US General Says Space Needs Traffic Rule
May 17, 2010 at 2:16 pm | Posted in Space Law | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
From Red Orbit News:
US General Says Space Needs Traffic Rules
Posted on: Friday, 14 May 2010, 05:35 CDT
On Thursday, a top U.S. general called for international rules to control chaotic space traffic, saying that satellites are increasingly being put at risk of collision.
General James Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said it was no longer feasible for the U.S. and other countries to keep up with the orbiting satellites if kept a secret.
“We’re going to have get to some level of regulation. Nobody wants to do that,” Cartwright told a conference sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a US think tank. . . . [Full Story]
European Regional of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition Update
May 14, 2010 at 3:35 pm | Posted in Space Law Current Events | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
From the University of Leiden:
The Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition 2010 – European Regional Rounds 2010 – Hungary, Győr, 27-30 April 2010
The International Institute of Space Law (I.I.S.L.) in co-operation with the European Centre for Space Law (E.C.S.L.) have again successfully organized the European Regional Rounds of the one of the most prestigious international moot court competitions, the Manfred Lachs International Space Law Moot Court Competition.
The European Rounds
Ana Cristina Rosa, Christopher Johnson and Sotiria TsoukalaAna Cristina Rosa, Christopher Johnson and Sotiria Tsoukala
The European Rounds were hosted this year by the University of Győr in Hungary. Although initially scheduled to take place on 21-24 April, the interference caused in international air traffic by the Icelandic ash cloud led to a short postponement of the regional rounds. The event ultimately took place on 27-30 April 2010.
A number of teams representing the finest European academic traditions in the field of space law participated in the Regional Rounds of the Lachs Moot Court, including teams from Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Italy, Russia and the Netherlands. In spite of the adverse travel conditions prevailing this year, the teams succeeded in taking the –occasionally long– trip to Győr.
The students were invited this year to tackle some of the perennial problems of international space law, within the context of a relatively novel human activity in space; space tourism. The teams had to address questions such as state liability for damage caused by the activities of private space tourists, state liability for environmental damage and finally issues concerning the exercise of criminal jurisdiction of states over private space participants and personnel on board space crafts. The students’ analysis revolved mainly – but not exclusively – around questions of interpretation and application of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the 1967 Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts and the 1971 Liability Convention.
The European Regional Rounds benefited from the presence of eminent international space law scholars and practicioners, who performed the role of the ‘judge’. The judges, through their insightful questions, made this debating event particularly interesting and stimulated the debate between the applicants, the ‘State of Aspirantia’ and the respondents, the ‘Kingdom of Republica’.
The team of Leiden University consisted of Mr. Christopher Johnson, Miss Sotiria Tsoukala, as counsels and advocates, and Mrs. Ana Christina Galhego Rosa, as counsel, under the guidance of Mr. Michail Vagias (coach). The Leiden team made an outstanding presentation and was elected to participate in the Regional Finals as Respondent against the University of Cologne (applicants). Following a very exciting final session, the team of Cologne was declared winner of the European Round.
Throughout the European Rounds, the participants enjoyed a number of social events, including museum visits and guided tours of the city of Győr, skillfully organized by the hosts and the competition’s co-ordinators.
The 2010 Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court will be concluded with the World Finals, where the winners of the three regional rounds (Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America) will compete for the title of the Winner of the Competition. The World Finals are scheduled to take place in Prague on September 2010.
Disasters Charter: Flood in Pakistan
May 13, 2010 at 10:04 am | Posted in Space Law | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
The Disasters Charter was activated for a flood in Pakistan:
Flood in Pakistan
Type of Event: Flood
Location of Event: Pakistan
Date of Charter Activation: 12/05/2010
Charter Requestor: UNOOSA on behalf of UNOCHA, Islamabad, Pakistan
Project Management: ESA , François BoubilaDescription of the Event:
On 4th January 2010, a massive landslide caused a wide blockage across Hunza River at Ataabad, 15 KMs east of Karimabad ( Hunza-Nagar district). The blockage has created a lake that has inundated the Ainabad and Shishkat villages and the Karakoram Highway. Crops have been destroyed and hundreds of people have been displaced. The lake is expected to overflow within the next days.
Event: Key Issues in International Aviation Law
May 13, 2010 at 9:42 am | Posted in Aviation Law Current Event | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
From the Aviation Law Prof Blog:
Key Issues in International Aviation Law
On Wednesday, May 26, 2010, DePaul University College of Law and BeiHang University (Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics) will conduct their second annual Key Issues in International Aviation Law conference in Beijing, China. The theme for this year’s conference is Aviation Law Under Open Skies: Commercial and Regulatory Developments in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Confirmed speakers (listed below this note) include key civil aviation officials from the U.S. and Chinese governments, directors of major international aviation law institutes, and prominent aviation executives, attorneys, and academics. An agenda describing all speakers, topics, and times will be forthcoming soon.
If you would like additional information, please contact Professor Jerold Friedland at srudolph@depaul.edu.
Key Issues in International Aviation Law
Aviation Under Open Skies: Commercial and Regulatory Developments in the Asia-Pacific Region
May 26, 2010
BeiHang University
(Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)
Beijing, PRC
Confirmed speakers include:
• John R. Byerly Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Transportation Affairs
• Ms. MENG Qingfen Director, Law & Regulation Division, Civil Aviation Administration of China • Peter Harbison Executive Chairman, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation
• Prof. WANG Han Vice President, Northwest University of Politics & Law
• G. Bailey Leopard, Jr. Senior Counsel, FedEx Express • Michael F. O’Laughlin Senior Partner, O’Laughlin & Company, Hong Kong
• Prof. XUAN Zengyi Director, Institute of Air and Space Law, Faculty of International Law China University of Political Science and Law
• Sandra Chiu Principal, Center for Aviation Policy & Economics; Former Director, International Affairs, United Airlines
• Prof. Long Weiqiu Dean, School of Law, BeiHang University Honorary Director, Institute of Aviation Law, School of Law, BeiHang University
• Nathan Bush Partner, O’Melveny & Myers, Beijing
• Prof. LI Bin Associate Director, Institute of Aviation Law Beihang University School of Law
Earth observation satellites: green light for EU funding
May 13, 2010 at 9:40 am | Posted in Space Law | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
From the EU Parliment:
Earth observation satellites: green light for EU funding
(Committees)
Industry – 11-05-2010 – 14:45EU Satellites that observe the Earth’s surface for environmental and security purposes came a step closer on Tuesday, when Industry Committee MEPs unanimously approved a draft regulation providing a legal basis for them, plus €107 million for initial operations in 2011-2013. The regulation has still to be approved by the full Parliament, probably in June.
Like the Galileo satellite navigation programme, the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme involves developing the EU’s own infrastructure, but, unlike Galileo, it is funded only with public money. The primary purpose of earth monitoring is to provide detailed environment and security data, tailored to user needs. The programme should boost innovation, research and technological development, and also become a key tool for supporting biodiversity, ecosystem management, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Satellite observation data can help emergency services to deal with natural or man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, floods and oil spills, faster and more efficiently. This data can also inform decision making in range of policies including soil and water management, agriculture, forestry, energy and utilities, urban development, infrastructure and transport.
Funding for the operational phase
In the so-called “pre-operational validation phase”, GMES services were developed through EU seventh research framework programme projects. To enter the operational phase, the programme now needs a new legal basis and additional funding, which the new regulation will provide, to start initial operations in 2011-2013.
The EU funding foreseen for the 3-year initial operations phase is €107 million, supplemented with €209 million from the seventh research framework programme’s “space” theme for accompanying research actions. The GMES programme should be fully operational by 2014. Technical co-ordination and implementation will be responsibility of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Open access to information
Committee members strongly advocated open access to data gathered by satellite and this provision is included in the final draft. All information, except for security sensitive data, will be fully and openly accessible through a free-of-charge licensing and online access scheme. This should maximise benefits for the widest possible range of applications and foster a “downstream market” for which small and medium-sized software companies can develop new applications.
The draft GMES regulation was unanimously approved in committee, with 38 votes. It is currently scheduled for a plenary vote in June.
In chair: Herbert Reul (EPP, DE)
REF. : 20100510IPR74364
New Blog: Commercial Space Law Update
May 12, 2010 at 3:10 pm | Posted in Space Law Current Events | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
Giugi Carminati has started a new blog titled Commercial Space Law Update. Her first post is Preemption of State Legislation Under CSLAA. Welcome to the Blogosphere!
Library: A Round-up of Reading
May 10, 2010 at 1:34 pm | Posted in Library | Leave a commentArticles
Richard B. Bilder, A LEGAL REGIME FOR THE MINING OF HELIUM-3 ON THE MOON: U.S. POLICY OPTIONS, 33 Fordham International Law Journal 243 (2010)
Yousaf Butt, The myth of missile defense as a deterrent, The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists
Victoria Samson, India’s missile defense/anti-satellite nexus, The Space Review
Reports
CRS – The New START Treaty: Central Limits and Key Provisions
Periodicals
MilSat Magazine (May 2010)
Blogs
Shippers Meet Goal for Passenger Flight Cargo Exams – Security Debrief
No-Fly Fail Fault? – Volokh Conspiracy
National security, commercial launch, and a touch of controversy – Space Politics
Army Spy Plane May Have Snooped on Bomber: Report – Danger Room
US tightens no-fly rules after suspect in failed Times Square attack succeeds in boarding plane – Security Law Brief
Giffords Seeking Compromise on Human Space Flight Plan – Space Policy Online
A difference of opinion between space subcommittee’s leaders – Space Politics
Space policy roundup – RLV and Space Transport News
No-Name Terrorists Now CIA Drone Targets – Danger Room
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) and Aviation Accidents – Aviation Law Monitor
NASA Presentations on New Space Plans for FY2011 – Planetary Defense
White House Denies Reports of Spy Planes Over NYC – Danger Room
ITAR, Foreign Policy and Space Focused Business – Commercial Space
Space Property Rights: an Interview with Alan Wasser – Space Business Blog
Washington Finally Feeling Drone War Backlash – Danger Room
Transport Security Legislation Amendment (2010 Measures No.1) Bill 2010
May 10, 2010 at 1:26 pm | Posted in Aviation Law | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
Australia’s Parlimentary library has released its Bills Digest on the Transport Security Legislation Amendment (2010 Measures No.1) Bill 2010. The bill would:
Amends the: Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 to: allow the prohibited items list to be made by legislative instrument; and enable the secretary of the department to delegate powers and functions to a Senior Executive Service (SES) officer in the Attorney-General’s Department; and Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 to: exempt ship operators from certain security requirements in certain circumstances; make regulations to define different classes of passenger ships and to enable screening officers to conduct frisk searches of passengers and crew; enable certain persons to be appointed as security assessment inspectors; enable the secretary of the department to delegate powers and functions to agency heads and certain SES officers in other agencies in certain circumstances; and make minor amendments in relation to image recording powers.
H.R. 5236: Aerotropolis Act of 2010
May 10, 2010 at 1:14 pm | Posted in Aviation Law | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the bog faculty
H.R. 5236: Aerotropolis Act of 2010 was introduced on May 6, 2010 by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN9):
HR 5236 IH
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5236
To amend SAFETEA-LU to ensure that projects that assist the establishment of aerotropolis transportation systems are eligible for certain grants, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 6, 2010
Mr. COHEN (for himself, Mr. DINGELL, Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. TANNER, Mr. CHILDERS, Mr. BERRY, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. GRANGER, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. PASCRELL, and Mr. YARMUTH) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
A BILL
To amend SAFETEA-LU to ensure that projects that assist the establishment of aerotropolis transportation systems are eligible for certain grants, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘Aerotropolis Act of 2010’.
SEC. 2. PROJECTS OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.
(a) Eligible Project Defined- Section 1301(c)(2) of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 101 note) is amended to read as follows:
‘(2) ELIGIBLE PROJECT-
‘(A) IN GENERAL- The term ‘eligible project’ means any surface transportation project eligible for Federal assistance under title 23, United States Code, including freight railroad projects and activities eligible under such title.
‘(B) INCLUSION OF AEROTROPOLIS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM PROJECTS- The term ‘eligible project’ includes a combination of projects described in subparagraph (A) that, as a group–
‘(i) assist the establishment of an aerotropolis transportation system; and
‘(ii) satisfy the requirement under subsection (d).’.
(b) Aerotropolis Transportation System Defined- Section 1301(c) of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 101 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘(4) AEROTROPOLIS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM- The term ‘aerotropolis transportation system’ means a planned and coordinated multimodal freight and passenger transportation network that, as determined by the Secretary, provides efficient, sustainable, and intermodal connectivity to a defined region of economic significance centered around a major airport.’.
NALSAR Center for Air and Space Law
May 10, 2010 at 1:09 pm | Posted in Space Law Current Events | Leave a commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
The NALSAR Center for Air & Space Law has launched a new website with information on its program. Additionally, it has launched a new blog, the description of which states:
The Blog aims to discuss the legal and policy issues regarding aviation and space activities in India in the broadest sense.
Welcome to the blogosphere!!!
Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.
