington University

Moderator: Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation

Space and the Arctic: Why Space Capabilities Are Important for Sustainable Arctic Development Jan 28, 2015

Recorded January 27, 2015

The Arctic region is changing rapidly, allowing for new opportunities to learn more about this remote area, use it to expand economic development, and build off it for national security and political benefits. However, there are challenges involved in ensuring that there is assured access to the Arctic, monitoring the physical changes it is undergoing, using the Arctic in a sustainable manner, and creating a stable environment for a region that could be the site of disputed land claims. Space plays an important role in monitoring conditions in the Arctic and in enabling the management of resources there. Given that the United States will assume the chairmanship of the intergovernmental Arctic Council in April, this panel discussion examined the implications of changing Arctic conditions and how space can help improve understanding of and mitigate the disruption from those changes.

For more information, please visit the event page.

Speakers

Dr. Claire Parkinson, Climate Change Senior Scientist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
CDR Ronald Piret, Arctic Affairs Officer, Task Force Climate Change (TFCC), U.S. Navy
Major Charity Weeden, Assistant Attaché Air & Space Operations, Canadian Defence Liaison Staff Washington
Dr. Amy Sun, Military Space Narrowband Advanced Programs Lead, Lockheed Martin
Mr. Michael J. Young, Arctic Affairs Officer, Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Seeing Into Space: Perspectives and Initiatives for Enhancing Space Situational Awareness Jan 06, 2015

Recorded December 9, 2014

Space situational awareness (SSA) - commonly defined as knowledge about the space environment and activities in space - is an important part of space sustainability, safety, and security. SSA has historically been mostly a military mission that focused on tracking the locations of objects in space and detecting space-based threats. However, the nature of SSA is evolving as the number of actors in space increases, including an increasing proportion of non-governmental players and space activities, and the nature of the threats to active satellites diversifies and expands to include natural and human-generated threats, as well as intentional and unintentional threats.

Secure World Foundation (SWF) held a luncheon panel discussion to discuss the changing nature of SSA and examine initiatives being developed by both the U.S. government and non-governmental entities to enhance SSA.

For more information, please visit the event page.

Panel 1 - Established Services, Providers, and Policies

Mr. Richard Buennneke, Senior Advisor for National Security Space Policy in the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, U.S. Department of State

Mr. John Hill, Principal Director, Space Policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, U.S. Department of Defense

Mr. Andrew D'Uva, President, Providence Access Company

Panel 2 - Emerging Services, Providers, and Policies

Dr. Michael Romanowski, Director, Commercial Space Integration, Federal Aviation Administration

Mr. Paul Welsh, Vice President of Business Development, Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI)

Mr. Matthew Bold, Chief Architect, Ground Based Space Situational Awareness (GBSSA), Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center

The discussion was be moderated by Mr. Brian Weeden, SWF Technical Advisor.

Monitoring the High Seas: The Increasing Role of Space in Maritime Domain Awareness Jan 06, 2015

Recorded June 16, 2014

Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact security, safety, economy, or environment. Space capabilities are an important element of MDA, including space-based radar imaging and surveillance, ocean temperature and sea ice monitoring, among others. A number of countries are developing space capabilities to support MDA, but there are still significant gaps in coordination and cooperation between these efforts, as well as integrating space-based information with other sources into a holistic MDA picture and getting it to those who need it on the ground in a usable manner. This panel session provided an overview of the importance of MDA and the various efforts to provide space-based capabilities to improve MDA. The session also offered a discussion on opportunities for enhancing international cooperation, both in space and on the ground, to improve MDA for all nations.

For more information, including speaker presentations, please see the event page.

Speakers:

Dr. Bharath Gopalaswamy, Deputy Director, South Asia Center, Atlantic Council

Mr. Jon Huggins, Director of Ocean's Beyond Piracy, One Earth Future Foundation

Dr. John Mittleman, Engineer, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Prof. Guy Thomas, Co-Founder, C-SIGMA Centre

Major Charity Weeden, Assistant Attaché Air and Space Operations, Royal Canadian Air Force

"Gravity" in Real Life: Legal and Political Implications of an Accident in Space Jan 06, 2015

Recorded December 9, 2013

Inspired by the recent box office hit and cinematic masterpiece, Gravity, Secure World Foundation (SWF) held a panel discussion and luncheon that discussed the various legal, policy, political, and strategic implications of the scenario depicted in director Alfonso Cuarón's celebrated film Gravity and if such an accident in space were to occur in real life. Could such an accident really happen today? What is the real life threat of space debris as compared to that portrayed in the film? Legal issues to be discussed will include what the current international legal regime brings to this scenario and the difficulty of defining space debris, as highlighted by the recently published Guide to Space Law Terms published by SWF and the George Washington University's Space Policy Institute. What would be the political and strategic consequences in the international community? A brief history on anti-satellite (ASAT) programs, as well as the Chinese space station Tiangong, both of which featured prominently in the film, will be covered during the event as well. Finally, what is being done to address such a threat today, especially at the international level?

For more information, including speaker presentations, please visit the event page.

Speakers:

Dr. Henry Hertzfeld, Research Professor of Space Policy and International Affairs, George Washington University, Space Policy Institute

Dr. Darren McKnight, Technical Director, Integrity Applications, Inc.

Mr. Kirk Shireman, Deputy Director, Johnson Space Center, NASA

Ms. Marcia Smith, Founder and Editor, SpacePolicyOnline.com

The discussion will be moderated by Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation.

Satellite Servicing and Debris Removal: An Assessment of Prospects and Challenges Jan 06, 2015

Recorded November 4, 2013

On-orbit satellite servicing (OOS) and active debris removal (ADR) are part of an emerging category of future on-orbit activities that are critical for taking the next leap in our use of Earth orbit. The ability to repair or refuel satellites, construct new satellites in orbit, and even remove orbital debris can help drive innovative uses of space and create new possibilities. These activities also raise a host of security, legal, safety, operational, and policy challenges that need to be tackled for this future to be possible.

In 2012, DARPA held a public conference and workshop in Washington, DC, and in 2012 and 2013, SWF worked with partners to hold a series of conferences, workshops, and panel discussions to explore these various multidisciplinary challenges. The events took place in the United States, Belgium, and Singapore and included representation from a variety of international stakeholders. This panel discussion summarizes those events as well as provides "insider and outsider" perspectives on the non-technical challenges that need to be addressed for ADR and OOS to become reality.

Speakers:

Mr. David Barnhart, Project Manager, Tactical Technology Office, DARPA

Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Michael Simpson, Executive Director, Secure World Foundation.

International Space Reception Jan 06, 2015

Recorded July 24, 2013

Secure World Foundation (SWF) and the Tauri Group co-hosted an international space reception to bring together the international space policy makers and international space stakeholders within the Beltway. Speakers discussed the U.S. government's priorities for and interests in international space cooperation and outreach; a survey of international space professionals about prioritizing various aspects of space sustainability; and regional space dynamics, looking at national budgets, satellite capabilities, spaceflight, and science missions by region.

For more information, including speaker presentations, please visit the event page.

Speakers

Mr. Frank Rose, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, U.S. Department of State

Ms. Carissa Christensen, Founder and Managing Partner, The Tauri Group

Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation

Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

Earth Observation Satellite Data Sharing: Policies and Partnerships Jan 06, 2015

Recorded July 15, 2013

Secure World Foundation and the Commons Lab of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars co-hosted a panel discussion to examine issues in sharing Earth observation satellite data, including general challenges for data sharing, problems with coordinating data, questions about how the U.S. government makes data policy sharing decisions and how they relate to the larger international context, and overall assessments about the importance of data-sharing and international cooperation. This panel is intended to focus on unclassified data-sharing in a civil context.

For more information, including speaker presentations, visit the event page.

Speakers

Dr. Mariel John Borowitz, Research Analyst, Space Foundation

Dr. Molly Macauley, Vice President of Research and Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future

Dr. Martha Maiden, Program Executive, NASA Earth Science Data Systems

Mr. Timothy Stryker, Chief of Policy, Plans and Analysis, Land Remote Sensing Program, U.S. Geological Survey

Moderator: Ms. Tiffany Chow, Project Manager, Secure World Foundation

Near-Earth Objects: Addressing the Current Threat Level Jan 06, 2015

Recorded on July 8, 2013

The Secure World Foundation (SWF) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Center for Science, Technology, and Security Policy (CSTSP) hosted a luncheon panel discussion event on Capitol Hill. Given interest sparked by the recent meteor explosion over central Russia, the event will focus on near-Earth objects (NEOs), providing informed and scientific background on the topic for policymakers, current threat status, and an update on international efforts aimed at addressing the NEO threat.

For more information, including speaker presentations, please visit the event page.

Speakers

Dr. Irwin Shapiro, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Dr. Mark Boslough, Principal Member of Technical Staff, Sandia National Laboratories

Mr. Lindley Johnson, NASA's Headquarters Program Executive for NASA's Near Earth Object Program

Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, SWF Washington Office Director

Space Policy Challenges Facing the Second Obama Administration Jan 06, 2015

Recorded December 3, 2012

Secure World Foundation held a luncheon panel discussion on significant space policy challenges facing the second Obama Administration, including civil space funding and Congress, ITAR reform, improving space situational awareness, and improving the overall coordination of U.S. space activities.

For more information, please visit the event page.

Speakers

Ms. Marcia Smith, SpacePolicyOnline.com

Ms. Patricia Cooper, Satellite Industry Association

Mr. Brian Weeden, Secure World Foundation

Dr. Eligar Sadeh, Astroconsulting International

Moderator: Dr. Scott Pace, George Washington University

Asia in Space: Cooperation or Competition? Jan 06, 2015

Recorded October 25, 2012

The Secure World Foundation (SWF) and the Arms Control, Disarmament, and International Security Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (ACDIS) co-hosted a panel discussion to discuss the current state of play in space, especially amongst Asian powers of Japan, India, and China. The event also examined how that play affects regional security issues, as well as international cooperative efforts to promote the long-term sustainable use of space.

For more information, please visit the event page.

Speakers

Dr. Bharath Gopalaswamy, University of Illinois - Champaign/Urbana

Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, Naval War College

Dr. Asif Siddiqi, Fordham University

Dr. Kazuto Sazuki, University of Hokkaido and Princeton University

Moderator - SWF DC Office Director Victoria Samson

Industry and Defense on Space Cooperation Jan 06, 2015

Recorded August 21, 2012

Secure World Foundation and the Space Foundation co-hosted a Congressional briefing with leading defense and industry perspectives to discuss current international initiatives aimed at outer space security and sustainability.

For more information, please visit the event page.

Introductions

Brendan Curry, Vice President of Washington Operations, Space Foundation

Tiffany Chow, Program Manager, Secure World Foundation

Panelists

Sam Black, Director of Policy, Satellite Industry Association (SIA)

Peter Marquez, Vice President of Strategy and Planning, Orbital, Former White House Space Policy Director

Jessica Powers, Director for Engagement, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Space Policy), U.S. Department of Defense

Frank Slazer, Vice President for Space Systems, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)

Moderator

Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

Release of the 2012 Space Security Index Jan 06, 2015

Recorded July 17, 2012

To celebrate the release of the Executive Summary of the 2012 Space Security Index, the Secure World Foundation partnered with the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, to hold an important panel discsusion. The event featured four distinguished speakers who will discuss the most important events affecting space security in the past year and examine what might be coming up over the next year, and was be moderated by Ms. Victoria Samson, SWF DC Office Director.

For more information, please see the event page.

Speakers:

Mr. Cesar Jaramillo - Project Ploughshares

Ms. Carissa Christensen - The Tauri Group

Mr. Michael Listner - Legal and Policy Consultant with Space Law and Policy Solutions

Ms. Audrey Schaffer - Office of the Secretary of Defense-Policy, Space

Trash in the Skies: The Challenge of Space Debris Jan 06, 2015

Recorded February 3, 2012

Man's activities in space have benefited life on Earth greatly, but they have left their mark: over 22,000 pieces of man-made space debris are being tracked as they orbit our globe. How does space debris affect our space activities, both now and in the future? How do we monitor it? What are the national policies and international norms that limit it? And what can be done about it? "Trash in the Skies" explores these issues and more.

These and other questions were answered as the Secure World Foundation, a private operating foundation dedicated to the sustainable use of outer space over the long-term, hosts a lunch-time briefing on space debris. Speaking will be:

For more information, please visit the event page.

Speakers

Dr. Darren McKnight, Technical Director for Integrity Applications, Inc. (IAI) based in Chantilly, Virginia, who recently served on the National Research Council's Committee on NASA's Orbital Debris and Micrometeoroid Program.

Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor to the Secure World Foundation, and former active duty U.S. Air Force officer who worked at the U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) monitoring space debris.

The Dragon’s New Eyes: China’s Space-Based Surveillance Capabilities, Doctrine, Strategy, and Implications Jan 06, 2015

Recorded on November 9, 2011

Over the last several years, China has made significant investments in developing and deploying space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to support military/national security requirements and enhance their regional power. China is also developing doctrine and policy for the space domain, and integrating these new space capabilities into their anti-access/area denial strategy. These developments represent an evolution in China's role in space, from an asymmetric actor to an established space power with significant investment and newfound vulnerabilities in space. Please join the Secure World Foundation as we discuss how this shift may impact China's approach to space security and sustainability, the U.S.-China bilateral relationship, and possibilities for international cooperation on space security issues such as the European-proposed Code of Conduct.

For more information, pelase visit the event page.

Speakers:

Mr. Mark Stokes, Executive Director, Project 2049 Institute

Mr. Kevin Pollpeter, China Project Manager, Center for Intelligence Research and Analysis, Defense Group, Inc.

Dr. Owen Cote, Associate Director, Security Studies Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation

Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

Russia's Space Plans Jan 06, 2015

Recorded on November 3, 2011

Because space is becoming more congested with more countries seeking its benefits, it is easy to overlook a primary space player which has been involved from the beginning of the space age: Russia. Still, Russia's efforts in space have shaped international discussions on space security and sustainability, and their plans for space will continue to affect other space actors. Additionally, Russia's space program is at an interesting point: while they presently are the only way that the United States can access the International Space Station, they are also seeking to match or even surpass the United States in overall space capabilities. Furthermore, Moscow is likely monitoring the efforts of other rising Asian space powers, though Russia and China have worked together in international discussions on space security issues. Please join the Secure World Foundation as we host "Russia's Space Plans," a panel discussion that examines Russia's space history, the current status of its space program and efforts in international fora to enhance space security, and possible future paths it may take.

Speakers:

Ms. Marcia Smith, Founder, SpacePolicyOnline.com

Mr. Anatoly Zak, Journalist and Founder, www.RussianSpaceWeb.com

Ms. Tiffany Chow, Project Manager, Secure World Foundation

Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Secure World Foundation

Emerging Space Nations and Space Sustainability Jan 06, 2015

Recorded August 11, 2011

"Analyzing the Development Paths of Emerging Space Nations: Opportunities or Challenges for Space Sustainability?" examines the selected nations' space policy development and interest (or lack thereof) in international cooperation, assessing how best the United States and the international community can reach out to these emerging space actors in the advancement of space sustainability.The authors also look at the European Union's draft Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities to assess how the countries examined in this research view this proposed mechanism for space sustainability. Finally, the authors discuss the role that the United States has played to date in these regions and suggest ways in which the United States might enhance its efforts in the future.

For more information, please see the event page.

Speakers:

Megan Ansdell, Booz Allen & Hamilton

Laura Delgado Lopez, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies

Daniel Hendrickson, Aerospace Industries Association

The views and opinions expressed by the panel are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employers.

Asian Space Policy and the United States Jan 06, 2015

Recorded on July 28, 2011

"Asian Space Policy and the United States" featured a panel discussing the Beijing workshop, the direction of Asia space, and the role the United States' policy community can play in shaping that direction. This panel focused primarily on the People's Republic of China. Following the panel discussion, there was an open Q&A session.

For more information, please visit the event page.

Speakers:

Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, East Asia Non-Proliferation Program, Monterey Institute

Ms. Alanna Krolikowski, University of Toronto

Mr. Ben Baseley-Walker, Advisor on Security Policy and International Law, Secure World Foundation

Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation