The Space Policy Pioneers Podcast

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/ 

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

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/ 

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 

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:

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/

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/ 

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

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

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/