SWF and Meridian to host "Celestial Navigation: Space Essentials for New Actors"

The global space arena is expanding at a breathtaking pace. In 2017, there were some 1,700 active satellites in space and the space economy was valued at around $383.5 billion. Now, seven years later, at the end of 2024, there are more than 10,600 active satellites in orbit, and the global space economy has grown to more than $630 billion.

This event will discuss what is the international framework for space activities, issues and policies countries should think about when developing their national space strategies and administration in order to ensure responsible operations in space. Furthermore, speakers representing the gamut of new space actors - giving viewpoints from government, commercial sector, and civil space - will discuss their priorities, provide advice for their counterpart institutions looking to join the space sector, and detail efforts to enhance the long-term sustainable use of space.

It will also serve to celebrate and highlight the release of the second edition of the Secure World Foundation’s Handbook for New Actors in Space, which offers critical guidance for new space actors seeking to navigate the evolving space landscape. The Handbook provides a broad overview of the fundamental principles, laws, norms, and best practices for the safe and responsible conduct of peaceful activities in outer space.

Event Details

• January 24th, 2025
• Arrival time: 8:30 A.M. EST
• Event time: 9:00 AM-10:15 AM EST
• Location: The Meridian Center | 1630 Crescent Pl NW, Washington, DC 20009

Click here to register for this event

Event Speakers

• Krystal Azelton, Senior Director, Program Planning, Secure World Foundation
• Frank Justice, Vice President, Center for Diplomatic Engagement, Meridian
• Matthew Linton, Chief Legal Officer, True Anomaly
• Marta Mager, Minister Counselor, Space, Science & Innovation, Embassy of New Zealand
• Jason Mallare, VP & GM, Mission Solutions, Umbra Space
• Valda Vikmanis, Director, Office of Space Affairs, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental & Scientific Affairs (OES), U.S Department of State

For more information regarding this program, please contact Krystal Azelton or visit the event website.

About Meridian International Center

Meridian International Center is a nonpartisan, independent diplomacy center that advances American diplomacy and global leadership – by strengthening democratic institutions, increasing U.S. competitiveness, and building geopolitical resilience. Our Center for Diplomatic Engagement serves as an education and networking hub for the embassy community in Washington DC, bringing together hundreds of foreign diplomats each year to explore U.S. political, economic, and social issues. Our Space Diplomacy Initiative strives to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and effective policymaking while fostering global cooperation and providing support to both pre-emerging and established spacefaring nations navigating these complexities.

About Secure World Foundation

The Secure World Foundation is a private operating foundation whose mission is to work with governments, industry, international organizations, and civil society to develop and promote ideas and actions to achieve the secure, sustainable, and peaceful uses of outer space benefiting Earth and all its peoples.