Res Communis

London Institute of Space Policy and Law: Risks Associated with Space Activity Seminar Series Seminar III – Commercial and Financial Risk – Updated

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

Updated with the new agenda.

The London Institute of Space Policy and Law will host Risks Associated with Space Activity Seminar Series Seminar III: Commercial and Financial Risk on November 2, 2009:

LONDON INSTITUTE OF SPACE POLICY AND LAW
PRACTITIONER AND INDUSTRY SEMINAR
MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2009
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SPACE ACTIVITY SEMINAR SERIES
SEMINAR III
COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL RISK

The risks associated with commercial space activity can differ in nature or quality from those of other large-scale business ventures. Space projects can be more susceptible to some risks and their impact on the business can differ from terrestrial equivalents. In addition, there are certain risks specific to space commerce. These result from the longer term nature of space activities and can arise because they are conducted in outer space. For example, commercial risks associated with the choice of technology, can have a greater impact in space where it cannot be readily changed once it is launched.

The understanding and ability to quantify risk is central to any commercial space venture and its funding. To foster better understanding of these risks and to encourage appropriate policy directions, the Institute is bringing together leading specialists to present a series of Seminars on space risks and their insurance. The Series covers Commercial Risk, including evaluation of market demand, technology choice, competition and timing; Financial Risk, including equity and debt mix, currency choice and pricing; Policy Risk of change in government focus and emphasis; Regulatory Risk including ITU procedures, terms and duration of frequency assignments, and ownership transfer limitations; Physical and Security Risk, addressed in the first Seminar in June 2009; and Insurance, including domestic implementation of international state liability, and coverage of other risks.

These Seminars aim to inform and engage those involved in space activities, policy makers and lawyers who advise them, as well as students and scholars in the field. The third such Seminar on Commercial and Financial Risk, will be held on Monday 2 November 2009.

The Fee for the Seminar is:
Delegate – £50
Academic and Government – £25
Student – Free

To register please send your name and affiliation, by e-mail headed “Risk Seminar III,” to: Info@Space-Institute.org

And send the Fee* to: Co-operative Bank
Sort Code: 08-92-99
Account Number: 65345920
Account Name: London Institute of Space Policy and Law
Reference: [Your name]
*Most banks make no charge for a BACS transfer.

LONDON INSTITUTE OF SPACE POLICY AND LAW
PRACTITIONER AND INDUSTRY SEMINAR
9 AM TO 12.15 PM 2 NOVEMBER 2009
CHARLES CLORE HOUSE 17 RUSSELL SQUARE LONDON WC1B 5DR
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SPACE ACTIVITY SEMINAR SERIES
SEMINAR III
COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL RISK

9.00 – 9.05 Welcome
Marcus Bicknell, Formerly Commercial Director of Société Européenne des Satellites, Member of the Board of SES, Seminar Chairman

9.05 – 9.15 Introduction
Description of the Series, Summary of Seminar III on Commercial and Financial Risks, outline of remaining topics and schedule
Sa’id Mosteshar, Barrister, Director of the Institute of Space Policy and Law

9.15 – 10.00 Commercial Risk Factors
Evaluation of market demand; Competition and timing
Pacôme Revillon, CEO and Managing Director, Euroconsult

10.00 – 10.45 Technology Risk
Technology choice and impact of market changes
Philippe Francken, Vice President, Risk Management, SES Engineering

10.45 – 11.00 Break

11.00 – 12.00 Financial Risk
Equity and Debt mix; Timing of funds; Nature of investor; Long term investment -
Revenue generation; Currency choice; Pricing; Security and collateral
Andrew Ivison, Partner, CMS Cameron McKenna

12.00 – 12.15 Discussion, Delegate contributions and concluding remarks
Marcus Bicknell, Chairman