Strategic Collaboration with ESPI

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.