Have you ever wondered if Star Wars is a real possibility?
 
In this episode of Space Matters, we sit down with four trailblazing experts in space security: Victoria Sampson (Secure World Foundation), Jessica West (Project Ploughshares), Almudena Azcárate Ortega (UN Institute for Disarmament Research), and Sarah Erickson (UN Institute for Disarmament Research). Each shares their unique journey into the space sector, shedding light on the winding paths that led them to their current roles in space governance. The episode dives into the historical roots of space security, exploring the military origins of space exploration, the critical lessons learned from Cold War-era nuclear tests, and the development of international space treaties.
 
This podcast episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in space governance, international law, and the intersection of technology and global security. Tune in to hear from the experts who are leading the way in shaping the future of space security.
 
For more information about our podcast guests:
 
Jessica West, Project Ploughshares: https://www.ploughshares.ca/author/jessica-west
 
Victoria Samson, Secure World Foundation: https://swfound.org/about-us/our-team/victoria-samson/
 
Almudena Azcarate Ortega, UN Institute for Disarmament Research: https://unidir.org/people/almudena-azcarate-ortega/
 
Sarah Erikson, UN Institute for Disarmament Research: https://unidir.org/people/sarah-erickson/
 
More information on topics discussed:

• Outer Space Treaty: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introouterspacetreaty.html


• More information about the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: https://disarmament.unoda.org/wmd/nuclear/npt/#:~:text=The%20NPT%20is%20a%20landmark,and%20general%20and%20complete%20disarmament.

• UN Res 75/36 establishing the Open-Ended Working Group: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3895440?v=pdf


• UN A/Res 77/41 calling for a moratorium on direct-ascent anti-satellite weapons https://undocs.org/Home/Mobile?FinalSymbol=A%2FRES%2F77%2F41&Language=E


• Secure World Foundation report "Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Tests: State Positions on the Moratorium, UNGA Resolution, and Lessons for the Future" https://swfound.org/news/all-news/2023/10/direct-ascent-anti-satellite-missile-tests-state-positions-on-the-moratorium-unga-resolution-and-lessons-for-the-future/


• Recap report by UNIDIR on the OEWG (authored by Almudena and Sarah) https://unidir.org/publication/oewg-on-reducing-space-threats-recap-report/


• Recap report on the OEWG

by Project Ploughshares (authored by Jess West) https://www.ploughshares.ca/reports/the-open-ended-working-group-on-reducing

-space-threats-final-recap


• Cassandra Steer, "Making Arms Control Work" https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/making-space-arms-control-work


• Secure World Foundation, "Global Counterspace Capabilities Report" (co-authored by Victoria Samson and Brian Weeden) https://swfound.org/counterspace/


• UNIDIR report "Space Security and Sustainability: Why Is It Essential for Small Island Nations?" (co-authored by Almudena and Sarah) https://unidir.org/publication/space-security-and-sustainability-why-is-it-essential-for-small-island-nations/

What does a space lawyer do? Join senior fellow Dr. Kat Robison and research affiliate Joel Lisk in this episode of Space Matters, the Space Governance Podcast. They discuss the landscape of space regulation, focusing on Australian domestic space law and broader challenges in outer space regulation. Joel's insights cover the intersection of space laws with cultural and scientific rights, intellectual property rights in space, space debris, and data security. He also explores the future of space law amidst the commercialisation of outer space.

Welcome to a new episode where we discuss the Australian Centre for Space Governance's recent survey on Australian attitudes towards space activities. This study reveals a significant lack of awareness and knowledge about space activities among Australians, highlighting a gap between public interest in space and actual knowledge about space technologies. This podcast episode provides an in-depth discussion on the implications of these findings for space governance and public policy.

Join Dr. Aleksandar Deejay, along with Dr. Tristan Moss and Dr. Kat Robison-Hasani, as they explore the most comprehensive public opinion poll on understandings of space conducted in Australia. They discuss the critical need for clearer messaging and communication about the impact of space activities on daily life, national needs, and government priorities, and suggest ways to enhance public understanding and engagement with space governance.

Today's conversation is crucial for anyone interested in how space activities are viewed by the public and the importance of effective communication to bridge the knowledge gap. Insights from this episode will help shape future initiatives to better integrate public awareness into space policy and governance.

Link to survey: https://www.spacegovcentre.org/_files/ugd/ed2eed_d028d1b713fe425d98f0ecb0064c1329.pd

In this episode of “Space Matters: The Space Governance podcast”, join our chair, Dr. Cassandra Steer, as she discusses Earth Observation, its role in our daily lives, its applications, and its governance. Our special guest, Stephen Ward, shares his journey into the space sector and discusses his work with Symbios in Earth Observation governance. This episode explores the transformative potential of Earth Observation to both change and save the world, while also addressing the recent cancellation of the National Space Mission for Earth Observation.

We examine the risks associated with data dependency, the necessity for continuity, and the international institutions governing these advanced technologies. The discussion also covers the involvement of the commercial sector, highlighting both the opportunities and concerns it brings to Earth Observation. Tune in to learn how Australia can best position itself to manage and responsibly use commercial space activities.

Check out the papers we discuss in this episode and additional resources you may find interesting:

ACSG report on EO data: https://www.spacegovcentre.org/_files/ugd/ed2eed_e154dbf09cc34fa7b7088d7794df0f73.pdf

Continuity of EO Data for Australia: https://www.eoa.org.au/news/2024/4/9/continuity-of-earth-observation-data-for-australia-risks-report-released

Symbios Communications: https://symbios.space/

CEOS: https://ceos.org/about-ceos/overview/

Welcome to today's episode where we dive deep into the vital work of the Australian Centre for Space Governance (ACSG). The ACSG advocates for responsible space governance and seeks to advance Australia’s interests in space in the 21st century.

Established as an interdisciplinary hub for space law and governance, ACSG is
dedicated to serving the comprehensive needs of government bodies, industry leaders, and a wide array of stakeholders within the space sector. As Australia continues to expand its presence in space, the Centre plays a significant role in shaping Australia’s legal and governance frameworks essential for ethical and responsible space exploration and utilisation.

Join Dr Cassandra Steer and Dr Kat Robison as they discuss the establishment and mission of the ACSG, introducing the internationally recognised Steering Committee and Members. This is the launchpad of a series of podcast episodes looking at Australia’s interests in space in the 21st century.

To find out more from the ACSG:

Visit our website at https://www.spacegovcentre.org/

And follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/spacegovcentre/

Get ready for the launch of our new podcast series “Space Matters: The Space Governance Podcast”, brought to you by the Australian Centre for Space Governance (ACSG). Join us for the first episode where Dr. Cassandra Steer and Dr. Kat Robinson will take us through the ACSG’s mission in advancing Australia’s space interests in the 21st century, and advocating for responsible space governance.

Discover how ACSG's interdisciplinary approach to space law and governance is shaping the future of Australia's space sector. This inaugural podcast introduces the importance in understanding the complexities of space governance and the strategic importance of responsible space exploration and utilisation.

Stay tuned and prepare to learn more about Australia's evolving journey in space law and governance.