Tribute to Bin Cheng

Saturday, February 8th, 2020

The Journal of Space Law is dedicating a special issue reflecting on the legacy of Professor Bin Cheng.  The publication honours his tremendous contributions to the field. The Director of ISPL, Professor Sa’id Mosteshar, will guest edit the edition.  Leading space lawyers and policy experts will write about the future course of space policy and law.  They will reflect on his views and his many publications, through the lens of their own considerable expertise.

Professor Bin Cheng was a pioneer in air and space law.  He was also an inspiration to generations of lawyers, many of whom have become leading experts in the field.  He addressed every aspect of international space law, including issues of nationality, jurisdiction, juris action and juris faction, and posited the idea of the instant creation of customary international law. His equally important contributions to air law highlight his vision of the importance of both branches of international law.

Professor Mosteshar feels honoured to be involved in this project.  He writes, “Professor Cheng was a formative influence in my thinking, and became both an academic and a personal friend. He was one of the most thoughtful and scholarly people in public international law. This edition of the JSL will, I hope, be a suitable tribute to the work of our founding Honorary President. Those who knew him were tremendously enriched by his deep knowledge, generosity and unwavering courtesy.”

In honour of Professor Bin Cheng, the Journal is also sponsoring a writing competition for young lawyers.  The prize is a lifetime subscription to the JSL, and publication of the winning article in the tribute edition. Further details of the issue and the competition are on the JSL website.

Please also visit our contact page if you would like to receive information about ISPL’s upcoming events, including courses, seminars and workshops.

Report of ISPL and UCL SD Seminar 1: Outer Space Serving Humanity

Friday, February 16th, 2018

The report of the seminar of 13 December 2017 is now available. The series will explore the legacy of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (“OST”). The principles enshrined in the Treaty  have established a climate of cooperation, internationalisation and peaceful use. This has led to the development of space assets and capabilities that are essential to our way of life, and enrich our understanding of the universe.

Topics of relevance were outlined by specialists in the relevant fields and discussed by invited delegates from all sectors of space operation and regulation, under Chatham House Rules.

The contributions at the seminar underlined the enormous potential of space to deal with world problems and to improve life on Earth. The OST has served us well, but we must ensure that space is used well and responsibly, to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Download report.

The report contains links to powerpoint and other presentations.

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Seminar Series: Outer Space Serving Humanity

Saturday, November 18th, 2017

This interdisciplinary seminar series will examine the benefits of space systems and services to the world.  They are jointly organised by ISPL and UCL Space Domain, to celebrate 60 Years in Space and 50 Years of Lawful & Peaceful Use.  Topics will include food security, climate change and the environment, and disaster response.

The first seminar begins with the  Outer Space Treaty and the benefits it has brought to humanity.

Seminar I: The Outer Space Treaty & Space as an Asset

Topics include the status of the Treaty and current developments, what the future holds and the preservation of space systems.

Date and time: Wednesday 13 December 2017, 2 – 5 pm

Venue: Charles Clore House, 17 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DR

ISPL Seminars on space policy and law have been popular and informative events, with participation from industry, government, academia and a wide range of others interested in space activity.  This new series of seminars will continue our engagement with UCL Space Domain.  Our mission and that of the UCL Research Domains include bringing together a range of expertise to facilitate international cross-disciplinary research.  We are pleased to jointly present this series over the coming months.

Programme

Undergraduates: There will be some places to observe the seminars. Please contact Events@Space-Institute.org as soon as possible for availability.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Events@Space-Institute.org

The UK Space Sector and Brexit

Monday, March 27th, 2017

ISPL and UCL held a joint workshop on the impact on the UK space sector of UK withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit). On Thursday 23 March 2017 participants from government, manufacturing, industry, service providers and system operators, legal, market and consulting professionals, government advisers and academics met to discuss many critical issues.

The workshop was informative and challenging to some perceptions about the impact of withdrawal in general, and especially in respect of this tremendously important and specialised sector.

ISPL is most grateful for UCL’s support and partnership for this event. It would not have been possible but for the excellent contributions from the speakers, and the contributions made by everyone present.

A report was prepared by ISPL and Rapporteurs from University College London.

Programme

Space Law and Policy Course (CPD) Completed May 2014

Tuesday, June 24th, 2014

The 2014 Space Law and Policy Course for practitioners, civil servants, academics and space sector professionals took place in London during May 2014.  A wide range of delegates participated in the lectures, discussions and case studies, resulting in a stimulating series of meetings over three days.  Comments following the course uniformly praised the content, presentation and range of material covered.  “Very rewarding and enriching!”  “I was most interested to listen to people around me with extensive expertise as well as the speakers.”  “I very much enjoyed the course and the friendly atmosphere.  Every speaker was helpful and an expert in their domain.”  “The quality of the course and information was outstanding.”

Prospectus

The Course comprised lectures and interactive case studies. Participants had access to the IALS Law Library during the course. Those considering a post-graduate degree at ISPL were able to informally discuss their interest with the Director.

The Course provided an introduction to:

• The space environment and space technology

• Orbits, their characteristics and management, and types of spacecraft

• Spectrum management

• The law governing space activities: principles & sources of space law, including conventions and treaties, national law and policies

• Comparison between space law and other legal regimes: Antarctic, maritime and air law

• Peaceful use of space, military activities & arms control

• Sovereignty

• Property rights

• Risk, liability and insurance

• The law as relates to specific applications: telecommunications and broadcasting, remote sensing, scientific experiment and exploration, manned activities including the International Space Station, unmanned activities

• Space policy and the institutions that implement them

The Course was intended for policy-makers, legal professionals, space sector executives and engineers, officials of government and international bodies, academics and post-graduate degree candidates.

The course was designed to be accessible to those in legal, technical or business training or employment. Previous knowledge of law or policy was not required. It was particularly appropriate for those working in the space sector who wished to increase their knowledge of the current legal and policy framework, in order to take full advantage of the available opportunities and to create new ones.

The Course was intended for a variety of individuals.

• Satellite manufacturing or operation team members seeking an understanding of legal issues relating to design, manufacture or provision of space products and services

• Law, business and technology post-graduate students interested in the field

• Insurers and executives who want the tools to evaluate legal aspects of risk and liability

• Managers and team leaders of space operations who wish to better understand the legal and policy issues they encounter, and to be able to plan more proactively

• IGO and space agency team members concerned with national and international issues arising from activities in space, such as earth observation, and their regulation

• Lawyers and jurists whose practice brings them into contact with space law through legal evidence from satellites, contractual matters or international commerce


Note: Undergraduates will be able to register for our short course in space law later this year.

CPD

The course qualified for 15 hours CPD for Solicitors (SRA) and for Barristers. Other professionals: please contact your respective professional bodies about whether our courses will qualify for CPD.

Space Situational Awareness Presentations

Friday, November 29th, 2013

ISPL Advisor Professor Richard Crowther spoke at a recent conference on space situational awareness, along with Professor Sa’id Mosteshar, ISPL’s Director. The conference took place on 13 and 14 November 2013.

The conference, Space Situational Awareness 2013, addressed political and technical issues, with speakers including experts from across Europe and the USA.  The program aimed to facilitate discussion and debate about the business, political and technical challenges of SSA.  It also aimed to inform about SSA in advance of the scheduled meeting of European heads of state in December to review their common security and defence position.

Sa’id addressed Legal Issues Critical to SSA.  His presentation and the written version may be viewed in our Research & Publications archive.

Richard addressed the conference on Outlining The Best Practice Initiatives Being Delivered With Space Situational Awareness. He will also participate in a panel: Given Recent Developments In The World Of Space Situational Awareness – Where Are We Now?  Exploring Current And Global SSA Capabilities And Programmes, as well as a session of round-table discussions.  Richard is Chief Engineer, UK Space Agency. 

For some background on SSA, ESA’s SSA program, and the EU proposals for a new space policy, see our earlier news item. 

Emerging Topics in Space Law

Thursday, November 28th, 2013

ISPL Faculty members Professor Dempsey and Dr  Jakhu report that the the Institute of Air and Space Law of McGill University will present a seminar on emerging space issues in May, 2014 in Melbourne. Professor Paul Dempsey is Director of the Institute of Air and Space Law, and Dr Ram Jakhu is Associate Professor.  

The Seminar will take place on Wednesday May 7, 2014 at the Annual Air Law Conference of the Aviation Law Association of Australia and New Zealand (ALAANZ). The conference will run from May 7 to 9, 2014.

ALAANZ was established in 1980, with the aim of developing the practice of the law affecting the aviation industry and the exchange of information about aviation law. ALAANZ has some 350 members in Australia, New Zealand and other countries. There are branches in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and New Zealand. For more information about ALAANZ see their website. 

For more information about the McGill Seminar and their other events, contact Ram at ram.jakhu@mcgill.ca.

Space Situational Awareness Conference

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

ISPL speakers will participate in a conference on SSA next week.  Professor Richard Crowther, and Professor Sa’id Mosteshar will address the conference on 13 and 14 November 2013. 

The conference, Space Situational Awareness 2013, includes presentations on political and technical issues by experts from across Europe and the USA. Topics will include space debris mitigation and removal, current launch capabilities, security policy, financial and political considerations in establishing a global SSA system, space weather, and collaboration between satellite operators through the Space Data Association. The program will provide a forum for discussion and debate about the business, political and technical challenges of SSA.  The event aims to inform about SSA in advance of the scheduled meeting in December of European heads of state, when they will review their common security and defence position.

Richard is Chief Engineer, UK Space Agency and an ISPL Advisor.  He will address the conference on Outlining The Best Practice Initiatives Being Delivered with Space Situational Awareness. He will also participate in a panel: Given Recent Developments in the World of Space Situational Awareness – Where Are We Now?  Exploring Current and Global SSA Capabilities and Programmes.  He will also participate in a session of round-table discussions.

Sa’id is ISPL’s Director.  He will speak about Legal Issues Critical to SSA.

“The overall objective of space situational awareness (SSA) is to identify the location of every object orbiting the Earth, why it is there, what it is doing, and to predict what it will be doing in the future. Its aim is to track and understand what exactly is in orbit from either space or from the ground. This knowledge enables the management of space assets and the exercise of a level of control over the space environment.”

Also attending the conference will be Valentino Quaggiato, MPhil candidate at ISPL and Astrium engineer, along with Dr Andrew Brearley, ISPL researcher and frequent rapporteur.

For more information, see the conference website.

 For the complete video, visit the NASA JSC Gallery

Some background on SSA and the EU Proposals:

ESA’s SSA program 

The European Union’s announcement for a proposed new space policy, which addresses investment in R&D, financing, skills, access to space, and SSA:

“Space is at the service of the European citizens. Many of the systems and services that are today essential for our well-being and security depend directly or indirectly on space. Without being aware, European citizens rely on space technologies when they use their mobile phones, make financial transactions, take an airplane, watch the weather forecast or look for the nearest restaurant using their cars’ navigation system. Space has become part of our daily lives. The Commission therefore proposes a new space policy to meet the challenges of today’s world.”

“The Commission proposes to provide an organisational framework to support the setting up and operation of a space surveillance and tracking (SST) service at European level… The SST would be built on existing national assets and expertise. It would define a data policy which takes into account national security interests and which allows the monitoring and hence the protection of space infrastructures, in order to ensure the sustainability of space activities in Europe.”

Further information about the proposed SST service. 

“Avoiding collisions in space

The growing number of satellites and amounts of space debris makes the risk of collision a serious threat to the sustainable operation of space infrastructure. Around 16,000 objects which orbit the Earth are larger than 10 cm, and between 300,000 and 600,000 are larger than 1 cm. An object larger than 1 cm hitting a satellite will at least damage or destroy sub-systems or instruments on board, and a collision with an object larger than 10 cm will destroy the satellite. There is also a risk to ground-based infrastructures and citizens security from the re-entry to the Earth’s atmosphere of in-active satellites and discarded sections of rockets.

The most conservative estimates put the potential economic loss for European satellite operators due to collisions – or costly and risky manoeuvres to move their satellites out of the way – at € 210 million per year. The economic loss on the ground due to the disruption of applications and services that rely on the data of lost or damaged satellites cannot be quantified, but implies a significantly higher figure.

In order to mitigate the risks of collision and uncontrolled re-entries it is necessary to monitor satellites and space debris so that satellite operators and public authorities can be alerted in good time. The Commission proposes a programme to support EU Member States that own radars and telescopes capable of monitoring satellites and space debris or relevant data centres, to bring together their capacities and offer for the first time a European space surveillance and tracking (SST) service.”

See also the EU Press Release.

More information on SSA:

US Strategic Command Space Control and Space Surveillance Fact Sheet

Space Sustainability: A Practical Guide, Secure World Foundation 2013.                   

Space Weather and SSA

US – Australia Agreement promoting Space Situational Awareness     

NASA Engineering and Safety Center Academy Webcast on SSA

NASA space debris and human spacecraft page

NASA orbital debris reference documents

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Space Commerce Conference

Sunday, October 27th, 2013

Professor Sa’id Mosteshar, ISPL Director, and ISPL Faculty member Tanja Masson-Zwaan will address the International Space Commerce 2013 Summit in London on 29 October 2013. 

Tanja is President of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) and Deputy Director of the International Institute of Air and Space Law, Leiden Law School.  She will speak about regulation of small satellite under international and national space law.  Her presentation will cover the following areas.

• Benefits and concerns of small satellites
• International space law applicable to small satellites
• Tendencies in national regulation of small satellites, with a focus on Europe
• Considerations in the UN and ITU

Prospects for adequate regulation of small satellites 

Sa’id will present Managing conflict – The laws and regulations of commercial participation in space.  He will discuss the following topics.

• Understanding the existing regulations and how to comply
• Translating policy into regulations and legal instruments
• Exploring issues surrounding security and access in the commercial use of space
• Looking at future legal frameworks 

For more information about the conference including sponsors and other speakers, download the agenda here.

ISPL Space Security Seminar in the news

Thursday, September 12th, 2013

Our Seminar is the subject of an excellent article by Owen Bowcott, Legal Correspondent of The Guardian.

The latest in ISPL’s series of Practitioner and Industry Seminars, the event on Tuesday 10 September 2013 was lively and instructive, featuring presentations from a number of experts and a lively debate between them and the audience.  Participants in the Seminar included civilian and military specialists in space law and policy, academics and students from a variety of fields, and representatives of government and the space sector.

Space security is concerned with maintaining and protecting space assets, their terrestrial elements and infrastructure, and their services and capabilities.  Space-based infrastructures are essential to established and emerging economies, and are critical to government, business and virtually every other part of our lives, and their security and sustainable use are crucial. These include navigational systems, guiding drones or helping rescuers reach a stranded climber, providing time signals for banking transactions and managing telecommunication data packages.

The Seminar covered risks that would affect virtually all societies, as most are in some degree dependent on space assets.  These risks include the use of weapons in space and the creation of debris, a lasting menace and a significant factor in planning commercial space projects. Disablement or loss of space assets would cause disruption and great inconvenience, particularly in the more technologically advanced societies. Even in the developing world, many communication systems rely heavily on satellites and on space-based time signals.

The Report shortly to be posted here will provide a detailed summary of the presentations and discussions, and will be followed by another in the journal Space Policy.  Both will be of interest to those unable to attend, and to those involved in space activities or engaged in the design and operation of space systems, their advisers, insurers and military and civilian security specialists.  The Reports will also be of interest to policy makers and lawyers who advise them, as well as scholars in related fields.

Owen Bowcott’s article about the Seminar is available here.

Here is the brochure containing information about the Seminar.