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Episode Summary: In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams, Director of Science in Space, talks with Dr. Jessica West, a senior researcher at Project Ploughshares and senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. They explore Jessica's distinguished career in the space policy field, from her initial role in international development to her current contributions to space security. Jessica shares insights on the challenges she faced starting out in a heavily military-dominated profession, the importance of community, and the breadth of opportunities in the space sector -- not just in engineering or scientific roles but in policy and advocacy as well. They cover the complexities and nuances of space governance within UN committees, the value of peace in outer space, and the role of think tanks in influencing policy decisions.
Bio: Jessica leads research to advance peace and security in outer space through a humanitarian focus on space for all and benefits to people and the planet. As part of this work, she interacts regularly with key United Nations bodies tasked with space security and space safety issues. Related research interests include approaches to peace and disarmament rooted in humanitarian protection and gender perspectives, as well as the impact of new technologies on space security such as cyber connectivity and artificial intelligence. Jessica holds a PhD in global governance from the Balsillie School of International Affairs where her work focused on linkages between resilience, national security, and public health. She currently holds roles as a Research Fellow at the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement, and a Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-west-9733b31a2/
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Links and Resources
Project Ploughshares: https://www.ploughshares.ca/
Space Security Index: https://spacesecurityindex.org/
PhD Programme in Global Governance: https://uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies-academic-calendar/arts/global-governance/doctor-philosophy-phd-global-governance
UN COPUOS: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/index.html
ITU https://www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/backgrounders/Pages/Regulation-of-Satellite-Systems.aspx
https://www.itu.int/hub/2021/11/managing-radio-frequency-spectrum-amid-a-new-space-race/
UN Disarmament and International Security (First Committee) https://www.un.org/en/ga/first/index.shtml
Open Ended Working Group: https://meetings.unoda.org/open-ended-working-group-on-reducing-space-threats-2022
Summary Ploughshares Report from Jessica: https://www.ploughshares.ca/reports/the-open-ended-working-group-on-reducing-space-threats-final-recap
Article in CIGIOnline by Jessica: https://www.cigionline.org/articles/until-now-humans-have-been-lucky-in-space-it-wont-last-forever/.
Article by Jessica and another Space Policy Pioneer guest, Laura Delgado Lopez, https://www.cigionline.org/publications/clearing-the-fog-the-grey-zones-of-space-governance/
Opinion piece in SpaceWatch Global by Jessica: https://spacewatch.global/2023/12/spacewatchgl-opinion-crafting-new-solutions-to-avert-an-arms-race-in-outer-space/
United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, UNIDIR: https://unidir.org/
Secure World Foundation, SWF https://swfound.org/
Laura Grego: https://www.ucsusa.org/about/people/laura-grego ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragrego/
Teresa Hitchens: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-hitchens-2b0883107/
Space Generation Advisory Council: https://spacegeneration.org/
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Episode Summary: In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams, Director of Science in Space interviews Dale Ketcham, the Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Space Florida. The conversation delves into the mission and activities of Space Florida, its evolution since inception, and the state of Florida's emergence as a leading hub for space-related activities. Dale lays out the importance of space policy on Earth, the increasing intersection of commercial aviation and maritime sectors with space, and the future opportunities available with the rapid growth of commercial enterprise in space.
Bio: Dale Ketcham has been an advocate of Florida in the space marketplace for decades. In his present role, Ketcham utilizes existing and developing networks to advantage the State of Florida as the recognized leader in the civil, commercial and military space marketplace through innovation, collaboration and influence. Dale spent 40+ years at the Cape working with major contractors, small businesses and socially / economically disadvantaged businesses, the U.S. Congress, Enterprise Florida and the University of Central Florida. After receiving a degree in Philosophy from the University of Florida, Dale returned to Cocoa Beach. There he worked for Rockwell International in the Shuttle Program for 10 years, then spent four years as District Director for Congressman Jim Bacchus, representing the Space Coast on the Space Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Immediately prior to Space Florida, Dale worked at UCF as Director of the Spaceport Research & Technology Institute (SRTI) at KSC and as the Director of Space and Defense Programs with Enterprise Florida. Since 2007 he has served as the primary point of contact for those seeking the Presidency of both parties by demonstrating their support for the space program in Florida.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-ketcham-82498413/
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Links and Resources:
Space Florida: https://www.spaceflorida.gov/
Florida Spaceport Office: https://www.fdot.gov/spaceport
https://www.faa.gov/space/spaceports_by_state
Deloitte Report on Spaceports: https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/billsummaries/2023/html/3163
https://spacenews.com/cape-congestion-worlds-busiest-spaceport-stretched-to-its-limits/
https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/explore-attractions/nasa-now/spaceport-ksc -
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Episode Summary: In this podcast episode, Andy Williams, the Director of Science in Space, talks with Bryce Kennedy, the president of the Association of Commercial Space Professionals (ACSP). They discuss the importance of making understanding of the regulatory landscape more accessible in the evolving space industry, and the need for commercial space professionals to navigate complex regulations. Bryce also shares his fascinating career journey and provides insightful advice for those seeking a career in the space policy and regulatory fields. Listen in for a comprehensive exploration of the future of space access and regulatory hurdles.
Bio: Bryce Kennedy, Esq., Mgm., is the President of the Association of Commercial Space Professionals (ACSP), where he launched the Space Regulatory Bootcamp–training and advocating for regulatory reforms in the space industry. Before his role at ACSP, Bryce worked at Aegis Space Law as a Business Development/Regulatory Attorney, shaping regulatory strategies with key agencies in the US including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and influencing the strategic direction of commercial entities in the space sector. Bryce co-founded The Other 50, a corporate coaching firm known for driving growth and implementing transformative systems for clients, including the Boston Consulting Group. Academically, he serves as a professor at New Mexico Tech University, teaching space law and policy. He has a Masters in Global Management and Space Leadership from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycekennedy/
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Links and Resources:
Association of Commercial Space Professionals (ACSP): https://acsp.space/
Aegis Law Firm: https://aegis.law/
Bailey Reichelt, Aegis Law: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baileyreichelt/
SBIR / STTR funding: https://www.sbir.gov/about
Overview of US regulatory steps for space activities: https://www.spacefoundation.org/space_brief/us-space-regulations/
US Federal Communications Transparency Initiative - started in late 2023 to increase the accessibility of regulatory information: https://www.fcc.gov/space/transparency-initiative
ACSP Bootcamp: https://acsp.space/abq24bootcamp/
Michelle Hanlon, Executive Director of the Center for Air and Space Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law: https://law.olemiss.edu/faculty-directory/michelle-hanlon/
ACSP Newsletter: https://acsp.space/newsletter/
Thunderbird School: https://thunderbird.asu.edu/degree/executive/executive-master-global-management-space-leadership
Laura Cummings https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-cummings13/
Integrated Space Plan: https://www.spacesafetymagazine.com/spaceflight/integrated-space-plan/
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In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams, Director of Science in Space, converses with Charles Galland, Policy Manager for ASD Eurospace. They discuss Charles's unique career transition from Unilever's European affairs team to the space sector, highlighting the importance of key skills such as understanding the political environment, working with groups to gain consensus, and mastering the ability to analyze complex documents quickly. Charles shares his views on the varied career opportunities in the space policy field and how to pursue them. The impact of the growing 'New Space' sector also gets discussed, along with the role Eurospace plays in advocating for the European Space Industry.
Bio: Charles Galland is Policy Manager at ASD-Eurospace, the trade association of the European space industry, since 2018. Charles is notably responsible for EU and ESA affairs. In this respect, he allows industry to best position itself in an European context, and its interests to be heard by the people that matter in European space policy.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-galland-eurospace/
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Links and Resources:
Unilever, Charles’ early Brussels role: https://www.unilever.com/planet-and-society/responsible-business/engaging-with-stakeholders/
Sciences Po, Strasbourg: https://www.sciencespo-strasbourg.fr/
ASD Eurospace: https://eurospace.org/
EU Space Policy: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-space-programme/
Read ASD Eurospace’s position on the EU “Space Law” https://eurospace.org/eurospace-position-paper-contribution-to-the-future-eu-space-law/
Another interesting perspective on EU space law: https://www.ejiltalk.org/a-future-eu-space-law-a-few-constitutional-considerations/
A fascinating and indepth report covering many of the contemporary issues of European space: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2023/734691/EPRS_STU(2023)734691_EN.pdf
Space Generation Advisory Council: https://spacegeneration.org/
DLR video mention: https://www.dlr.de/en/latest/news/2021/02/20210611_a-new-animation-shows-a-day-without-space
DLR - German Space Agency: https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr
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Episode Summary: In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams, Director of Science in Space, sits down with Dr. Tomas Hrozensky, a senior researcher and European engagement lead at the European Space Policy Institute. Dr. Hrozensky shares his insights on the major space policy issues today and in the future, discusses how technical understanding is essential in space policy roles, and elaborates on his journey and experiences in the space policy sector.
Bio: Tomas Hrozensky is a Senior Researcher and lead on European Engagement at ESPI His research work has focused primarily on space sustainability, space security and European space policy. He holds MA and PhD in international relations from the Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. Previously he was a visiting Fulbright Scholar at the Space Policy Institute of the George Washington University, a researcher for the Space Security Index 2017, member of Slovak delegation to the UN COPUOS, and a volunteer in the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-hrozensky-9149a9147/
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Links and Resources:
ESPI: https://www.espi.or.at/ ESPI have an excellent library of space policy resource - look under “Resources”. ESPI2040: Sace for Prosperity, Peace and Future Generations https://www.espi.or.at/espi-2040/ - ESPI’s policy vision for the future of Europe in space, and the future of space in the broader society and economy ESPI Insights Newsletter: https://www.espi.or.at/insights/EU Policy on Space Traffic Management: https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-space-policy/space-traffic-management_en Overview of US Policies on Space Traffic Management (2019). https://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/copuos/stsc/2019/tech-05E.pdf -
Join Andy Williams, Director of Science in Space, as he welcomes Jess Dallas, space policy advisor for the New Zealand Space Agency, on the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast. They discuss varied career paths in space policy, the important skills needed to succeed, and how a technical background can aid in policy roles. They also cover the functionality and purpose of New Zealand's Space Agency, engagement process in developing the space policy, and touch on the growing interest in space resource extraction and sustainability. The podcast also includes insights into Jess's early fascination with space, her transition from a technical career to policy advisor, and her advice on getting into the field.
Bio: Dr Jess Dallas is a Principal Policy Advisor at the New Zealand Space Agency. Prior to this role Jess worked at several research institutes including the Centre for Star and Planet Formation in Denmark and the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris in France. She also led the Space Safety and Sustainability Project Group at the Space Generation Advisory Council.
Jess did a PhD at the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research at the University of New South Wales focusing on space sustainability and a Master of Science at Victoria University of Wellington investigating solar system formation.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-dallas1/
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Links and Resources
New Zealand Space Agency: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/
New Zealand Space Policy: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/national-space-policy/
Policy consultation: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/new-zealand-space-policy-review-consultation/
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS): https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/index.html
Dark and Quiet Skies: https://cps.iau.org/
Australian Centre for Space Engineering, University of South Wales: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/acser
Astroscale: https://astroscale.com/
Space Generation Advisory council (SGAC): https://spacegeneration.org/
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Episode Summary: In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, Andy Williams, Director of Science in Space, sits down with Tanushri Joshi, Senior Legal and Business Development Manager at HEX20, an Australian smallsat firm. At the time of recording, Tanushri has just finished a post at an Indian rocket company - Skyroot Aerospace. Tanushri shares her career journey in the emerging field of space policy in India, reveals the challenges and opportunities of working in a technical industry as a non-technical person, and discusses India's rapid growth in the space sector. The conversation also covers the influence of policy on the space sector, touches on the changing dynamics and collaborative nature of the industry, and offers advice for aspiring space policy enthusiasts. Tune in for an inspiring inside look into the world of space policy.
Bio: Tanushri is a lawyer from India currently employed as Senior Legal and Business Development Manager at HEX20, an innovative smallsat company providing customized products and services for the CubeSat and SmallSat markets globally. She previously worked as a Legal and Business Development Associate for Skyroot Aerospace–a private newspace launch vehicle company in India. Prior to Skyroot, she completed several trainee legal positions in law firms in India, covering a range of IP and private law subjects. She completed her Bachelors from ILS Law College, Pune and is a Gold Medalist in Law from Pune University (2021). She is a member of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) Working Group on Light Pollution of the Night Sky From a Space Law Perspective and continues to work on various research papers related to space law and policy.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanushrijoshi/
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Links and Resources:
Skyroot Aerospace: https://skyroot.in/
HEX20: https://hex20.com.au/
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): https://www.isro.gov.in/
ISRO Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): https://www.isro.gov.in/MarsOrbiterMissionSpacecraft.html
Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Mission: https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan3_Details.html
Aditya-L1 Mission: https://www.isro.gov.in/Aditya_L1.html
Indian Space Policy 2023: https://www.isro.gov.in/IndiaSpacePolicy.html
ILS Law College, Pune, India: https://ilslaw.edu/
COSPAR: https://cosparhq.cnes.fr/
Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ECSL_-_European_Centre_for_Space_Law/Manfred_Lachs_Space_Law_Moot_Court_Competition
Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). https://spacegeneration.org/
International Institute of Space Law (IISL): https://iisl.space/
International Astronautical Congress (IAC): https://www.iafastro.org/events/iac/
Tanushri’s paper at IAC: https://swfound.org/media/207715/tanushri_iac-23-e7-1-12-x77008.pdf
Secure World Foundation: https://swfound.org/
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Episode Summary: In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams, Director of Science in Space, chats with Quentin Verspieren, the Project Lead for one of the European Space Agency (ESA) new accelerators. Quentin shares his unique career journey from aerospace engineering to public policy, providing valuable insights for listeners interested in exploring their own career paths in space policy. He discusses his role at the ESA, explains the goal of the ESA accelerator projects, and emphasizes the growing importance of space policy. Additionally, Quentin provides an overview of the key elements that make up a promising job market in space policy.
Bio: Quentin Verspieren is the Protect Accelerator Coordinator at the Strategy and Transformation Office, Directorate of Operations, European Space Agency. In this role, he leads the development of ambitious European initiatives on debris mitigation and remediation, and on space weather services. Dr. Verspieren is also a visiting Assistant Professor at the Science, Technology, and Innovation Governance (STIG) program, Graduate School of Public Policy, The University of Tokyo, where his research primarily focuses on space policymaking and technology development in developing countries and on international regime-making for space security, safety and sustainability. He has two master’s degrees in aerospace engineering (ISAE-SUPAERO and The University of Tokyo) and a Ph.D. in public policy (The University of Tokyo).
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Links and Resources
ISAE Supaero School, Toulouse: https://www.isae-supaero.fr/en/
University of Tokyo, Public Policy School: https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/academics/grad_public_policy.html
Prof. Shinici Nakasuka: https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/en/people/people000178.html
ArkEdge Space: https://arkedgespace.com/en
SpaceWays Study on Space Traffic Management: https://spaceways-h2020.eu/
European space Agency: https://www.esa.int/
EU Agency for the Space Programme: https://www.euspa.europa.eu/
EUMETSAT: https://www.eumetsat.int/
ESO: https://eso.org
European Space Policy Institute: https://www.espi.or.at/
ESA Accelerators: https://vision.esa.int/category/ambition/accelerate-the-use-of-space/
ESA Careers site: https://jobs.esa.int/
ESA Director General: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Corporate_news/Josef_Aschbacher_ESA_Director_General
Report of the ESA High Level Advisory Group: https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/corporate/h-lag_brochure.pdf
ESA Space Safety Programme: https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Safety_Programme_at_Ministerial_Council
ESA Zero Debris Approach: https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Clean_Space/ESA_s_Zero_Debris_approach
Zero Debris Charter: https://esoc.esa.int/sites/default/files/Zero_Debris_Charter_EN.pdf
US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 5 year deorbiting rule: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-adopts-new-5-year-rule-deorbiting-satellites
French Space Operations Act, 2008: https://download.esa.int/docs/ECSL/France.pdf
Information about the review of the French space law: https://indico.esa.int/event/450/contributions/8993/attachments/5692/9448/update%20of%20the%20FSOA-T4SC_CSID%202023.pdf
Galileo Satellite Navigation: https://www.euspa.europa.eu/european-space/galileo/What-Galileo
Useful Resources Comparison between Japanese and American space policy: https://www.thespacereview.com/article/3589/1
List of space sustainability charters and initiatives:
Interagency Space Debris Coordination Committee: https://iadc-home.org/what_iadc
Space Safety Coalition: https://spacesafety.org/
Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) Code of Conduct: https://gsoasatellite.com/wp-content/uploads/GSOA-Code-of-Conduct-Paper.pdf
Space Sustainability Rating: https://spacesustainabilityrating.org/
Earth-Space Sustainability Initiative (ESSI): https://www.essi.org/
Net Zero Space Initiative: https://www.netzerospaceinitiative.org/
Zero Debris Charter: https://esoc.esa.int/sites/default/files/Zero_Debris_Charter_EN.pdf
UN Long Term Sustainability Guidelines: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/long-term-sustainability-of-outer-space-activities.html
UN OOSA Compendium on space debris standards: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/space-debris/compendium.html
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In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams, Director of Science in Space, interviews space policy expert Hjalte Osborn Frandsen. They discuss different career paths in space policy, the skills needed for success, and delve into the question of whether pursuing a PhD in the field is necessary. Hjalte shares his journey from a legal and consulting background into the space policy research field and his current work on space traffic management. They also discuss the challenges in addressing the rapid increase in space traffic, especially in low Earth orbit, and the potential future of this segment of policy, but also where the industry is heading and its need for a diverse range of professionals from various disciplines.
Bio: After obtaining M.Sc. in International Law, Economics and Management and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Copenhagen, Hjalte spent a decade working as a management consultant at the nexus of technological change, sustainability, and governance. Driven by a deep-seated passion for space law and policy, Hjalte re-entered academia three years ago, embarking on a Ph.D. journey in the field of Space Law & Policy. Hjalte’s Ph.D. project explores avenues for better governance of the increasingly congested and contested region of Low Earth Orbit.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hjalteosbornfrandsen/
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Episode Guide
00:05 Introduction to the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast
01:16 The Journey into Space Policy
01:41 Transitioning from Business Consulting to Space Policy
02:15 The Decision to Pursue a PhD in Space Policy
05:01 The Challenges and Rewards of a PhD
08:10 The Role of a PhD in the Space Sector
08:35 The Process of Crafting a Research Proposal
20:34 The Future of Space Traffic Management
24:57 Career Paths after a PhD in Space Law
31:12 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations
Links and Resources
University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Law: https://jura.ku.dk/english/
Hjalte’s profile at Copenhagen: https://jura.ku.dk/english/staff/find-a-researcher/?pure=en/persons/389443
A million paper satellites: https://www.outerspaceinstitute.ca/docs/One%20million%20(paper)%20satellites%20-%20Accepted%20Version%20.pdf
International Telecommunications Union (ITU). https://www.itu.int/
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). https://www.icao.int/
Law of Sea: https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf
Internet Governance: https://www.internetgovernance.org/what-is-internet-governance/
United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/index.html
Danish Space Law and Policy: https://ufm.dk/en/research-and-innovation/space-and-denmark
Hjalte’s Publications - All Open Access!
Frandsen, H. O. 2023, Towards Right-of-Way Rules in Orbit: Principles & Parameters for Sustainable Space Traffic, Air and Space Law, vol 48(3), pp. 297 – 318, https://doi.org/10.54648/aila2023042
Frandsen, H. O. 2022, Customary International Law as a Vessel for Global Accord: The Case of Customary Rules-of- the-Road for Governing the Orbital Highways of Earth, Journal of Air Law and Commerce, vol 87, pp. 705-757, https://doi.org/10.25172/jalc.87.4.3
Frandsen, H. O. 2022, Looking for the Rules-of-the-Road of Outer Space: A search for basic traffic rules in treaties, guidelines and standards, Journal of Space Safety Engineering, vol 9(2), pp. 231-238, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsse.2022.02.002
Frandsen, H. O. 2022, Governing Outer Space – legal issues mounting at the final frontier, Danish Institute for International Studies: https://www.diis.dk/en/research/governing-outer-space-legal-issues-mounting-the-final-frontier
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Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams, the Director of Science in Space, interviews guest Laura Delgado Lopez, Senior Policy Analyst at NASA Science Mission Directorate. Laura shares her journey into the world of space policy, various career paths one can take in the industry, and the importance of international space cooperation. Conversations are geared towards career advice for aspiring space policy enthusiasts and include critical topics like sustainability challenges in space, diversifying the industry, and the practicalities of working for big organizations like NASA. Laura also discusses her role in policy-making, global implications of these policies, and her current research on international space cooperation in Latin America.
NOTE: Unfortunately, there was a technical issue during the recording, which resulted in less-than-optimal audio quality. Listening with headphones is recommended!
Bio: Laura Delgado López is a Senior Policy Analyst at the NASA Science Mission Directorate’s Policy Branch, which provides policy support to the science leadership of the Agency. As a 2023-2024 Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow, she is currently on leave from NASA and is conducting research on international space cooperation in Latin America at the Americas Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Originally from Puerto Rico, Laura has worked in space policy in the Washington, DC, area for nearly 15 years. Prior to NASA, Laura was an advocacy lead at Harris Corporation’s Space and Intelligence Systems Segment, a Project Manager at the Secure World Foundation (SWF), the Earth Observations Associate at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, and a correspondent for SpacePolicyOnline.com. Ms. Delgado López is a former Editor-in-Chief of Elsevier’s Space Policy journal, the premier peer-reviewed publication for the interdisciplinary study of space policy, and serves on the SWF Advisory Committee. Her research has focused on space politics and policy, international cooperation, and public opinion, and has been featured in Space Policy, Astropolitics, Space News, among other publications. She enjoys working with early career professionals and regularly volunteers as a mentor in the space community. Ms. Delgado López holds an M.A. in international science and technology with a focus on space policy from the George Washington University and a B.A. in political science from the University of Puerto Rico. https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-delgado-lopez
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Episode Guide:
00:05 Introduction to the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast
01:14 Guest Introduction: Laura Delgado Lopez
01:51 Laura's Journey into Space Policy
03:29 The Role of Passion and Interest in Space Policy
05:01 Laura's Career Path and Experiences
08:04 The Importance of Diverse Experiences and Mentorship
12:49 Working in Different Policy Fields: Industry vs Government
16:05 Experience with Space Policy Online
19:28 Working at NASA: The Dream Space Policy Job
25:50 Role in the Advisory Committee for the Secure World Foundation
28:41 Future Challenges in Space Policy
32:02 Research on International Space Cooperation in Latin America
36:16 Advice for Early Career Space Policy Enthusiasts
39:58 Laura's Big Picture and Role in the Space Policy Field
42:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Links and Resources
Companies and organisations
NASA Science Mission Directorate: https://science.nasa.gov/
Dr Jens Feeley: https://science.nasa.gov/people/dr-jens-feeley/
NASA Careers: https://www.nasa.gov/careers/
National Academies: Science Engineering Medicine: https://www.nationalacademies.org/
Secure World Foundation: https://swfound.org/
SWF Director, Peter Martinez: https://swfound.org/about-us/our-team/dr-peter-martinez/
L3Harris: https://www.l3harris.com/
Centre for Strategic and International Studies: https://www.csis.org/
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/index.html
Space Generation Advisory Council https://spacegeneration.org
Education
George Washington University: https://politicalscience.columbian.gwu.edu/
Elliot School of International Affairs: https://elliott.gwu.edu/international-science-and-technology-policy
GWU Space Policy Institute: https://spi.elliott.gwu.edu/
Fellowships and Internships
Truman Fellowship: https://www.truman.gov/
Lloyd V Berkner Space Policy Internship: https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/lloyd-v-berkner-space-policy-internship-program
Space Policy Information Sources SpaceNews: https://spacenews.com/
Space Policy Online: https://spacepolicyonline.com/
Marcia Smith: https://twitter.com/SpcPlcyOnline
SWF Newsletter: https://swfound.org/news/newsletters/
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Episode Summary: In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams speaks with Sarah Parker, Senior Policy Analyst for the Canadian Space Agency. The discussion revolves around Sarah's career trajectory, which began in the defense sector and led to her current space policy role. Sarah shares her insights on the evolving space sector, the learnings from her diverse educational background, the importance of international partnerships, and the crucial skills needed for a successful career in space policy. The discussion also highlights some emerging challenges in the field and future opportunities for space policy enthusiasts.
Bio: Sarah joined the Canadian Federal Government as a Policy Advisor in 2009. She spent over a decade with National Defence, where she advanced a range of strategic defence initiatives, and specialized in space security and norm-building efforts in the space domain. Sarah held a number of positions across the Defence Team, including as Deputy Policy Advisor to Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command, Executive Assistant to the Assistant Deputy Minister of Policy, and Deputy Director Space Strategy and Plans within DG Space (now 3 Canadian Space Division). Sarah joined the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2022, where she works as a Senior Policy Analyst on the International and Regulatory Affairs Team and is the lead for the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS). Sarah is a graduate of Oxford University (MSt, Diplomatic Studies with Distinction), York University (MA, Political Science) and completed her undergraduate degree at Brock University (BA, Political Science and History). She enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring new cultures through travel. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-pacey-parker/
Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.
Episode guide
01:16 Interview with Sarah Parker: Journey into Space Policy
01:32 Transitioning from Defense to Space Policy
03:33 Career Progression in Space Policy
05:11 Acquiring Knowledge and Skills for Space Policy
06:16 Understanding the Role of Civil Service in Space Policy
07:09 Balancing Knowledge in Space Sector and Government Roles
08:22 Pursuing Further Education in Diplomacy
11:34 Exploring Opportunities in the Canadian Space Agency
16:57 The Importance of Diverse Educational Backgrounds in Space Policy
19:30 Future Opportunities in the Space Sector
21:45 Advice for Aspiring Space Policy Enthusiasts
23:29 The Big Picture: A Vision for the Future and the Artemis Generation
Links and Resources
Canadian Space Agency: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/
University of Oxford: https://www.ox.ac.uk/
Oxford Diplomatic Studies: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/mst-diplomatic-studies
York University: https://www.yorku.ca/
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/index.html
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In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams speaks with Josh Ingersoll, a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Astranis Space Technologies. The discussion focuses on the role of a regulatory engineer and a spectrum management expert in the space industry. Josh also shares insights about necessary skills and relevant tools like Visualyse software, the interaction between engineers and regulatory bodies, regulatory strategy, and the importance of technical knowledge in policy roles. He further discusses possible career paths, including opportunities in the public, private, and law sectors.
Episode guide
00:05 Introduction to the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast
01:34 Understanding the Role of a Regulatory Engineer
02:40 The Importance of Spectrum in the Aerospace Industry
03:18 The Role of Regulatory Engineers in Satellite Communications
04:52 The Intersection of Regulatory Engineering and Public Relations
05:24 Understanding License Applications in Satellite Communications
06:09 The Role of Regulatory Engineers in Company Strategy
07:15 The Work of Astranis Space Technologies
10:10 The Impact of Spectrum on the Satellite Industry
10:22 The Role of Regulatory Strategy in Spectrum Management
16:40 The Day-to-Day Life of a Regulatory Engineer
17:13 The Importance of Technical Skills in Regulatory Engineering
19:08 The Role of Education in a Regulatory Engineering Career
22:58 Career Paths in Spectrum Management
27:22 The Importance of Networking in the Space Industry
34:10 The Big Picture: The Future of the Space Economy
Links and Resources
Visualyse software: https://www.transfinite.com https://www.transfinite.com/content/downloadsvisualyse
Spectrum Policy Lab: Olin College https://www.osstp.org
George Washington University space policy institute: https://spi.elliott.gwu.edu
Georgia tech space lab: https://www.cstar.gatech.edu
Mariel Borowitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielborowitz/
MIT Technology policy program: https://tpp.mit.edu
Space Generation Advisory Council https://spacegeneration.org
Polaris news letter https://payloadspace.com
Space Companies
Astranis: https://www.astranis.com
Amazon Kuiper: https://www.aboutamazon.com/what-we-do/devices-services/project-kuiper
Kuiper Jobs: https://amazon.jobs/content/en/teams/devices-services/project-kuiper
ViaSat: https://www.viasat.com/
Boeing: https://www.boeing.com/
Northrop Grumman: https://www.northropgrumman.com/
Link Global: https://lynk.world/
SpaceX: https://www.spacex.com/
Planet: https://www.planet.com/
Law firms servicing the space sector
Hogan Lovells https://www.hoganlovells.com/
DLA Piper: https://www.dlapiper.com/
US Government bodies involved in space policy
FCC space bureau: https://www.fcc.gov/space
NASA office of science and technology policy https://www.nasa.gov/otps/otps-about-us/
Office of Space Commerce https://www.space.commerce.gov
White House Office of science and technology policy https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/
Not mentioned by Josh, but for completeness,
National Space Council: https://www.whitehouse.gov/spacecouncil/
Space Force: https://www.spaceforce.mil/
NOAA: https://www.noaa.gov/
Additional Resources:
Overview of US space regulatory landscape: https://spacelaws.com/articles/space-licensing-in-the-united-states/
European Space Policy Institute report https://www.espi.or.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ESPI-Space-Spectrum-Policy-Report-1-1.pdf
ITU guidebook: https://www.itu.int/hub/2023/10/itus-handbook-on-small-satellites-advancing-the-global-satellite-industry/
