Leading space officials to speak at ABA Space Law symposium in Washington, D.C.
The American Bar Association will sponsor the 2016 Space Law: Current and Future Issues Conference, on June 8 in Washington, D.C., with panels featuring congressional, aviation and legal experts discussing such topics as the American Space Renaissance Act, the intentional jamming of satellite transmissions, and public and private spacecraft activity.
Oklahoma’s Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R, will give opening keynote remarks on the American Space Renaissance Act at 8:15 a.m. Sumara Thompson-King, the general counsel for NASA, will give luncheon remarks at noon.
What: Space Law: Current and Future Issues Symposium
Sponsored by the ABA Forum on Air and Space Law
When: Wednesday, June 8
Where: Dentons Law Firm
1900 K St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
Program highlights include:
“The American Space Renaissance Act” — Panelists will review the American Space Renaissance Act, which would change significant portions of the United States commercial space policy and influence the roles that the Department of Transportation and the Commerce Department currently play.
9 – 10:15 a.m.
“Space Debris: Legal and Policy Issues of Active Debris Removal and On-Orbit Servicing” — Space law, regulatory and technical experts will offer tips and advice to potential entrepreneurs interested in helping to remove space debris.
10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
“Intentional Jamming of Satellite Transmissions” — Panelists will address the business and legal impact of intentional interference of satellite transmissions. This issue is a growing challenge in the Middle East, though it violates articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
1:30 – 3 p.m.
“Who is on Your Space Vehicle?” — Panelists will explore the evolution of the passengers on a spaceflight and the legal implications of their presence onboard a public and private spacecraft.
3 – 4:30 p.m.
“Hosted Payloads” — Panelists will discuss the legal ramifications of the various entities involved in getting communications equipment into space by hitchhiking on a commercial satellite; a hosted payload agreement, from manufacturer, host, client, insurer to launch service provider.
4:30 – 5:45 p.m.
A complete agenda can be found online.
This event is free and open to members of the press. For media credentialing, please contact Betsy Adeboyejo at 202-662-1039 or Betsy.Adeboyejo@americanbar.org
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