10th Annual Space Traffic Management Conference

Enclosed are notes from panels from this week’s 10th Annual Space Traffic Management Conference on 27 February 2024. The conference featured a lineup of keynote speakers and panels, including:

Keynote: Diane Howard, Director, Commercial Space Policy, National Space Council

Dr. Howard’s insights provide a structured lens through which the challenges and collaborative efforts in the field of space exploration and traffic management.

Development of Space Law and Policy: Dr. Howard highlighted the essential contributions of individuals, including herself, in establishing forums for space law and policy discussions. She underscored the importance of these forums in fostering the development of legal and policy frameworks that are critical for effective space traffic management, reflecting on the proactive steps taken to address the evolving challenges in space activities.

Expansion of Space Situational Awareness and Governance: Dr. Howard emphasized the necessity of enhancing space situational awareness, particularly with the extension of activities into cislunar space. She pointed out the community’s efforts to adapt governance models to these new challenges, stressing the development of innovative tracking systems and the importance of evolving governance to keep pace with technological advancements.

Evolution of Space-Conference Dialogues: Through her experiences, Dr. Howard illustrated how space-related conferences have evolved, showcasing the dynamic nature of community collaboration. She noted the significant shift towards integrating diverse disciplines and fostering discussions that have progressively tackled more complex issues of governance and sustainability in space.

International Cooperation and Regulatory Coordination: Dr. Howard discussed the critical role of international cooperation and the complexities arising from uncoordinated regulatory efforts. She provided examples of her involvement in international engagements and advocated for a harmonized approach to policy, highlighting the necessity of global collaboration for effective space governance.

Generational Leadership and Engagement: called attention to the importance of engaging younger generations in space policy discourse. She emphasized the value of mentorship and the transition of leadership, advocating for education and active participation as means to prepare new leaders for the future challenges of space exploration and governance.

Navigating Regulatory and Policy Challenges: She addressed the intricacies of navigating policy and regulatory landscapes within the space sector. Dr. Howard acknowledged the efforts underway to streamline legislative processes and incorporate a broad range of perspectives into policymaking, underscoring the need for coherent and comprehensive strategies to tackle issues of sustainability and security in space.

Personal Growth and Ethical Considerations: Dr. Howard shared reflections on the importance of personal development and ethical considerations within the space sector. She spoke to the need for individuals to take breaks, embrace risk-taking, and maintain an ethical compass, highlighting how personal commitments and values play a crucial role in professional advancements in space law and policy.

Panel: Spaceport Issues and Challenges

Moderator: Janet Tinoco, Owner, Runways to Space LLC 

Panelists: 

Andrew Nelson, 

Patrick McCarthy, 

Daniel Hawk, 

Charlie McGillis

Summary:

-This panel offered a deep dive into the complexities and evolving nature of spaceport development, space traffic management, and the broader implications for global space governance. 

-By addressing infrastructure needs, regulatory and operational hurdles, and fostering sustainable development practices, the discussions pointed towards a concerted approach to ensuring the safety, sustainability, and inclusivity of spaceport operations and space traffic management globally.

Evolution of Space Situational Awareness (SSA): A key theme was the advancement of SSA technologies and methodologies, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of space operations. The discussion highlighted the emergence of a commercial SSA market, showcasing a significant shift towards private sector engagement in space safety and traffic management.

Influence of NGOs in Space Governance: The panel underlined the vital role Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play in bridging the gap between governmental entities and the private sector. NGOs’ contributions to fostering international cooperation, promoting sustainability practices, and building capacity in space traffic management were spotlighted, showcasing their importance in the global space governance ecosystem.

Commercialization of SSA Solutions: The growth of the commercial SSA sector was discussed, with a focus on how private entities are innovating in tracking and managing space objects. This theme explored the shifting dynamics towards greater involvement of the commercial sector in providing solutions that enhance space safety and traffic management.

Regulatory and Operational Hurdles: The panel delved into the myriad regulatory, funding, and operational challenges that spaceports face, including the necessity for international collaboration and standardization in space traffic coordination. These discussions emphasized the complexities surrounding spaceport licensing, infrastructure development, and ensuring compatibility with diverse space missions.

Community and Environmental Considerations: Significant attention was given to the impact of spaceport operations on local communities and the environment. The theme stressed the need for responsible development practices, effective public engagement, and consideration of indigenous rights, advocating for approaches that ensure spaceport activities are sustainable and inclusive.

Spaceport Development and Governance Strategies: Addressing the challenges and strategies associated with developing and governing spaceports was a major focus. This included discussions on licensing, infrastructure challenges, and the need for a modern supply chain to support the increasing pace of space launches, highlighting the essential elements of a cohesive spaceport governance framework.

Vision for Future Space Traffic Coordination and Governance: The panel advocated for ongoing accountability, community involvement, and the adaptation of space traffic coordination to address the burgeoning demands of space activities. This theme called for innovative solutions, regulatory clarity, and streamlined processes to facilitate the safe and sustainable expansion of space operations.

Panel: Legal Perspectives in a Changing Environment

Moderator: Janna Lewis, Senior Counsel, BAE Systems, Inc. Takeuchi Yu

Panelists:

George Anthony Long 

Shannon Sylvie 

Abelson Jacqueline Smith

Brittany Silvester

Summary:

 -“Legal Perspectives in a Changing Environment” delved into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving use of space, focusing on how shifts in risk, access, sustainability measures, and the legal framework intersect with space activities. 

-This comprehensive discussion encompassed various aspects, from national regulatory diversity to the governance of in-space activities (ISAM) and the integration of space traffic management (STM) with human spaceflight. 

Decentralized Governance and Trust: The panel discussed the significance of trust and collaboration within decentralized systems, such as blockchain technology, emphasizing its potential to enhance space exploration and development. The importance of a neutral registry for managing the growing number of satellites and ensuring efficient space traffic management was highlighted, alongside the need for standardization and cooperation among international entities like the USSD and EU SST.

Blockchain and Space Exploration: Speakers explored the role of blockchain in fostering decentralized governance and improving knowledge management within the space sector. The discussion touched on the potential for blockchain to democratize space industry processes and enhance collaboration across global entities, emphasizing the importance of incentives for data sharing and the challenges of ensuring neutrality and interoperability in trust management.

Satellite Cataloging and Tracking: The panel addressed the technical and operational challenges associated with satellite cataloging and tracking. Discussions covered the need for commercial integration and the hurdles posed by trust and governmental processes, underscoring the importance of prioritizing satellite conjunction issues to improve safety and efficiency in the satellite industry.

Decentralized Data Management: The potential of blockchain technology to create decentralized systems for secure data sharing and verification in space operations was discussed. Speakers highlighted the importance of achieving a critical mass in space development to enhance confidence in legal agreements and expedite issue resolution.

International Cooperation and Data Governance: The dialogue emphasized the potential for more countries to engage significantly in global data governance, advocating for a multipolar approach that prioritizes trust and transparency. The importance of international cooperation and the integration of diverse perspectives, including indigenous views, into space governance discussions were underscored.

Commercial Space Industry and STM: Speakers highlighted the capabilities of the commercial space industry in providing a range of operations functions, reflecting on the growing influence of countries like China in space operations. The discussion also touched on government responsibilities in space traffic management and the potential for consolidation among service providers.

Decentralized Marketplaces and Innovation: The necessity for incentives to foster collaboration within decentralized marketplaces was discussed, alongside the importance of secure information exchange to mitigate secondary risks. The panel debated the roles of commercial versus institutional solutions in space exploration and air traffic control, highlighting the complementary nature of these approaches.

Panel: Different Perspectives on Space National Security

Moderator: Dr. Nate Dailey, Space Engineering Principal Architect, MITRE Michael Gleason

Panelists:

Ulpia Elena Botezatu Alice Zhang

Victoria Sampson Makena Young

Summary:

This panel provided a multifaceted exploration into the complexities of ensuring national security in the context of space activities, from the utilization of commercial space assets to the intricacies of space diplomacy and legal frameworks. The discussions spanned various critical areas, including governance, technological impacts, environmental considerations, and the collaborative roles of commercial and governmental entities. The emphasis on sustainable practices, alongside the need for legal and regulatory adaptability, reflects a consensus on the necessity of forward-thinking strategies to navigate the evolving space security landscape.

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Space Challenges: The panel underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing space national security challenges. This includes leveraging expertise across legal, policy, technology, and environmental disciplines to formulate comprehensive solutions to the multifaceted issues presented by space activities.

Regulatory Frameworks and International Cooperation: The discussions emphasized the necessity for international harmonization of space regulations to manage the complexities of space traffic, mitigate space debris, and ensure the sustainable use of outer space. The role of governments in leading these efforts, alongside supporting emerging space nations, was highlighted as paramount.

Commercial and Government Roles in Space Traffic Management: The evolving landscape of space traffic management was discussed, with particular attention to the capabilities and responsibilities of commercial entities versus governmental oversight. The panel advocated for a synergistic approach that harnesses the strengths of both sectors to enhance space safety and sustainability.

Sustainable Space Activities and Environmental Considerations: Environmental impacts, especially concerning space debris mitigation, were central to the conversation. The panel explored the application of the precautionary principle to deorbiting strategies, advocating for methods that consider the long-term sustainability of the space environment.

Technological Innovations and Governance: The role of technology in advancing space governance was discussed, with a focus on innovations such as in-space servicing and assembly. The panel considered how these advancements could be used as tools for enhancing governance and ensuring space security.

Legal Interpretations of Harmful Interference: The legal complexities surrounding harmful interference and the liability of space actors were examined. The need for expanded legal interpretations to include economic and operational impacts, alongside traditional physical harm, was discussed as crucial for adapting to contemporary space security challenges.

International Collaboration and Common Traffic Rules: The emergence of harmonized national regulations and the potential for these to form the basis of common traffic rules for space activities underscored the importance of international collaboration in establishing a secure and sustainable space environment.