Research
Areas of Research
Active debris removal: legal and policy considerations
In collaboration with Keio University and JAXA
Experimental debris removal system: legal & regulatory aspects of its development
In collaboration with an academic research centre, funded by ESA
Research and advice on satellite applications for healthcare and banking
Involving a public and commercial participants, funded by the UK Space Agency and Inmarsat
Military and civilian space security
Development of UK and EU space policy
Development of policy and regulation in Africa and the Middle East
Space data protection and use
Space Situational Awareness
Space activity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Report
ESA Project: Evidence from Space
History
Earth Observation (EO) systems offer opportunities to monitor behaviour, verify and enforce compliance with legal and administrative requirements in areas from environmental laws to urban planning, livestock disease control and verification of subsidy claims.
However, satellite-derived information has rarely been used as primary evidence in legal and administrative proceedings. The use and development of satellite-derived information has been almost exclusively technology-led. There has also been very limited interaction between lawyers and technology professionals in this area. As a result, there is limited awareness among lawyers and administrators about the range of satellite-derived information and the extent to which it is available.
Aim
In order to bring this type of information into wider use as evidence, it is essential to have greater cross-disciplinary cooperation and dialogue. A mechanism should also be developed to define the future needs of legal and administrative professionals and to point the way for the development of future technologies.
It must also be demonstrated that satellite-derived information can provide a rigorous, reliable legal tool. Assurance is needed that such information can be operationally effective, and can lead to positive outcomes in courts, tribunals and in administrative proceedings. Furthermore, it must be shown that judges, tribunal members and administrative officials will accept its use.
A variety of issues need to be considered and resolved before satellite-derived information is to be used in courts, including the key issue of admissibility. There must also be analysis of where this information has been used as evidence in the courts, whether successfully or unsuccessfully.
The study
While there have been studies looking at specific aspects of the use of such information, ESA commissioned ISPL to take a fresh look at the subject. Satellite capabilities have improved and awareness of satellite imagery has increased. This study looked at previous research, carried out fresh research, and extended and broadened the dialogue.
The Project commenced in 2009. It was extended to cover further areas of potential use, and was completed in the first half of 2012.