Recorded December 9, 2014
Space situational awareness (SSA) - commonly defined as knowledge about the space environment and activities in space - is an important part of space sustainability, safety, and security. SSA has historically been mostly a military mission that focused on tracking the locations of objects in space and detecting space-based threats. However, the nature of SSA is evolving as the number of actors in space increases, including an increasing proportion of non-governmental players and space activities, and the nature of the threats to active satellites diversifies and expands to include natural and human-generated threats, as well as intentional and unintentional threats.
Secure World Foundation (SWF) held a luncheon panel discussion to discuss the changing nature of SSA and examine initiatives being developed by both the U.S. government and non-governmental entities to enhance SSA.
For more information, please visit the event page.
Panel 1 - Established Services, Providers, and Policies
Mr. Richard Buennneke, Senior Advisor for National Security Space Policy in the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, U.S. Department of State
Mr. John Hill, Principal Director, Space Policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, U.S. Department of Defense
Mr. Andrew D'Uva, President, Providence Access Company
Panel 2 - Emerging Services, Providers, and Policies
Dr. Michael Romanowski, Director, Commercial Space Integration, Federal Aviation Administration
Mr. Paul Welsh, Vice President of Business Development, Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI)
Mr. Matthew Bold, Chief Architect, Ground Based Space Situational Awareness (GBSSA), Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center
The discussion was be moderated by Mr. Brian Weeden, SWF Technical Advisor.
Recorded June 16, 2014
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact security, safety, economy, or environment. Space capabilities are an important element of MDA, including space-based radar imaging and surveillance, ocean temperature and sea ice monitoring, among others. A number of countries are developing space capabilities to support MDA, but there are still significant gaps in coordination and cooperation between these efforts, as well as integrating space-based information with other sources into a holistic MDA picture and getting it to those who need it on the ground in a usable manner. This panel session provided an overview of the importance of MDA and the various efforts to provide space-based capabilities to improve MDA. The session also offered a discussion on opportunities for enhancing international cooperation, both in space and on the ground, to improve MDA for all nations.
For more information, including speaker presentations, please see the event page.
Speakers:
Dr. Bharath Gopalaswamy, Deputy Director, South Asia Center, Atlantic Council
Mr. Jon Huggins, Director of Ocean's Beyond Piracy, One Earth Future Foundation
Dr. John Mittleman, Engineer, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Prof. Guy Thomas, Co-Founder, C-SIGMA Centre
Major Charity Weeden, Assistant Attaché Air and Space Operations, Royal Canadian Air Force
Recorded December 9, 2013
Inspired by the recent box office hit and cinematic masterpiece, Gravity, Secure World Foundation (SWF) held a panel discussion and luncheon that discussed the various legal, policy, political, and strategic implications of the scenario depicted in director Alfonso Cuarón's celebrated film Gravity and if such an accident in space were to occur in real life. Could such an accident really happen today? What is the real life threat of space debris as compared to that portrayed in the film? Legal issues to be discussed will include what the current international legal regime brings to this scenario and the difficulty of defining space debris, as highlighted by the recently published Guide to Space Law Terms published by SWF and the George Washington University's Space Policy Institute. What would be the political and strategic consequences in the international community? A brief history on anti-satellite (ASAT) programs, as well as the Chinese space station Tiangong, both of which featured prominently in the film, will be covered during the event as well. Finally, what is being done to address such a threat today, especially at the international level?
For more information, including speaker presentations, please visit the event page.
Speakers:
Dr. Henry Hertzfeld, Research Professor of Space Policy and International Affairs, George Washington University, Space Policy Institute
Dr. Darren McKnight, Technical Director, Integrity Applications, Inc.
Mr. Kirk Shireman, Deputy Director, Johnson Space Center, NASA
Ms. Marcia Smith, Founder and Editor, SpacePolicyOnline.com
The discussion will be moderated by Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation.
Recorded November 4, 2013
On-orbit satellite servicing (OOS) and active debris removal (ADR) are part of an emerging category of future on-orbit activities that are critical for taking the next leap in our use of Earth orbit. The ability to repair or refuel satellites, construct new satellites in orbit, and even remove orbital debris can help drive innovative uses of space and create new possibilities. These activities also raise a host of security, legal, safety, operational, and policy challenges that need to be tackled for this future to be possible.
In 2012, DARPA held a public conference and workshop in Washington, DC, and in 2012 and 2013, SWF worked with partners to hold a series of conferences, workshops, and panel discussions to explore these various multidisciplinary challenges. The events took place in the United States, Belgium, and Singapore and included representation from a variety of international stakeholders. This panel discussion summarizes those events as well as provides "insider and outsider" perspectives on the non-technical challenges that need to be addressed for ADR and OOS to become reality.
Speakers:
Mr. David Barnhart, Project Manager, Tactical Technology Office, DARPA
Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation
The discussion was moderated by Dr. Michael Simpson, Executive Director, Secure World Foundation.
Recorded July 24, 2013
Secure World Foundation (SWF) and the Tauri Group co-hosted an international space reception to bring together the international space policy makers and international space stakeholders within the Beltway. Speakers discussed the U.S. government's priorities for and interests in international space cooperation and outreach; a survey of international space professionals about prioritizing various aspects of space sustainability; and regional space dynamics, looking at national budgets, satellite capabilities, spaceflight, and science missions by region.
For more information, including speaker presentations, please visit the event page.
Speakers
Mr. Frank Rose, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, U.S. Department of State
Ms. Carissa Christensen, Founder and Managing Partner, The Tauri Group
Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation
Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation
Recorded July 15, 2013
Secure World Foundation and the Commons Lab of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars co-hosted a panel discussion to examine issues in sharing Earth observation satellite data, including general challenges for data sharing, problems with coordinating data, questions about how the U.S. government makes data policy sharing decisions and how they relate to the larger international context, and overall assessments about the importance of data-sharing and international cooperation. This panel is intended to focus on unclassified data-sharing in a civil context.
For more information, including speaker presentations, visit the event page.
Speakers
Dr. Mariel John Borowitz, Research Analyst, Space Foundation
Dr. Molly Macauley, Vice President of Research and Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future
Dr. Martha Maiden, Program Executive, NASA Earth Science Data Systems
Mr. Timothy Stryker, Chief of Policy, Plans and Analysis, Land Remote Sensing Program, U.S. Geological Survey
Moderator: Ms. Tiffany Chow, Project Manager, Secure World Foundation
Recorded on July 8, 2013
The Secure World Foundation (SWF) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Center for Science, Technology, and Security Policy (CSTSP) hosted a luncheon panel discussion event on Capitol Hill. Given interest sparked by the recent meteor explosion over central Russia, the event will focus on near-Earth objects (NEOs), providing informed and scientific background on the topic for policymakers, current threat status, and an update on international efforts aimed at addressing the NEO threat.
For more information, including speaker presentations, please visit the event page.
Speakers
Dr. Irwin Shapiro, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Dr. Mark Boslough, Principal Member of Technical Staff, Sandia National Laboratories
Mr. Lindley Johnson, NASA's Headquarters Program Executive for NASA's Near Earth Object Program
Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, SWF Washington Office Director
Recorded December 3, 2012
Secure World Foundation held a luncheon panel discussion on significant space policy challenges facing the second Obama Administration, including civil space funding and Congress, ITAR reform, improving space situational awareness, and improving the overall coordination of U.S. space activities.
For more information, please visit the event page.
Speakers
Ms. Marcia Smith, SpacePolicyOnline.com
Ms. Patricia Cooper, Satellite Industry Association
Mr. Brian Weeden, Secure World Foundation
Dr. Eligar Sadeh, Astroconsulting International
Moderator: Dr. Scott Pace, George Washington University
Recorded October 25, 2012
The Secure World Foundation (SWF) and the Arms Control, Disarmament, and International Security Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (ACDIS) co-hosted a panel discussion to discuss the current state of play in space, especially amongst Asian powers of Japan, India, and China. The event also examined how that play affects regional security issues, as well as international cooperative efforts to promote the long-term sustainable use of space.
For more information, please visit the event page.
Speakers
Dr. Bharath Gopalaswamy, University of Illinois - Champaign/Urbana
Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, Naval War College
Dr. Asif Siddiqi, Fordham University
Dr. Kazuto Sazuki, University of Hokkaido and Princeton University
Moderator - SWF DC Office Director Victoria Samson
Recorded August 21, 2012
Secure World Foundation and the Space Foundation co-hosted a Congressional briefing with leading defense and industry perspectives to discuss current international initiatives aimed at outer space security and sustainability.
For more information, please visit the event page.
Introductions
Brendan Curry, Vice President of Washington Operations, Space Foundation
Tiffany Chow, Program Manager, Secure World Foundation
Panelists
Sam Black, Director of Policy, Satellite Industry Association (SIA)
Peter Marquez, Vice President of Strategy and Planning, Orbital, Former White House Space Policy Director
Jessica Powers, Director for Engagement, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Space Policy), U.S. Department of Defense
Frank Slazer, Vice President for Space Systems, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
Moderator
Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation
Recorded July 17, 2012
To celebrate the release of the Executive Summary of the 2012 Space Security Index, the Secure World Foundation partnered with the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, to hold an important panel discsusion. The event featured four distinguished speakers who will discuss the most important events affecting space security in the past year and examine what might be coming up over the next year, and was be moderated by Ms. Victoria Samson, SWF DC Office Director.
For more information, please see the event page.
Speakers:
Mr. Cesar Jaramillo - Project Ploughshares
Ms. Carissa Christensen - The Tauri Group
Mr. Michael Listner - Legal and Policy Consultant with Space Law and Policy Solutions
Ms. Audrey Schaffer - Office of the Secretary of Defense-Policy, Space
Recorded February 3, 2012
Man's activities in space have benefited life on Earth greatly, but they have left their mark: over 22,000 pieces of man-made space debris are being tracked as they orbit our globe. How does space debris affect our space activities, both now and in the future? How do we monitor it? What are the national policies and international norms that limit it? And what can be done about it? "Trash in the Skies" explores these issues and more.
These and other questions were answered as the Secure World Foundation, a private operating foundation dedicated to the sustainable use of outer space over the long-term, hosts a lunch-time briefing on space debris. Speaking will be:
For more information, please visit the event page.
Speakers
Dr. Darren McKnight, Technical Director for Integrity Applications, Inc. (IAI) based in Chantilly, Virginia, who recently served on the National Research Council's Committee on NASA's Orbital Debris and Micrometeoroid Program.
Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor to the Secure World Foundation, and former active duty U.S. Air Force officer who worked at the U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) monitoring space debris.
Recorded on November 9, 2011
Over the last several years, China has made significant investments in developing and deploying space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to support military/national security requirements and enhance their regional power. China is also developing doctrine and policy for the space domain, and integrating these new space capabilities into their anti-access/area denial strategy. These developments represent an evolution in China's role in space, from an asymmetric actor to an established space power with significant investment and newfound vulnerabilities in space. Please join the Secure World Foundation as we discuss how this shift may impact China's approach to space security and sustainability, the U.S.-China bilateral relationship, and possibilities for international cooperation on space security issues such as the European-proposed Code of Conduct.
For more information, pelase visit the event page.
Speakers:
Mr. Mark Stokes, Executive Director, Project 2049 Institute
Mr. Kevin Pollpeter, China Project Manager, Center for Intelligence Research and Analysis, Defense Group, Inc.
Dr. Owen Cote, Associate Director, Security Studies Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation
Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation
Recorded on November 3, 2011
Because space is becoming more congested with more countries seeking its benefits, it is easy to overlook a primary space player which has been involved from the beginning of the space age: Russia. Still, Russia's efforts in space have shaped international discussions on space security and sustainability, and their plans for space will continue to affect other space actors. Additionally, Russia's space program is at an interesting point: while they presently are the only way that the United States can access the International Space Station, they are also seeking to match or even surpass the United States in overall space capabilities. Furthermore, Moscow is likely monitoring the efforts of other rising Asian space powers, though Russia and China have worked together in international discussions on space security issues. Please join the Secure World Foundation as we host "Russia's Space Plans," a panel discussion that examines Russia's space history, the current status of its space program and efforts in international fora to enhance space security, and possible future paths it may take.
Speakers:
Ms. Marcia Smith, Founder, SpacePolicyOnline.com
Mr. Anatoly Zak, Journalist and Founder, www.RussianSpaceWeb.com
Ms. Tiffany Chow, Project Manager, Secure World Foundation
Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Secure World Foundation
Recorded August 11, 2011
"Analyzing the Development Paths of Emerging Space Nations: Opportunities or Challenges for Space Sustainability?" examines the selected nations' space policy development and interest (or lack thereof) in international cooperation, assessing how best the United States and the international community can reach out to these emerging space actors in the advancement of space sustainability.The authors also look at the European Union's draft Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities to assess how the countries examined in this research view this proposed mechanism for space sustainability. Finally, the authors discuss the role that the United States has played to date in these regions and suggest ways in which the United States might enhance its efforts in the future.
For more information, please see the event page.
Speakers:
Megan Ansdell, Booz Allen & Hamilton
Laura Delgado Lopez, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
Daniel Hendrickson, Aerospace Industries Association
The views and opinions expressed by the panel are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employers.
Recorded on July 28, 2011
"Asian Space Policy and the United States" featured a panel discussing the Beijing workshop, the direction of Asia space, and the role the United States' policy community can play in shaping that direction. This panel focused primarily on the People's Republic of China. Following the panel discussion, there was an open Q&A session.
For more information, please visit the event page.
Speakers:
Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, East Asia Non-Proliferation Program, Monterey Institute
Ms. Alanna Krolikowski, University of Toronto
Mr. Ben Baseley-Walker, Advisor on Security Policy and International Law, Secure World Foundation
Moderator: Ms. Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation