Strategic Collaboration with ESPI

Monday, July 4th, 2022

The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) and the London Institute of Space Policy and Law (ISPL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster mutually beneficial collaboration, effective 1 July 2022. Areas of co-operation include, research, events and activities, research visits, and research network and engagement. They will collaborate on Commissions and Studies, Reports and Publications, share research outcomes, contribute to each other’s publications and exchange knowledge.

The collaboration between ESPI and ISPL further covers arranging and promoting joint and separate conferences, seminars, roundtables, workshops and other events.

ESPI and ISPL determined to also work towards establishing a broad research network for horizontal engagement of research entities dealing with space and those that are linked to the space sector in some other way across Europe and internationally. Additionally, the two parties will collaborate to improve engagement with the general public, academia, and industry.

Jean-Jacques Tortora, Director, European Space Policy Institute, observed:

ESPI and ISPL have similar missions to maintain permanent focus on space policy developments throughout Europe and worldwide, to analyse and anticipate trends at work and to suggest recommendations to their stakeholders. They are also complementary in their research activities run from within the EU or from a non-EU member state called to remain a key partner in space.

This agreement is timely and opportune to further develop joint understanding of stakes for the space sector at large, but also to strengthen their respective efforts in promoting the development of space policy and law. Collaboration between the two organisations will help explore opportunities for mutual exchange and cooperation, helping further the objectives of both ESPI and ISPL.

Sa’id Mosteshar, Director, London Institute of Space Policy and Law, welcomed the collaboration:

It is a great pleasure to formalise the collaboration between ISPL and ESPI and to work more closely with friends and colleagues whom we hold in high regard. We share a common view of human activities in space and how best to make peaceful and sustainable use of its many benefits. ESPI’s deep knowledge and expertise in European space activities and policies will inform and strengthen our future work.

I look forward to a close, long and rewarding association with ESPI to further our common objectives.

About ESPI

The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) is the European think-tank for space. A not-for-profit association based in Vienna, the world capital of space diplomacy, ESPI provides recommendations, policy options and forward vision as to how Europe’s engagement in space can bring maximum benefit to society.

ESPI’s efforts include research and analysis on major space policy issues, the monitoring of global space trends and policy developments, and the organisation of thematic conference and workshops. The Institute’s work also reflects how space can sensibly contribute to Europe’s unique role in global politics as a strong and principled actor.

About ISPL

ISPL was founded in 2008 and incorporated as a research and academic charity in 2009. Its mission is to pursue impartial study and development of space policies and related laws to advance human interaction with outer space and its use for the betterment of life. It is focused on informing and educating present and future policy makers and lawyers internationally to lead the way to achieve that end. ISPL consults commercial and public bodies, carries out research in space policy and law topics, both independently and commissioned by international, government and private entities.

ISPL offers opportunities to pursue postgraduate degrees in space policy and space law and delivers undergraduate lecture courses and complete modules as part of courses taught at other institutions. In addition it holds industry and practitioner seminars on topical subjects and intensive courses on space-related topics.

ISPL has close links with the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, space agencies and commercial enterprises, law firms and academic institutions around the world. It collaborates with research, educational and international organisations.

UK Space Sustainability Measures

Friday, June 24th, 2022

The UK has announced measures to advance space sustainability and promote Active Debris Removal (ADR)and In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM). The Plan for Space Sustainability outlined on 23 June 2022 aims to further the UK National Space Strategy. These will include the establishment of a Space Sustainability Standard and funding implementing Phase 3 of the UN Office for Outer Space (UNOOSA) guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space.  The regulatory framework will also be reviewed to encourage industry involvement in the Plan.

Space Policy and Law Course 2022 CPD

Monday, June 20th, 2022

24 – 26 October 2022, Online.
ISPL‘s interactive annual course explores space policy and law to inform professionals in the space sector about the policy and legal principles and the latest developments affecting space activities. The topics are taught by leading experts through lectures, discussions and case-studies.

Topics covered include:

•  The space environment and space technology
•  Orbits, their characteristics and management
•  Space policy principles, regime and institutions
•  The laws governing space activities; principles and sources of space law; international conventions and treaties
•  National laws and policies
•  Laws relating to specific applications including telecommunications, broadcasting, remote sensing, scientific experiment and exploration, manned activities and the ISS
•  Spectrum management
•  Peaceful use of space; responsible use and space traffic management
•  Military activities and arms control
•  Sovereignty, property rights, commercial and private activity
•  Risk, liability and insurance
•  Space security, natural hazards and debris
•  Current and future developments

View the full programme

LECTURERS

The course will be taught by a number of leading international experts.  A full list of lecturers is given in the programme.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The Course is particularly appropriate for those working in the space sector who wish to gain or increase their knowledge of the current legal and policy framework and be informed on matters of topical interest:

•  Policy-makers in government and international bodies
•  IGO, NGO and space agency personnel
•  Military personnel
•  Lawyers and jurists
•  Commercial and consulting space sector firm members
•  Satellite manufacturing or operation team members
•  Managers and team leaders of other space operations
•  Insurers, bankers and executives who evaluate space related risk and liability
•  Academics and post-graduate students in space related law, business or technology
•  Others involved in space related activities, decision-making or research

Previous knowledge of law or policy is not required.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (CPD)

The course qualifies for CPD for Solicitors and for Barristers in England and Wales.

Other professionals: please contact your respective professional bodies about whether the course will qualify for CPD.

FEES

£ 1,250

No VAT is payable.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

This is an interactive online lecture and discussion-based course and is therefore limited in size. The information provided in the course will be reinforced with case studies.

There is no required reading before the course. At the conclusion of the course participants will also receive a further reading list to expand their knowledge in general or on specific topics.

At the end of the course there will be a session considering case studies to consolidate what has been taught.  The Case Studies will be handed out at the start of the course.

Slides presented by lecturers will be provided following the course.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apply by sending an e-mail to the address below, with subject “SPLC 2022” and the following required information:

•  Full name
•  Preferred title
•  Employment affiliation
•  Work email address

On receiving your application we will send an invoice with details of payment, cancellation, refund and other terms.

We will confirm your place on the course on receipt of payment.

For more information contact: SPLC2022@ispl.org

Space-related items in Germany’s new Special Fund Bundeswehr

Monday, June 13th, 2022

According to a draft Economic Plan Germany’s new 100 billion Euro ‘Special Fund Bundeswehr’ includes investments into several space-related items. A brief overview can be seen here.

US Bans DA-ASAT Tests

Wednesday, April 20th, 2022

United States committed “not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile testing, and that the United States seeks to establish this as a new international norm for responsible behaviour in space.” The announcement by US Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday 18 April 2022 is the first initiative in establishing national security space norms to advance United States’ interests and preserve the security and sustainability of space. [The White House, New U.S. Commitment on Destructive Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Testing, 18 April 2022; https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/18/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-advances-national-security-norms-in-space/]

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves today, Tuesday 19 April 2022, welcomed the commitment, issuing the following statement:

“The Commerce Department welcomes the announcement by Vice President Harris not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile tests. Space should be a safe place to operate the thousands of satellites that provide boundless benefits to people around the globe. Previous tests conducted by the Peoples’ Republic of China in 2007 and the Russian Federation in November 2021 created significant debris hazards for all low-earth orbiting satellites.

“This new commitment announced by the Vice President helps protect U.S. interests in space, including our space-based environmental monitoring platforms. Meaningfully reducing ASAT testing and debris generation advances U.S. national security interests and protects long-term U.S. interests in space exploration, space science, and space-enabled economic development.” [US Department of Commerce, Deputy Secretary Graves Statement on Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Tests, 19 April 2022; https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2022/04/deputy-secretary-graves-statement-direct-ascent-anti-satellite-missile]

Both the White House and the Department of Commerce releases refer to ASAT tests by China and Russia without mention of those conducted by the US or India. [Michael C Mineiro, FY-1C and USA-193 ASAT Intercepts: An Assessment of Legal Obligations under Article 9 of the Outer Space Treaty, Researchgate, September 2008; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228149659_FY-1C_and_USA-193_ASAT_Intercepts_An_Assessment_of_Legal_Obligations_under_Article_9_of_the_Outer_Space_Treaty; Sa’id Mosteshar, Indian Missile Adds to Space Debris Risk, The Guardian, 29 March 2019; https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/mar/29/indian-missile-adds-to-space-debris-risks]

It is to be noted that the commitment refers to DA-ASAT tests and not to all ASATs. ASAT weapons launched into space generally fall into one of two categories: direct-ascent or co-orbital systems. Direct ascent systems use rockets to put an interceptor on a suborbital trajectory that intersects with the target in orbit without the interceptor entering orbit itself. The ASAT weapon systems tested so far fall in this category. By contrast, co-orbital systems use a Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) to place the interceptor into orbit, after which it manoeuvres to either collide with or pass near the target. China, Russia, the US and others are actively developing their rendezvous and close-proximity systems and capabilities. [Brian Weeden, Through a Glass, Darkly: Chinese, American, and Russian Anti-satellite Testing in Space, The Space Review, 17 March 2014; https://www.thespacereview.com/article/2473/1]

Ukraine War Impact on Space

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

The Russian attack on Ukraine was preceded by loss of Internet connectivity in Ukraine, largely provided through Viasat’s KA-Sat satellite. According to Viasat this was due to a cyber-attack being investigated by the company. The disruption of connectivity continued after the attack. 

Space activities of Russia, the United States and Europe are closely integrated. Russia is a lead partner in the International Space Station and a significant provider of rocket engines and launch services. For example, OneWeb has several contracts for Soyuz launches to establish its satellites constellation. The next Galileo launch is also to use Soyuz rockets.

Sanctions imposed against Russia by the United States, European Union and others will have a wide-ranging impact on the space activities of Russia and others. For a more detailed analysis of the effect of deteriorating relations between Russia and other space-active countries see Eric Berger of ARS Technica, The Russian invasion of Ukraine will have myriad impacts on spaceflight.

New Appointment

Saturday, January 1st, 2022

It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Dr Christoph Beischl as the Associate Deputy Director of ISPL from 1 January 2022. He will assist the Director in the affairs of the Institute in addition to conducting research and teaching. Welcoming the appointment the Director said:

It gives me particular pleasure to be party to the development of Christoph’s career from his PhD research to his new role. I very much look forward to our continued collaboration to which Christoph brings not only his knowledge and excellent research skills, but also his high ethical standards and charm.

Christoph added:

I am deeply honoured to be given this fantastic opportunity to become even more involved in ISPL, a leading institution in the space policy and law field. I will do my utmost to live up to my new responsibilities and advance ISPL’s success story. In this regard, I similarly look very much forward to continuing my engagement with and learning from Sa’id, my outstanding mentor since I have entered the space sector, and the many other renowned experts that make up ISPL and contribute to its success.

Risks in Commercial Space

Friday, December 10th, 2021

ISPL Research Fellow, Dr Christoph Beischl, took part in the November SpaceTalk panel on the topic.  The discussion can now be viewed here.

German Space Policy: New Government

Thursday, November 25th, 2021

No significant space policy change is expected under the likely coalition to form the German government. Their Agreement with references to space does not indicate early significant change of policy.  A brief indication of such references can be seen here.

Space Policy & Law Course CPD

Thursday, September 2nd, 2021

11 – 13 October 2021, Online.
ISPL is pleased to announce the programme of the annual CPD Space Policy and Law Course for 2021.

This interactive annual course explores space policy and law to inform professionals interested in the space sector about the policy and legal principles and the latest developments affecting space activities. The topics are taught by leading experts through lectures, discussions and case studies.

 

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:

• The space environment and space technology

• Orbits, their characteristics and management

• Space policy principles, regime and institutions

• The laws governing space activities; principles and sources of space law; international conventions and treaties

• National laws and policies

• Laws relating to specific applications including telecommunications, broadcasting, remote sensing, scientific experiment and exploration, manned activities and the ISS

• Spectrum management

• Peaceful use of space; responsible use and space traffic management

• Military activities and arms control

• Sovereignty, property rights, commercial and private activity

• Risk, liability and insurance

• Space security, natural hazards and debris

• Current and future developments

View the full programme

 

LECTURERS

The course is taught by a number of leading international experts. A full list of lecturers is given in the programme.

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The Course is particularly appropriate for those working in the space sector who wish to learn about the current legal and policy framework and be informed of topical issues. Previous knowledge of law or policy is not required.

• Policy-makers in government and international bodies

•  IGO, NGO and space agency personnel like space agencies

• Military personnel such as RAF

• Lawyers and jurists

• Commercial and consulting space sector firm members

• Satellite manufacturing or operation team members

• Managers and team leaders of other space operations

• Insurers, bankers and executives who evaluate space related risk and liability

• Academics and post-graduate students in space related law, business or technology

• Others involved in space related activities, decision-making or research

 

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (CPD)

The course qualifies for CPD for Solicitors and for Barristers in England and Wales.

Other professionals: please contact your respective professional bodies about whether the course will qualify for CPD.

 

FEES

£ 1,250

No VAT is payable.

Undergraduates: please register for one of our other courses or lectures.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED

This is an interactive online lecture and discussion-based course and is therefore limited in size. The informtion we provide is reinforced with case studies.

There is no required reading before the course. At the conclusion of the course participants will also receive a further reading list to expand their knowledge in general or on specific topics.

At the end of the course there will be a case-study session to consolidate the lecture material. The Case Studies are handed out at the start of the course.  Any questions not dealt with during the course can be submitted by email up to 20 October 2021.

Slides presented by lecturers are provided following the course.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apply by completing an application form, with the following required information:

• Full name

• Preferred title

• Employment affiliation and position

• Work email address

When your application is received, we send an invoice with details of payment and cancellation, refund and other terms.

We will confirm your place on the course on receipt of payment.

For more information contact: SPLC2021@space-institute.org