Secure World Foundation Newsletter

June 2016

Insight - Maximizing the Sustainability of Growing Space Activities

By Brian Weeden, SWF Technical Advisor

The space domain is currently experiencing a rapid increase in the number and diversity of actors involved in space activities. More than 70 States, commercial companies, and international organizations currently operate nearly 1,400 satellites in Earth orbit, which together provide a wide range of socioeconomic benefits. The increasing number of satellites is driven largely by the commoditization of space technology and the lowering of barriers to participate in space activities.

The growth in space actors is primarily focused in two areas...continue reading 

Events

May 5, 2016
Discussion on Space and Cyber Security
SWF co-hosted an event with George Washington University's Space Policy Institute and Orbital-ATK where General William Shelton (Ret.), former head of Air Force Space Command, lead an informal discussion on space and cyber capabilities and deterrence. This event brought together students and young professionals with industry, NGO, and agency thinkers.

May 5, 2016
Panel Examines Practical Considerations of Space Resources Policy
Government and industry experts gathered for a panel discussion of practical considerations related to the development of space resources-related regulatory frameworks and their relationship to both commercial development and international commitments. The panel was moderated by SWF Project Manager Ian Christensen and co-organized by the Alliance for Space Development (ASD). Discussion topics included the legislative history that led to recent provisions of U.S. law related to space resources, reaction to the U.S. legislation in the international community, next steps in U.S. and international policy, and the need for ongoing international discussion of space resources related policy and regulatory matters.

May 9, 2016
Handbook for New Actors Review Workshops
SWF held a daylong, invite-only workshop for experts from industry, government, and academia to provide feedback on the Handbook for New Actors.

May 10, 2016
SWF Panel Examines the Challenges and Opportunities Facing New Space Actors
National and international experts gathered for a panel discussion moderated by SWF Project Manager Laura Delgado López. Key themes included the varying degrees of awareness of space sustainability-related issues among a diverse community of new space actors, and the need for ongoing engagement to address legal, policy, and regulatory challenges at the national, regional, and international levels.

May 13-14, 2016
Emerging Space Industry Leaders Workshop on Space Traffic Management
SWF hosted a 2-day workshop for young professionals on STM and space situational awareness in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration Office of Commercial Spaceflight Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation.

May 31, 2016
An Examination of the U.S. National Security Space Strategy
SWF hosted a panel which brought together speakers from across the spectrum to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. strategy. 

Staff Activities and Presentations

May 2, 2016
Executive Director Michael Simpson attended the GEO Workplan Symposium in Geneva.

May 24, 2016
Laura Delgado López Speaks at International Space Development Conference
Ms. Delgado López delivered a presentation entitled "Case Study of Latin American Approaches to Space Sustainability," at ISDC 2016 in Puerto Rico, offering insights on the space sustainability concerns and priorities of emerging space nations in the region. Executive Director Michael Simpson serves on the National Space Society's Board of Governors and attended meetings of that group during the ISDC. He also served as a judge for the Space Ambassadors' competition where the best of the Society's public outreach presenters competed for top honors and prizes including parabolic flights and spaceflight training experiences.

May 27, 2016
SWF Project Manager Chris Johnson presented at the 4th Manfred Lachs International Conference on Conflicts in Space and the Rule of Law in Montreal, Canada. Mr. Johnson discussed the perceived inevitability of conflict in outer space and how to discuss state interests which mediate this conclusion. 

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