Res Communis

by Ray LaHood
US Secretary of Transportation.
Washington DC (SPX) Aug 31, 2011

If you’re like me, you probably watched the final landing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis last month with a strong sense of nostalgia for an astounding era in American space travel. The good news is that the Federal Aviation Administration has been working hard to usher in a new era for U.S. space transportation.

I’m excited to announce that the FAA is awarding grants to projects at three spaceports. With matching support, these projects will develop and expand our nation’s commercial space transportation infrastructure.

These grants will go a long way toward meeting President Obama’s National Space Policy and its greater emphasis on using the commercial space industry to meet our current and future space transportation needs.

That’s right; although the NASA Shuttle era has drawn to a close, the U.S. already has a commercial space transportation industry that is ready, willing, and able to meet the challenges of providing access to space for science, research, tourism, and other national needs. This industry is absolutely poised to take American space transportation to the next level.

And, since 1984, the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation has been in charge of regulating and promoting this dynamic sector. The new matching grants are just the latest example of that support.

The FAA has also issued licenses for more than 200 launches, licensed eight FAA-approved launch sites known as spaceports, and helped ensure that no loss of life or serious injury has been associated with these efforts.

That good work continues with these grants to three projects:

+ $125,000 to the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport to improve security and remote monitoring;

+ $125,000 to the East Kern Airport District’s Mojave Air and Space Port in California for a Supplemental Environmental Assessment; and

+ $249,378 to the New Mexico Space Port Authority’s Spaceport America to construct a mobile structure to prepare larger rockets before launch.

I think the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation has a terrific record, and I am confident these grants will provide another step in the right direction. I hope you’ll join me in getting excited about America’s next great era of space travel.

RELEASE : 11-280

Space Agencies Meet To Discuss A Global Exploration Roadmap

WASHINGTON — Senior managers representing 10 space agencies from around the world met in Kyoto, Japan today to advance the Global Exploration Roadmap for coordinated space exploration.

During the past year, the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) has developed a long-range human exploration strategy. It begins with the International Space Station and expands human presence throughout the solar system, leading ultimately to human missions to explore the surface of Mars. The roadmap flows from this strategy and identifies two potential pathways: “Asteroid Next” and “Moon Next.”

Each pathway represents a mission scenario over a 25-year period describing a logical sequence of robotic and human missions. Both pathways were deemed practical approaches addressing common high-level exploration goals developed by the participating agencies, recognizing that individual preferences among participating space agencies may vary regarding these pathways.

The first iteration of the roadmap will inform and focus the planning currently underway in each of the partner agencies in the areas of planetary robotic exploration, advanced technology development and use of the space station in preparation for exploration. It was agreed that during the next few weeks, this initial version of the Global Exploration Roadmap would be finalized and released to the public.

Yoshiyuki Hasagawa of Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency, in his capacity as chairman of the International Space Exploration Coordination Group said, “We are very happy with the progress of the Global Exploration Roadmap to technically coordinate both near and long term space exploration planning, with world space agencies.”

During the meeting, the senior agency managers also reaffirmed the role of the ISECG to facilitate the ability of space agencies to take concrete steps toward partnerships that reflect a globally coordinated exploration effort.

“NASA is confident that the release of this product, and subsequent refinements as circumstances within each space agency evolve, will facilitate the ability of space agencies to form the partnerships that will ensure robust and sustainable human exploration,” said NASA’s Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations and outgoing ISECG chair William Gerstenmaier.

The ISECG was established as a voluntary, non-binding international coordination forum, where the partner agencies that contributed to the Global Exploration Strategy (GES) can exchange information regarding interests, plans, and activities in space exploration.

The GES set forth a shared vision for concerted human and robotic space exploration missions focused on solar system destinations where humans may one day live and work. Another stated goal is to encourage the partners to work together on strengthening both individual exploration programs and collective efforts.

The development of the Global Exploration Roadmap is the second step toward achieving this goal, following the development of the ISECG Reference Architecture for Human Lunar Exploration.

The countries participating in the meeting included in alphabetical order: Canada, Europe, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States.

For more information about NASA and human exploration visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/home/index.html

The government agency that helped invent the Internet now wants to do the same for travel to the stars.

In what is perhaps the ultimate startup opportunity, Darpa, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, plans to award some lucky, ambitious and star-struck organization roughly $500,000 in seed money to begin studying what it would take — organizationally, technically, sociologically and ethically — to send humans to another star, a challenge of such magnitude that the study alone could take a hundred years.

The awarding of that grant, on Nov. 11 — 11/11/11 — is planned as the culmination of a yearlong Darpa-NASA effort called the 100-Year Starship Study, which started quietly last winter and will include a three-day public symposium in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 30 on the whys and wherefores of interstellar travel. [Full story]

European Space Governance: the Outlook

Annual Space Conference organized by SWF and IFRI

The conference will provide a snapshot of the current governance of space programs in Europe. The first panel will explore structural issues: the implications of the Lisbon Treaty in terms of policy, the legal context for space activities in Europe and the burning topic of sustainable funding. The second panel will address the perspectives in term of governance of three important programs: Galileo, GMES and MUSIS. The last panel will focus on specific stakeholders of European space policy, addressing the future of national agencies and the space-related activities of the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European External Action Service (EEAS). Last but not least, a keynote speaker will explain the current diplomatic activity around the adoption of an international Code of Conduct in space. Each panel will be followed by a debate with the audience.

8:30 – Registration and coffee

9:00-9:15 – Introduction: The basics of European space governance

Christophe VENET, Research Associate to the Space Policy Program, Ifri

9:15-11:00 – Panel 1: European space governance after the Lisbon Treaty

The first panel will explore structural issues: the institutional interplay between the various European stakeholders, the implications of the Lisbon Treaty in terms of policy, the place of national actors in the European governance scheme and the burning topic of sustainable funding. Moderator: Agnieszka LUKASZCZYK, Space Policy Consultant, Secure World Foundation.

“Policy implications of the Lisbon Treaty and governance evolutions”

Gaëlle MICHELIER, Policy Officer, Space Policy & Coordination Unit, Enterprise and Industry DG, European Commission

.

“The legal framework of space activities in Europe”

Tanja MASSON-ZWAAN, Deputy Director, International Institute of Air & Space Law, Leiden University.

“How to make space systems financially sustainable?” 


Maria BUZDUGAN, Legal Officer, EU satellite navigation programs: Legal, Financial and Institutional Aspects, Enterprise and Industry DG, European Commission.

“Procurement rules: towards a third way?” 
Rik HANSEN, Research Fellow, Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies, Leuven Catholic University

11:00-11:30 – Coffee break 

11:30-13:00 – Panel 2: Governance issues for specific programs

The second panel will address the future governance perspectives of three important programs: Galileo, GMES and MUSIS.

Moderator: Katarzyna CHAJEC,  Second Secretary from the Polish Permanent Mission to the EU (TBD)
   
.

“EGNOS and Galileo: which governance for the operational phase?”

Gérard BRACHET, Consultant in space policy, Vice-President of the International Astronautical Federation 
 
.

“GMES: which governance scheme after 2013?”

Josef ASCHBACHER, Head, GMES Space Office, European Space Agency.  

“MUSIS: The promises and limitations of multilateral cooperation endeavors”

Olivier JEHIN, Editor of Europe Diplomacy and Defence
 
13:00-14:00 – Buffet lunch

14:00-14:30 – Keynote speech on the Code of Conduct for outer space activities

How is the international community warming up to the EU proposal?
Pierre-Louis LEMPEREUR, CODUN SPACE Chair, Non-proliferation and disarmament directorate, European Union External Action Service

14:30-16:00 – Panel 3: Entities and agencies in the wider European framework

The last panel will focus on specific stakeholders of European space policy, addressing both the space-related activities of the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Action Service (EEAS), and the future of national agencies.

Moderator: Laurence NARDON, Head of the Space Policy Program, Ifri
 
.

“What is the future role for national space agencies?” 
Jan KOLAR, Director, Czech Space Office

“A growing role for EDA in space”

Denis TRIOULAIRE, Capability Manager Knowledge, European Defence Agency
  
.

“How can space support the EU external actions?” 
TBD

16:00-16h30 – Wrap up of the day 
Michael SIMPSON, Senior Program Manager, Secure World Foundation

Lieu : Conseil Central de l’Economie, avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée 17-21, Brussels
Organisateurs : contact: breux@ifri.org

Fourth Symposium on Astrosociology
Call for Abstracts
(for Papers and Presentations)

Event: SPESIF 2012 Conference
Track: Fourth Symposium on Astrosociology
Dates: Wednesday, February 29 – Friday, March 2, 2012
Location: University of Maryland
(College Park, MD)

Important Note: We have negotiated a substantial decrease in the registration fees for our symposium. However, a continued presence at SPESIF depends upon a high volume of participation/attendance. We ask that you carefully consider joining us. Thank you!

Important Deadlines
Initial Abstract Submission: September 16, 2011
Draft Manuscripts Due*: October 15, 2011
Final Camera Ready Manuscripts Due*: January 15, 2012
* – for manuscripts only

Papers approved by the Technical and Editorial Committees will be published in an Elsevier Science proceedings dedicated volume.

Conference Link: http://www.ias-spes.org/SPESIF.html
Registration Link: http://www.astrosociology.org/4thastrosociologysymposiumreg.html

The following sessions comprise the symposium. See the attachment for more details.

B01. Astrosociology: Definition, Scope, and Relevance/Astrosociology in the Classroom
B02. Science Fiction and Scientific Actuality
B03. Space Policy and Law within Social Dimensions
B04. Astrosociology and Astrobiology (and SETI)
B05. Planetary Defense and Societal Protection
B06. Space Societies/The Settlement of Space Environments
B07. Technology Transfers and Spinoffs: How Space Technologies Improve Life on Earth
B08. Spacefaring Societies
B09. Medical Astrosociology
B10. Overview Effect
B11. Space History and Society: a Cultural History of the Space Age, 1900-2011
B12. Political Economy of Space Ecologies
B13. Space and Society (Undergraduate Session: General Topics)
B14. Space and Society (Graduate Session: General Topics)

If interested in serving as a session chair, please email Jim Pass (jpass@astrosociology.org) or Chris Hearsey (chearsey@astrosociology.org).

We welcome all who wish to familiarize themselves with the field of astrosociology without presenting at this particular conference. Attendees must pay reduced conference fees for the days they attend. Students receive a substantial discount.

Important Note: participants are not required to write formal papers, so a PowerPoint presentation is adequate to become part of the program. Thus, for those who do not have enough time to write a paper, participation is still a possibility. Participants must submit abstracts for both papers and presentations, the latter of which summarizes the major theme/purpose of the PowerPoint slideshow presentation. Any author or presenter may submit one additional paper, subject to publication limitations set out by SPESIF, or one additional presentation for an extra $20. Please email Glen Robertson (gar@ias-spes.org) for the rules regarding publication limitations.

The Astrosociology Research Institute (ARI) serves as a cooperative organization with the SPESIF conference. ARI is a California 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization that seeks to support astrosociological research, including promoting student participation in astrosociology sessions and providing funding assistance for them when this becomes possible in the future. See the ARI website (www.astrosociology.org) for a complete definition of astrosociology and description of ARI’s mission.

Please pass along this invitation to colleagues who may wish to participate in our symposium based on the session topics above. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Jim Pass, Ph.D.
Chair, 4th Symposium on Astrosociology (SPESIF 2012 Conference)
Chief Executive Officer, Astrosociology Research Institute (ARI)

Christopher Hearsey, M.S.
Co-Chair, 4th Symposium on Astrosociology (SPESIF 2012 Conference)
Deputy Executive Officer, Astrosociology Research Institute (ARI)

Backed by national and regional government authorities, Liege-based Spacebel is expected to sign the contract for the 100-kilogram Vietnamese satellite in March during a Belgian state visit to Vietnam. The satellite will carry an optical imager capable of taking pictures with a 2.5-meter resolution in black-and-white mode, and 10 meters in color.

Spacebel Managing Director Thierry du Pre-Werson said Vietnamese authorities wanted to diversify their satellite supplier mix. The win, he said, should help better position Spacebel in what is likely to be a series of competitions to provide countries in Latin America, the Middle East and Asia with small spacecraft to permit closer government oversight of agricultural, land and water resources. [Full story]

SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the schedule and summary agenda for a
partially closed meeting of the President’s Council of Advisors on
Science and Technology (PCAST), and describes the functions of the
Council. Notice of this meeting is required under the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C., App.

DATES: September 16, 2011.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Marriott Metro Center, 775
12th Street, NW., Ballroom Salon A, Washington, DC.
Type of Meeting: Open and Closed.
Proposed Schedule and Agenda: The President’s Council of Advisors
on Science and Technology (PCAST) is scheduled to meet in open session
on September 16, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open Portion of Meeting: During this open meeting, PCAST is
tentatively scheduled to hear from speakers who will provide an
overview of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
environmental observation and prediction activities, and the Department
of Veterans Affairs’ Million Veteran Program. In addition, several
agencies will update PCAST on the implementation status of the
recommendations it made in its report on Health Information Technology.
Additional information and the agenda, including any changes that
arise, will be posted at the PCAST Web site at: http://whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast.
Closed Portion of the Meeting: PCAST may hold a closed meeting of
approximately 1 hour with the President on September 16, 2011, which
must take place in the White House for the President’s scheduling
convenience and to maintain Secret Service protection. This meeting
will be closed to the public because such portion of the meeting is
likely to disclose matters that are to be kept secret in the interest
of national defense or foreign policy under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(1).
Public Comments: It is the policy of the PCAST to accept written
public comments of any length, and to accommodate oral public comments
whenever possible. The PCAST expects that public statements presented
at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted oral or
written statements.
The public comment period for this meeting will take place on
September 16, 2011 at a time specified in the meeting agenda posted on
the PCAST Web site at http://whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast. This public
comment period is designed only for substantive commentary on PCAST’s
work, not for business marketing purposes.

CALL FOR PAPERS

Third Annual International Conference
on Law & Regulation of Air Transport and Space Applications

December 4 – 6, 2011
National Law University, New Delhi, India

Important Dates:
Abstract Registration due: 16 September 2011
Notification to Authors: 30 September 2011
Submission Deadline for Papers: 1 November 2011

Asia is the fastest growing aviation market in the world, and India is an integral driver of that robust growth. Information and knowledge about laws and regulations related to aviation and space activities are essential to capitalize on the economic opportunities being created in this part of the world. It is in this context that the International Foundation for Aviation, Aerospace & Development (IFFAAD), the Institute of Air and Space Law of McGill University, and National Law University of New Delhi, India have planned and are pleased to announce the opening of the Call for Papers for the Third Annual International Conference on Law & Regulation of Air Transport and Space Applications.
The International Foundation for Aviation, Aerospace & Development, seated in Montreal with the host chapter in Delhi, operates to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote the public interest in issues pertinent to the development of the international aviation industry as well as space applications. The Institute of Air and Space Law of McGill University in Montreal, Canada offers the world’s leading educational and research program in Air and Space Law. Celebrating its 6oth birthday this year, the Institute has a rich history of research, scholarship, and educational programs designed to provide the best graduate education available to air and space lawyers anywhere. The National Law University in New Delhi, India, established in 2008, is committed to creating a legal institution within India to competitively prepare lawyers for global legal careers as agents of change for India.

International Conference is thoughtfully designed to be useful to practicing lawyers, legal officers working for airlines and governmental aviation civil ministries and regulators, airport managers, as well law teachers and students. It will create awareness of emerging issues provide networking opportunities and promote collaborative business arrangements between foreign and Indian aviation and space industries. The program will include invited contributions from leading experts in the fields plus presentations selected on the basis of abstracts submitted in response to this Call. We would appreciate it if you would kindly pass on this information to others within your organization who may also be interested in submitting an abstract. Presenters of papers will enjoy free registration, accommodation and meals for the days of the Conference.

Main Topics of Interest:

• Aviation Safety
• Aviation Security
• Aircraft Manufacturer Liability
• Airline Liability and Insurance
• Government Regulation, Bilaterals, and the Liberalization of Air Transport
• Emerging Issues for Air Navigation Services and Liability
• Emerging Issues for Airports and their Economic Regulation
• Emerging Environmental Issues
• Financing of, and Foreign Investment in, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Ground Handling, MRO, Manufacturing
• Regional Aviation Infrastructure
• Competition Law and Airline Alliances
• Emerging Issues in Commercial Space Applications: Satellite Communications, Navigation, and Remote Sensing
• Space Security: ASAT’s and Weaponization of Space, On-orbit Servicing, Dual Use, Space Debris

Guidelines for submissions:

The Conference Organizers invite submissions of abstracts for papers to be presented at the Conference.

1. Abstracts should be between 150 and 200 words (in MS Word (.doc or .docx) format) and must indicate the precise topic (title) of the paper, author’s full name and current organization affiliation, and full coordinates and email address.
2. Submissions must be in English.
3. The due date for abstracts is Friday 16 September 2011 at 5.00 p.m. Eastern Time in Canada.
4. Submissions may be sent to: Diane Howard at diane.howard@mcgill.ca and Dr. Sanat Kaul at sanat_kaul@hotmail.com
5. Questions may be addressed to the above email addresses.
6. Instructions to Authors will soon be available on the Conference website at: http://www.mcgill.ca/iasl