The Australian Centre for Space Governance (ACSG) proudly presents the Space Security is Here and Now podcast series, offering an in-depth exploration of the critical challenges shaping 21st-century space security.
This three-part series is designed for professionals across academia, the military, industry, civil society, and diplomacy. It offers expert insights to keep you at the forefront of global space governance.
Moderated by ACSG Chair, Dr. Cassandra Steer, this podcast series features internationally recognised experts who provide high-level analysis and thought leadership on the most significant issues in space security today.
Episodes at a Glance
Episode One Episode One starts with a broad overview of the historical origins of space security. Our guests explore the military foundations of space exploration and the impact of Cold War-era nuclear tests. They offer key insights into the development of international treaties and the evolution of space governance. This episode serves as an essential introduction for anyone interested in the intersection of space technology, international law, and global security.
Episode Two offers a deep dive into what’s been happening in multilateral space security discussions in the last two years. Our experts discuss the intricate details of how institutional forums, like the United Nations, are managing issues such as civilian infrastructure vulnerabilities, cyber interference, and space debris.
This episode is a must-listen for its detailed analysis of space governance, with special attention to emerging threats like Russia's potential development of space-based nuclear weapons. With our experts breaking down these complex technical challenges and profiling countries, our discussion provides detailed takeaways for those engaged in global diplomacy, military strategy, and industry projects.
Episode Three
Episode Three focuses on often overlooked but essential aspects of space security, such as the significance of terminology, finding common understandings, and the roles of diversity and institutionalisation. Our multilingual and multicultural experts bring a humanities perspective to these important discussions.
Our expert guests explain why language is crucial for space governance. We highlight United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research’s role in supporting the Open-Ended Working Group on space security, particularly through the development of a space security lexicon that clarifies key terms like “militarisation vs. weaponisation” and “dual-use vs. dual-purpose". This podcast episode explores efforts for clearer understandings in multi-lingual, cross-disciplinary, and highly technical contexts, emphasising how diverse perspectives, civil society and stronger governance frameworks are important for ensuring a secure future in space.
ACSG Chair, Dr. Cassandra Steer:
"You could not have a more qualified collection of space security experts than these four women, who have been working on space and nuclear security for many years, and who have a shared commitment to making sure we get this right. Keeping space safe, secure, stable and accessible is a global imperative in the 21st century, and it’s my absolute honour to interview these experts about why this is such an urgent issue, and how they all contribute to international space security efforts".
Meet the Experts:
Victoria Samson is the Chief Director, Space Security and Stability for the Secure World Foundation, an organisation dedicated to enhancing space sustainability, and has over twenty-five years of experience in military space and security issues. At SWF, she focuses on global counterspace capabilities and diplomatic efforts to shore up space security and stability internationally.
Dr. Jessica West is a Senior Researcher at the Canadian peace research institute Project Ploughshares where she leads research to advance peace and security in outer space through a humanitarian focus on space for all and benefits to people and the planet. As part of this work, she interacts regularly with key United Nations bodies tasked with space governance. Related research interests include approaches to peace and disarmament rooted in humanitarian protection and gender perspectives, as well as the impact of new technologies on space security.
Almudena Azcárate Ortega is a Space Security Researcher at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). She has published widely and briefed UN Member States on the topics of space security law and policy and has presented her research in multiple fora. She has led UNIDIR’s participation in the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Reducing Space Threats Through Norms, Rules and Principles of Responsible Behaviour, established pursuant to UN General Assembly resolution 76/231.
Sarah Erickson is a researcher for UNIDIR's Space Security and WMD Programmes, where she also serves as the project lead for the Institute's Space Security Portal. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Maryland with a research focus on the space-nuclear security nexus.
The Space Matters: The Space Governance Podcast is part of ACSG’s mission to advance the agenda for responsible space governance and advocate for Australia’s interests in space in the 21st century. The ACSG serves Australia’s space law and governance needs—serving government, industry, and broader stakeholders. The ACSG offers professional and executive educational workshops, internationally recognised and multidisciplinary research that addresses national and international space governance challenges, as well as advocacy and educational outreach.
The ACSG has contributed to several significant initiatives, including providing recommendations before an Australian Parliamentary Inquiry on Australian space legislation, delivering executive education for senior public servants, and leading discussions in international forums such as the United Nations Open-ended Working Group.
For more information, or to inquire about consulting, training, or collaborative projects, please contact us at contact@spacegovcentre.org
The Australian Centre for Space Governance acknowledges Amelia Taylor for producing Space Matters: The Space Governance Podcast
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