Current Projects The main areas of interest within the Commercial Space Project Group are showcased below. Our ongoing programmes empower young space professionals through hands-on learning, global conversations, and collaborative research. 🚀 8-Week Bootcamp CSPG Pre-Accelerator Program An intensive programme bridging the gap between incubation and accelerator-readiness. Tailored for early-stage space ventures and young entrepreneurs eager to enhance their business [...]
An event organised by the SLP Radiofrequency and Spectrum Research Group brought together international experts to examine the legal, technical, and policy challenges of regulating the radiofrequency (RF) spectrum in an increasingly congested orbital environment.
From mega-constellations to military satellites, Jonathan McDowell explained how orbital debris, ASAT tests, and weak governance threaten the safety and sustainability of outer space. Read more and watch the recording.
Comet 3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object ever discovered, offering scientists a chance to study rare cosmic visitors.
David Eagleson has been involved with SGAC for half a decade. He is currently the Space Law and Policy (SLP) Group Co-Lead, having worked up the ranks from event coordinator and research positions. Hear about how SGAC has impacted his journey.
Ever wondered who keeps SLP’s research engine running? Meet the Research Coordinators: the quiet powerhouses behind every project, publication, and milestone. In this post, SLP outgoing coordinator Angelika and Pankaj share what it’s really like to lead from behind the scenes. The wins, the lessons, and why this role could be your next big move in space law and policy.
Planetary Defence 2025: Global Policies to Rescue the Earth from Asteroids By 2025, planetary defence against Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) has evolved into a global priority. NASA’s updated strategy emphasises detection, mitigation, and international collaboration, supported by missions like NEO Surveyor (2027). ESA’s Hera (2024) and Flyeye Telescope will enhance deflection research and early warnings, while the UN declares 2029 the "International Year of Planetary Defence" ahead of asteroid Apophis’s close flyby. Global coordination via IAWN and SMPAG strengthens threat response, but legal frameworks lag behind technological advances. With observatories, simulations, and cross-agency drills, humanity is building a unified shield—proving planetary defence is no longer sci-fi but a survival imperative.
THE FUTURE OF NEOs Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) present both risks and opportunities, driving advancements in detection, deflection, and exploration. Missions like NEO Surveyor (NASA) and Hera (ESA) aim to improve tracking and test asteroid deflection techniques, while AI enhances data analysis. NEOs also offer scientific insights into the solar system’s origins and potential resources like metals and water. However, global coordination is crucial for planetary defense and space mining regulations. Public engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration are needed to sustain progress. The future of NEO research hinges on technology, international cooperation, and proactive preparation to mitigate threats and harness cosmic opportunities.
As armed conflicts extend into outer space, the legal status of the Outer Space Treaty (OST) during wartime remains uncertain. This post examines whether the OST can be suspended under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and highlights the lack of guidance in the ILC’s 2011 Draft Articles. It calls for urgent attention from the UN COPUOS to address this growing legal gap. Read the analysis written by Sima Moradinasab.
What happens when outer space, once envisioned as a peaceful frontier, becomes entangled in the complex web of armed conflict and legal regimes? On May 23, 2025, the Space Law and Policy Project Group kicked off the first event of a lecture series with a timely and captivating session led by Christopher D. Johnson, Director of Legal Affairs and Space Law at the Secure World Foundation. Read the full report and watch the recording – and don’t miss the next session on space debris with Jonathan McDowell, coming June 28!
