SWF Podcast

From Space to the Last Mile: Turning Satellite Data into Climate Resilience with Kevin Stein In Episode 8 of ESG in Space, hosts Nishan Degnarain and Miki Sode are joined by Kevin Stein, CEO and co-founder of Delos, a wildfire-focused insurance company powered by satellite data. Drawing on his background in aerospace engineering and spacecraft design, Kevin shares how his team pivoted from space hardware development to creating practical insurance solutions that directly address the growing risk of climate-induced wildfires in California. This conversation looks into how space-based Earth observation can be operationalized into tangible products for high-risk communities, and what it takes to bridge the gap between the space sector and everyday users. Kevin also discusses why diversified data streams and cross-sector communication are critical to building resilience in both space and ground industries. Recorded April 2025

Designing Sustainability Into the Space Sector: Insights from Europe In Episode 7 of ESG in Space, hosts Nishan Degnarain and Miki Sode sit down with sustainability strategist Sabrina Alam, whose cross-sector work spans theoretical physics, government policy, and commercial space. Currently at KPMG Luxembourg, Sabrina shares a deep dive into how Europe is embedding ESG principles into its space infrastructure, from satellite design to lifecycle assessments and regulatory policy. This episode explores Europe's proactive stance on sustainability by design, the impact of mandatory ESG reporting frameworks like CSRD, and how these policies are reshaping both public and private actors across the space value chain. Sabrina also discusses how European operators balance innovation and competitiveness with sustainability mandates, and how these approaches could influence global norms. If you're curious about the intersection of sustainability, policy, and economic resilience in the space sector, especially through a European lens, this episode is essential listening. Recorded March 2025

Harnessing Satellite Data and AI for Global Impact with Bruno Sánchez-Andrade Nuño Secure World Foundation is pleased to announce the fifth episode of ESG in Space, a podcast series in collaboration with Exponential Academy, hosted by Nishan Degnarain and Miki Sode. This conversation features Bruno Sánchez-Andrade Nuño, Executive Director and Founder of Clay. In this episode, Bruno shares how open data, satellite imagery, and artificial intelligence can work together to power social good. He walks through the mission behind Clay, a nonprofit platform that uses AI to make Earth observation data more accessible and actionable. The conversation explores everything from carbon monitoring and disaster response to the ethics of data sourcing and the future governance of AI tools in space applications. Listen to ESG in Space Episode 5 here or on our YouTube Channel to discover how transparency, equity, and innovation are reshaping the role of space-based technologies for global sustainability. Recorded October 7, 2024

Exploring Life Beyond Earth and the Role of Inclusive Governance with Bill Diamond Secure World Foundation is pleased to announce the release of the fourth episode of ESG in Space, a podcast series in collaboration with Exponential Academy, hosted by Nishan Degnarain and Miki Sode. This episode features a wide-ranging conversation with Bill Diamond, President and CEO of the SETI Institute. In this episode, Bill shares his perspective on the evolving space economy, the importance of scientific research in astrobiology, and how space-based platforms support our understanding of life on Earth. He also addresses the need for inclusive governance frameworks in space exploration—highlighting lessons from Earth-based examples like Antarctica and emphasizing the importance of engaging underrepresented voices in the future of space policy. Listen to ESG in Space Episode 4 here or on our YouTube Channel for an exploration of how science, sustainability, and equity intersect in our journey beyond Earth. Recorded December 18, 2024

Exploring NASA, SpaceX, and the Evolution of Space Ventures with Abhi Tripathi Secure World Foundation is thrilled to announce the release of the fifth episode of "ESG in Space," a podcast series in collaboration with Exponential Academy, hosted by Nishan Degnarain and Miki Sode. This episode features a fascinating discussion with Abhi Tripathi, Director of Mission Operations at UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Lab. In this episode, Abhi discusses his journey through the space sector, from his early days at NASA to key roles at SpaceX, and now leading mission operations at UC Berkeley. He shares his unique insights on the transition of space activities from government-dominated initiatives to vibrant commercial enterprises and discusses the critical role of government and military funding in nurturing the nascent commercial space industry. Listen to "ESG in Space" Episode 3 here or on our YouTube Channel to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and potential of commercial space ventures. Recorded January 29, 2025

Behind the Scenes of ESG in Space: The Making of a Space Sustainability Podcast Take a trip with us into the backstory of the "ESG in Space" podcast series in this exclusive behind-the-scenes episode. Hosted by Nishan Degnarain and Miki Sode, this unique session features insights from Ian Christensen of Secure World Foundation, one of the key sponsors and collaborators in the series. This conversation sheds light on the motivations, challenges, and aspirations behind creating a podcast dedicated to exploring Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues in the space sector. Discover how the series aims to foster dialogue on space sustainability, the intersection of the space economy with societal benefits, and the roles different stakeholders play in shaping this narrative. From discussions about space debris management to responsible actions within the space economy, this episode offers a candid look at the thoughts and processes that drive the content of "ESG in Space."

Navigating the Expanding Universe of the Space Economy with Karen Jones Join us for the second episode of "ESG in Space," hosted by Nishan Degnarain and Miki Sode in partnership with Exponential Academy. This episode features Karen L. Jones, a senior project leader and space economist at The Aerospace Corporation, who brings deep insights into the evolving space economy. Karen discusses the critical role of satellite technology in supporting various industries—from telecommunications to environmental monitoring—and its convergence with future technological advancements like 6G networks. In this conversation, Karen explores the complexities of space economy integration, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices as the number of satellites rapidly increases. She addresses the challenges of space debris management and the need for regulatory coherence to ensure safe and sustainable space operations. Tune in to learn how space technology is not just about reaching new heights but also about grounding these advancements in sustainable practices that can support Earth's environmental and technological ecosystems. Recorded Dec 6, 2024

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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

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.

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

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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) 

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