As launches to space become more frequent and private spaceports are planned across the globe, how do launchers and regulators work to ensure both range safety and public safety? What are competing authorizing bodies in vastly different environments like US government-owned complexes versus Rocket Lab’s private orbital launch range in Mahia New Zealand? Responsive launch is innovative but at what risk to safety? To answer these questions, Aerospace’s Colleen Stover talks to experts Robert Unverzagt, Principal Director of Civil & Commercial Launch Projects at The Aerospace Corporation and Nick Pearson, Rocket Lab’s Manager of Safety & Regulatory Operations.

This episode is part of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy's series on “Space Safety Through a Global Lens.” The series covers a range of foundational topics on issues related to space safety from an international perspective, including:  

• Space Weather, Satellites, & Human Safety 
• What Is Space Safety?  
• International Cooperation for Debris  
• Europe Eyes Zero Debris 
• In-Space Rescue 
• International Launch Safety 

The Space Policy Show is produced by The Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy. It is a virtual series covering a broad set of topics that span across the space enterprise. CSPS brings together experts from within Aerospace, the government, academia, business, nonprofits, and the national labs. The show and their podcasts are an opportunity to learn about and to stay engaged with the larger space policy community.
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