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Newsletter November 2024

A Wrapup of the 6th Summit for Space Sustainability

Explore key takeaways, inspiring sessions, and participant reflections that continue to shape the future of space.


On July 11-12, 2024, the 6th Summit for Space Sustainability convened over 650 leaders, experts, and young professionals from around the globe at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo. Hosted by the Secure World Foundation in partnership with Japan's National Space Policy Secretariat, this landmark event addressed critical challenges facing the space sector, from orbital debris mitigation to the urgent need for coordinated, responsible space operations. The conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation and featured engaging discussions, mentoring sessions, and thought-provoking panels to promote sustainable practices for the benefit of all.

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October 8 | Singapore

SWF Facilitates ASEAN Space Policy Expert Exchange Seminar

SWF and Singapore’s Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) co-organized the ASEAN Space Policy Expert Exchange Seminar alongside the 33rd ASEAN Sub-Committee on Space Technology and Applications (SCOSA) in Singapore. Key topics included space sustainability and space situational awareness with insights from ASEAN member governments and external experts.


Featured Experts and Organizations

Speakers included representatives from:

  • UN COPUOS Working Group on the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities

  • World Economic Forum

  • LeoLabs


Focus on Sustainability

The seminar explored strategies for integrating space sustainability into national policies and regulations. Discussions centered on how these practices can help secure the long-term benefits of space technology for ASEAN communities.

October 12-18 | Milan, Italy

SWF Participates and Supports Young Professionals at the International Astronautical Congress 2024

SWF sent a five-person delegation to the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, highlighting its commitment to space sustainability through event engagement and support for emerging professionals. SWF staff, including Peter Martinez, Ian Christensen, Christopher Johnson, and Victoria Samson, presented on critical issues like space debris mitigation and legal norms in space governance. SWF announced the publication of the 2nd Edition of the Handbook for New Actors in Space. Executive Director Peter Martinez, on SWF’s behalf, signed the Zero Debris Charter, an initiative led by the European Space Agency. Additionally, SWF proudly sponsored five young professionals through the Dr. Michael Simpson Scholarship, though only four were able to attend. This scholarship enabled them to attend IAC, share insights, and engage with the global space community. Together, these initiatives highlight SWF’s dedication to advancing sustainable practices in space and supporting the next generation of space leadership.

October 22 | New York, New York

SWF Participates in a Panel at UNGA First Committee

SWF Executive Director Dr. Peter Martinez participated in a panel on The Hague Code of Conduct and Space, hosted by the Foundation for Strategic Research (Paris) at the United Nations headquarters in New York on October 22, during the margins of the UNGA First Committee meeting. Dr. Martinez joined Dr. Xavier Pasco and Dr. Raji Rajagopalan—former members of the SWF Advisory Committee—in discussing the Hague Code of Conduct and Space.

October 28 | New York, New York

SWF Gives Presentation at Event Sponsored by the United States’ Mission to the UN

SWF Chief Director, Space Security and Policy Victoria Samson gave a presentation on “Space and Space Security: An Overview,” at an event sponsored by the United States’ Mission to the United Nations. This side event was created to help improve delegates of the First Committee’s awareness and understanding of general space and space security issues. Her presentation discussed space governance, challenges to space stability, and the current state of counterspace capabilities globally, and can be accessed here.

October 29 | New York, New York

SWF Contributes to UN Space Bridge Discussion on Space Traffic Coordination

SWF was honored to contribute to the first-ever UN Space Bridge on Space Traffic Coordination event, convened by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) at UN Headquarters in New York City. This event brought together experts from governments and the commercial sector to discuss the way forward to address the complex issues of space traffic coordination in multilateral forums. SWF’s Executive Director, Dr. Peter Martinez, gave opening remarks, highlighting specific and relevant guidelines from the UN COPUOS Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities; SWF Senior Director, Private Sector Programs, Mr. Ian Christensen, served as overall moderator for the discussion.

October 31 | Hybrid

Abiodun Public Lecture for ASLI

SWF Executive Director Dr. Peter Martinez delivered the 2nd annual Adigun Ade Abiodun Lecture, hosted by the African Space Leadership Institute. Dr. Martinez’s lecture was titled "The Evolution of the Global Space Arena – Some Possible Scenarios for Humanity's Future in Space."


SWF Events


SWF Engagements

  • November 12-14 | Victoria Samson will discuss space security issues at the dialogue held between the US National Academies of Science and the Indian National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru, India

  • November 18 | Victoria Samson will be speaking about nuclear and counterspace issues at an event sponsored by the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation in Washington, DC

  • November 21 | Dr. Peter Martinez will speak about global counterspace capabilities at a webinar sponsored by the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) and the Brazilian Air Force University (UNIFA)

  • November 21-22 | Victoria Samson will present on global counterspace capabilities at the UK-SIPRI Workshop, “Nuclear Escalation Pathways and Outer Space: Views from Europe,” in Solna, Sweden

  • November 26-29 | Ian Christensen will present at the 2024 Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference (IPSEC) and at the 30th Annual Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum in Perth, Australia


👀 In Case You Missed It  

The second edition of the Handbook for New Actors in Space is now available


The second edition of the Handbook for New Actors in Space is an essential resource for anyone navigating today's rapidly evolving space environment. With contributions from industry leaders and experts worldwide, this updated guide covers the latest best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging areas of space activity to support safe, sustainable operations.