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OT 201: European Space Policy
Time:
Monday, 01/Sept/2025:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Session Chair: Thomas Hoerber
Location: SLB 2.08 Capacity: 60
This panel synthesizes research on the evolving landscape of space policy and governance, highlighting emerging trends and strategic approaches in space policy and governance, as well as the roles of both emerging and established space actors. The presentations will cover a range of topics: the ethical and temporal dimensions of lunar ‘extractivism’, the regional dynamics of spaceport development within the European Union, and the complexities of jurisdictional governance in outer space.
By integrating diverse perspectives and a variety of disciplines, the panel will highlight challenges and opportunities within the global space ecosystem, emphasizing the need for robust legal frameworks, sustainable practices, and collaborative efforts to ensure the continued growth and resilience of the space sector.
Presentations
Space Policy
Chair(s): Thomas Hoerber (ESSCA School of Management)
This panel synthesizes research on the evolving landscape of space policy, law and governance, highlighting emerging trends and strategic approaches, as well as the roles of both emerging and established space actors. The presentations will cover a range of topics: new space actors, such as Iceland, carving out niches within the global space industry, by contributing to fields like Earth observation, climate monitoring, and space technology testing; the European Union's efforts to create a resilient and competitive space sector through its Space Program, and to increase its efficiency and effectiveness through specific short-term actions; the anticipatory science diplomacy as mean to foster international cooperation; the complexities of jurisdictional governance in outer space.
Presentations of the Symposium
Beyond Earth: Addressing Jurisdictional Gaps and Dispute Resolution
Antonella Forganni ESSCA School of Management
Jurisdictional governance in outer space has been extensively discussed by scholars, who often highlight its complexity, as well as the inadequacies of the current international legal framework in addressing potential space disputes. Building on the author's previous publication, this paper delves into key jurisdictional challenges, including disputes between states, states and individuals, and individuals themselves.
Initially, the paper provides an overview of existing international jurisdictions, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses in managing disputes within their respective domains. This analysis aims to determine to what extent these jurisdictions could serve as a model for establishing an international space court. Subsequently, the paper compares international jurisdictions with international arbitration as mechanisms for resolving space disputes and discusses the emerging proposals in this domain.
Given the inherent limitations of diplomatic negotiations in case of international disputes, which often rely on political leverage, this paper seeks to provide policy recommendations to enhance the existing legal framework. The current challenges in achieving international consensus, which open the doors to an increasing number of unilateral initiatives, urge to find incentives to make space actors converge towards a reliable dispute settlement mechanism. By addressing these jurisdictional issues, the paper aims to contribute to the development of a robust and effective legal regime for outer space activities.
Challenges of Lunar Extractivism
Andrew Thomas
ESSCA EU Asia Institute, United Kingdom
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin described the Lunar surface as “Magnificent Desolation”. Global extraction of minerals from its planetary companion, the Earth, faces moral and environmental challenges, so may “Lunar Extractivism” develop. Arguments “ad hominem” have arisen already against the advocates and fellow-travellers of planetary mining, but a temporal trans-scalar analysis is advocated here, Chakrabarty[1] distinguishes the “global” in human “globalization” from the planetary in “global warming”. This distinction scales human time against geological time. The appropriation of territory on Earth by technologically advanced human entities constitutes colonialization (Mbembe[2]). Marx[3] pointed to the gem traders’ ignorance of a jewel’s characteristics of origin and in discussion of planetary characteristics of Earth[4] and the Moon, vitality is discovered. Titanium is in abundance on the Lunar surface and the Titanium production process is described[5]. Finally, some ethical conclusions are presented which distinguish in application between the human and geological temporal scales.
Spaceports In The Regions of The EU
Lorna Ryan
City St George's, University of London, United Kingdom
The relevance of space for the world economy, society and geopolitics is recognised (OECD, 2024). Access to outer space is a key strategic objective of the European Union. It has been variously expressed in terms of “strategic autonomy” and “technological non-dependence”. The presence/operation of a spaceport is one measure of space capacity. The decision-making processes associated with spaceport siting decisions is a relatively neglected area of study but one that highlights the nature of the regional dimension of EU space policy. This paper presents emerging findings from a preliminary study of spaceport siting decision-making and regional development in the European Union.
