The Future of Manned Space Flight

Monday, May 20th, 2013

ISPL Faculty member Derek Webber has proposed a way to break the log-jam in manned space flight.

In the 40 years since the last Apollo mission to the Moon, nobody has been any further than low Earth orbit. The key to future interplanetary journeys is to get routinely, reliably, and at relatively low cost, out of Earth’s gravity.  Once there, only relatively small amounts of delta energy (and therefore money) are required to go anywhere else in the solar system.

One solution is to establish a Gateway that can be used for entry and return of any future interplanetary vehicles.  Possible locations are discussed, including the proposed ‘Spaceport Earth’  –  at or near geostationary orbit.

Read the article here.

Derek Webber is the Director of Spaceport Associates, and directed three landmark studies in commercial space business planning that established the existence of a space tourism market. He has provided testimony to the President’s Commission on the Future of the US Aerospace Industry, and has been recognized at the Space Tourism Society’s Orbit Awards for his contributions to the formation of the space tourism industry. An active member of the Reusable Launch Vehicles Working Group and the Launch Operations Support Working Group of the Federal Aviation Authority’s COMSTAC Committee, is a Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society.

Derek’s career began as a launch vehicle and satellite engineer in the UK in what is now EADS/Astrium Space Systems. He became Head of Procurement at the satellite service provider Inmarsat, (responsible for contracting for over a billion dollars worth of communications satellites, their launch vehicles and ground segment), and Managing Director of Tachyon Europe (providing satellite broadband and Internet access across the continent). Derek holds Degrees in Physics and Mathematics from Newcastle University (UK), and postgraduate qualifications in Space Science from University College London (UK).

Space Law Short Course (CPD)

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

ISPL offered an introduction to space law and policy in a short course in April and May 2013. Non-lawyers and lawyers in other fields found it of interest, as did professionals and students in many disciplines.    Details of the Spring 2013 course are available here.

The Space Law and Policy course is intended for professionals desiring a good understanding of national, European, and international space law, and for students interested in broadening their education. It is a requirement for non-lawyers wishing to pursue a higher degree with ISPL.  ISPL is a CPD provider for Barristers and  Solicitors.

Future Space Law Courses will be advertised to those on our Events Notification list, and to those who have expressed interest in attending.  Please fill in our Events Notification Form if you would like to be notified of future courses.

ISPL Seminar at European Space Solutions

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

On Tuesday, 4 December 2012 ISPL held a Seminar at European Space Solutions. The Seminar examined the qualities of systems, procedures, handling, treatment and processing of space-derived data and information against the needs of the diplomatic and legal communities. It gave an indication of what needs to be provided and how it can best be used. Examination of two particular applications provided context for the issues discussed.

Space-derived data can supply useful and at times the only record of the state of affairs at a particular time and location. This ability to provide objective evidence can be invaluable in the enforcement of laws and international commitments, such as carbon emission reduction, as well as resolving diplomatic disputes. However, in the use of such information as legal evidence a number of procedural and substantive criteria must be met. Information that meets the legal criteria can be strongly persuasive in a host of circumstances, not least as an aid to diplomatic negotiations.

Lawyers, judges, diplomats, humanitarian aid providers, as well as those involved in the collection, treatment and interpretation of space-derived data found the Seminar of particular interest.

Click here for the Seminar Program: ISPL Space Solutions Seminar 2012

European Space Solutions was a major 3-day conference, exhibition and business support event. The event brought together business, the public sector, as well as users and developers of space-based solutions to explore how space can make a real difference to the lives, and livelihoods, of people across Europe.

 Events included half-day workshops on subjects such as  Agriculture, Environmental Monitoring, Ship & Vessel Management and Insurance & Financial Services.  Speakers included Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group, and the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science.

The European Space Expo complemented the conference, a state of the art, interactive public exhibition showcasing the many benefits that EU space programs bring to Europe.

Presentations, including audio files, will shortly be posted on our site.

New Faculty and Advisory Board Members

Thursday, July 19th, 2012

The Institute is honoured to welcome two new faculty members, and a new member of the Board of Advisors.  Professor Dr Mazlan Othman joins the Board of Advisors. Dr Mazlan is Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), and Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs  (UNOOSA).  She brings knowledge, perspective and vast experience to the task.  The Director said, “It is an honour and a privilege to have Professor Mazlan’s talents to complement our outstanding Board of Advisers, whose role includes advising on our focus and direction. Her international stature and understanding of our field is a great asset to the Institute.”

Professor Paul Stephen Dempsey and Mr Peter Hulsroj have accepted the Director’s invitation to join the Institute Faculty. Professor Dempsey is Director of the Institute of Air and Space Law, McGill University.  Mr Hulsroj is Director of the European Space Policy Institute  (ESPI).  Both bring deep and thorough understanding of the space sector and its international legal and policy framework, with a dedication to advancing learning in the field. Their addition to the Faculty strengthens our close relationship with McGill and with ESPI.  On welcoming them to the Institute, the Director stated, “The addition of these two outstanding legal and policy experts to the Faculty brings added strength to the distinguished Faculty of the Institute, and underlines our commitment to excellence.”

To contact the Director, a member of Faculty or the Board of Advisors, please use this link.

In Memory of Carl Q Christol

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

On 22 February 2012, with the death of Professor Carl Q Christol, the space community and more particularly those involved in international space law lost one of its great scholars and advocates. The Institute has lost a true friend and much valued Adviser. In his comments, the Institute President Professor Bin Cheng captured the sentiments of all who knew Carl, saying: “I am truly shocked to learn of Carl Christol’s death.   Carl was not only a most distinguished public international lawyer, but also one of the leading pioneers of space law. With his penetrating insight, great and meticulous scholarship and indefatigable enthusiasm, he contributed immensely to the development of international space law.  He will be sorely missed.” The Institute Director, Professor Sa’id Mosteshar added: “Carl Christol was an inspiration and a wonderful friend to whom we owe a great deal.”

Biography of Professor Carl Q Christol

ISPL Director participates in Space Debris Congress

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

Professor Mosteshar is currently examining some legal issues concerning Active Debris Removal (ADR), also referred to as space debris remediation.  He presented a paper on the subject at the International Interdisciplinary Congress on Space Debris Remediation on 11 November 2011.

The Congress was held at McGill Institute of Air and Space Law in Montreal on 11 and 12 November 2011, and examined various technical concepts and means, legal and economic aspects, operational and organizational requirements for space debris remediation and on-orbit servicing of satellites with the objective of putting forward specific and viable policy and regulatory steps (mechanisms) that may be considered by States and other stakeholders in order to minimize risks posed by space debris.

For more information about the Congress, download: 3rd-Space-Debris-Congress-Program

or visit the IASL site: http://www.mcgill.ca/iasl.

ISPL Faculty discuss space debris and insurance risk

Monday, November 7th, 2011

Space Debris was the focus of an article by Owen Bowcott, the Guardian’s legal affairs correspondent on 28 October 2011.  Owen attended the ISPL Practitioner and Industry Seminar on Policy and Regulatory Risk, the last of the Series on Risks Associated with Space Activity, held on 27 October 2011 in London.

After the event, he spoke to Neil Stevens, a deputy space underwriter at the Atrium Space Insurance Consortium and member of the ISPL Faculty.  They discussed insurance issues arising in relation to space debris, and the concerns of those insuring space ventures.

He also spoke to Sa’id Mosteshar, the ISPL Director, about potential costs associated with increasing risk of satellite collision with debris.  Physical risks such as debris were not the focus of the seminar, but were very topical, following the crash of a NASA satellite into the Pacific Ocean, and a German satellite into the Bay of Bengal.

The Guardian article: Space debris collisions a growing risk, experts warn

For more about the Seminar, see our news item “Policy & Regulatory Risk Seminar 27 October 2011”.

Institute Director to join Legal & Regulatory Committee of IAASS

Friday, November 4th, 2011

ISPL’s Director, Professor Sa’id Mosteshar, has been invited to join the Legal and Regulatory Committee of the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety. In accepting, he said, ” I am honoured to join distinguished colleagues in the work of the Committee, which is critical to future use of outer space and its preservation as a resource for all.”

The International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety, established 16 April 2004 in the Netherlands, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to furthering international cooperation and scientific advancement in the field of space systems safety. The goals of the IAASS include advancing the science and application of Space Safety, improving the communication, dissemination of knowledge and cooperation between interested groups and individuals in this field and related fields, and improving understanding and awareness of the Space Safety discipline.  In addition, it aims to promote and improve the development of Space Safety professionals and standards and to advocate the establishment of safety laws, rules, and regulatory bodies at national and international levels for the civil use of space.

More information about the IAASS can be found at http://www.iaass.org.

Professor Mosteshar is currently examining some legal issues concerning Active Debris Removal (ADR), also referred to as space debris remediation.  He will be presenting a paper on the subject at the International Interdisciplinary Congress on Space Debris Remediation on November 11.

The Congress will be held at McGill Institute of Air and Space Law in Montreal on 11 and 12 November 2011, and will examine various technical concepts and means, legal and economic aspects, operational and organizational requirements for space debris remediation and on-orbit servicing of satellites with the objective of putting forward specific and viable policy and regulatory steps (mechanisms) that may be considered by States and other stakeholders in order to minimize risks posed by space debris.

For more information about the Congress, download: 3rd-Space-Debris-Congress-Program

or visit the IASL site: http://www.mcgill.ca/iasl.

UNIDROIT Space Protocol: Workshop 9 February 2011

Monday, January 31st, 2011

The Workshop addressed the proposed adoption of the UNIDROIT Space Protocol, its legal and commercial merits.

UNIDROIT Space Protocol Workshop Report

The following is an outline of the program. It was highly participatory, with discussion following several brief presentations.

PRACTITIONER AND INDUSTRY WORKSHOP

WEDNESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2011
8:45 TO 13:00

FINANCING SPACE ASSETS: THE UNIDROIT SOLUTION EXAMINED

CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL INTEREST IN MOBILE EQUIPMENT: SPACE PROTOCOL

Funding the acquisition and operation of satellites and other space objects present the same
challenges as those associated with any high value equipment. In addition their location
outside any territorial jurisdiction adds to the complexity of the funding transaction. The
International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Unidroit), in a departure from its
normal practice of harmonising the rules of national law on a given subject with a view to
promoting international commerce, has promoted a Convention on International Interests in
Mobile Equipment.  The text of the Convention may be accessed at www.unidroit.org.

The Convention seeks to promote and expand the availability of asset-
based financing in respect of high-value mobile equipment normally moving from country
to country or beyond any national jurisdiction in the ordinary course of business.

The Convention has been applied to aircraft and rolling stock by means of protocols
relevant to those assets. Unidroit proposes the application of the Convention by means a
Space Protocol. The aim is to provide the creditor with greater legal certainty to facilitate
grant of assets based finance in respect of assets it may otherwise find difficult to repossess
or control. However, many in the sector have legitimate concerns about the Protocol and its
operation.

Several governments are in the process of reviewing and deciding whether to adopt the
Protocol. This Workshop examined the efficacy of the Space Protocol to achieve greater
availability and ease of funding for space projects. It explored the needs of operators,
financiers and insurers. Professor Roy Goode presented the Protocol
and outlined the obstacles to funding space equipment and the proposed solution. There was an examination of the legal basis for the Protocol in the context of the Convention, and its
perception by those directly affected by its operation.

Workshop participants discussed the issues from all relevant perspectives.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Chairman: Professor Sa’id Mosteshar
ISPL Director

8:45 – 9:30 Unidroit Perspective

The Perceived Problem, the Convention and Protocol, Solution Protocol
Proposes to Provides; Current status of UNIDROIT Process
Professor Roy Goode

9:30 – 10:00 Legal Issues

The Legal Structure, Purpose of the Convention, Protocol in the Context
of the Convention, Definitional Issues
Professor Sa’id Mosteshar
ISPL Director

10:00 – 10.45 Operators’ Perspectives

Satellite Operation Funding
Aarti Holla
Secretary General, European Satellite Operators’ Association
Ann Vandenbroucke
Manager – Regulatory and Policy Issues, Inmarsat; ISPL Faculty

10.45 – 11.15 Coffee

11:15 – 11:45 Potential Beneficiaries

Small Satellite Operator
Kumar Singarajah
Director of Regulatory Affairs, Avanti; ISPL Faculty

11:45 – 12:15 Finance Sector Perspective

Asset Finance and Project Finance
Wim N Steenbakkers
Director, Structure Finance Telecom & Media, ING Bank

12:15 – 12:45 Insurance Perspective

Impact on Insurance Availability and Premiums
Neil F Stevens
General Counsel, Space, Atrium Space Insurance; ISPL Faculty

Further information about the proposed Protocol is available on the UNIDROIT website.

Evidence from Space: Workshop

Friday, October 15th, 2010

A Workshop was held on Tuesday, 5 October as part of the Study for the European Space Agency exploring the evidential value and conditions for use of satellite-derived information in administrative and judicial settings.

Delegates were given a briefing document shortly before the workshop, laying out the areas to be covered and summarising some of the issues that were likely to arise.

The program began with an explanation of the aims of the study, followed by a presentation on the nature of legal evidence.  The capabilities of satellite systems were discussed, in areas including land motion measurement, pollution and oil spill.  Next, papers were presented on cases in which satellite-derived information has been used, including agricultural subsidy claims.  A summary of evidential law in a variety of jurisdictions was then covered, highlighting similarities and differences in admissibility and standards of proof.

The results of a study on the use of satellite information in Australia were presented.

Two case studies were then presented.  The first took a form similar to a moot.  Details of a hypothetical land subsidence dispute were described and the presenters took the position of plaintiff’s advocates, with the participants acting as judges and lawyers for the defendant.  The second case involved a hypothetical oil spill, with participants acting as lawyers advising the various parties involved.

There followed a panel discussion with questions, answers and debate from the floor.  Issues identified during the day were discussed, and areas requiring further study were touched upon.

A number of issues arose in relation to the collection, collation and processing of satellite-derived information, how it could be adapted to meet specific needs, and how to overcome limitations so as to facilitate its greater use as evidence.

88 high-level legal, administrative and technical experts took part in the Workshop.  The dialogue was documented by a large number of technical and legal rapporteurs, as well as an audio recording.  These will be combined with the records of the Study Team to produce Proceedings of the Workshop in the near future.

The Institute’s Study Team will carry out further research and dialogue before preparing a report on its findings, to be presented early next year.

See Workshop Report.

See Workshop program, case studies and attendance list.

See Workshop Information Package.