In this episode, Dr. Cassandra Steer sits down with Dr. Tristan Moss from UNSW Canberra to discuss the history of Australia’s involvement in space, focusing on the deep-rooted military influences that have shaped its space trajectory. From the launch of WRESAT, Australia’s first satellite developed through a military collaboration, to the Woomera testing range, a site with a legacy of missile testing and military technology development, Dr. Moss explores the legacy of defence interests in Australia’s early space initiatives.

The episode also looks at Australia’s strategic participation in the European Launcher Development Organization during the Cold War, where geopolitical alliances affected the importance of resilience and collaboration. Dr. Moss and Dr. Steer discuss the lessons of Australia’s military space history, the impact of public perception on the national space narrative, and how these histories continue to inform Australia’s current and future space policies.

• Moss T, 2024, '“Consider Carefully the Best Use of Our Limited Resources”: Australian Space Policy, 1960–72', Australian Journal of Politics & History, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajph.12995
• Moss T, 2020, '‘There Are Many Other Things More Important to Us Than Space Research’: The Australian Government and the Dawn of the Space Age, 1956–62', Australian Historical Studies, 51, pp. 442 - 458, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1031461x.2020.1766522
• ACSG pubic opinion survey "Looking Up From Down Under: Australian Attitudes to National Space Activities" https://www.spacegovcentre.org/_files/ugd/ed2eed_d028d1b713fe425d98f0ecb0064c1329.pdf

In this bonus episode of “Space Security is Here and Now”, Dr. Cassandra Steer interviews Jessica West, senior researcher at Project Ploughshares, to discuss her work on space security and her latest report on “hidden human insecurities in space”. The conversation covers the human impact of space activities, emphasising the uneven distribution of space benefits and harms, and the importance of addressing these issues through diverse, inclusive governance.
Jessica highlights the challenges marginalised communities face in accessing space capabilities, particularly the critical role of connectivity, and explains the concept of “triple vulnerability” in the context of space security threats. They also explore the need for alternative, human-centred approaches to space security, including intersectional feminism, human rights, and environmental stewardship.

• “Hidden Harms: Human (In)security in Outer Space: Consultation Report” https://www.ploughshares.ca/reports/hidden-harms-human-in-security-in-outer-space-consultation-report

• "Lost in Space: Feminist Considerations of Space Security" https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6159-0858

In the final episode of our mini-series Space Security is Here and Now, we reflect on the critical yet often overlooked topics of language, diversity, and institutionalisation—key topics that are just as important as the substantive security issues discussed in official forums. We explore the nuanced distinctions between the militarisation and weaponisation of outer space and examine why these terms are essential for shaping future space governance.

We also discuss the vital role that civil society organisations, like the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), play in influencing space security discussions, particularly through their support of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on space security.

Key topics include:

• UNIDIR’s development of a space security lexicon to clarify key terms like "militarisation" vs. "weaponisation" and "dual-use" vs. "dual-purpose."
• The importance of building common understanding across multi-lingual, cross-disciplinary, and highly technical fields.
• How diversity, inclusivity, and institutional frameworks are essential for tackling space security challenges.

Join experts Victoria Samson, Jessica West, Almudena Azcárate Ortega, and Sarah Erickson in this final episode as they unpack these pressing issues and provide expert views on the future of space security.

For more information:

• A Lexicon for Outer Space Security - https://unidir.org/publication/a-lexicon-for-outer-space-security/

• https://indico.un.org/event/1002352/ The side event co-sponsored by Australia, the Philippines and UNIDIR at the September 2022 meeting of the UN Open-ended working group on reducing space threats
• https://spacesecurityportal.org/

Have you ever wondered if Star Wars is a real possibility?
 
In this episode of Space Matters, we sit down with four trailblazing experts in space security: Victoria Sampson (Secure World Foundation), Jessica West (Project Ploughshares), Almudena Azcárate Ortega (UN Institute for Disarmament Research), and Sarah Erickson (UN Institute for Disarmament Research). Each shares their unique journey into the space sector, shedding light on the winding paths that led them to their current roles in space governance. The episode dives into the historical roots of space security, exploring the military origins of space exploration, the critical lessons learned from Cold War-era nuclear tests, and the development of international space treaties.
 
This podcast episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in space governance, international law, and the intersection of technology and global security. Tune in to hear from the experts who are leading the way in shaping the future of space security.
 
For more information about our podcast guests:
 
Jessica West, Project Ploughshares: https://www.ploughshares.ca/author/jessica-west
 
Victoria Samson, Secure World Foundation: https://swfound.org/about-us/our-team/victoria-samson/
 
Almudena Azcarate Ortega, UN Institute for Disarmament Research: https://unidir.org/people/almudena-azcarate-ortega/
 
Sarah Erikson, UN Institute for Disarmament Research: https://unidir.org/people/sarah-erickson/
 
More information on topics discussed:

• Outer Space Treaty: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introouterspacetreaty.html


• More information about the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: https://disarmament.unoda.org/wmd/nuclear/npt/#:~:text=The%20NPT%20is%20a%20landmark,and%20general%20and%20complete%20disarmament.

• UN Res 75/36 establishing the Open-Ended Working Group: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3895440?v=pdf


• UN A/Res 77/41 calling for a moratorium on direct-ascent anti-satellite weapons https://undocs.org/Home/Mobile?FinalSymbol=A%2FRES%2F77%2F41&Language=E


• Secure World Foundation report "Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Tests: State Positions on the Moratorium, UNGA Resolution, and Lessons for the Future" https://swfound.org/news/all-news/2023/10/direct-ascent-anti-satellite-missile-tests-state-positions-on-the-moratorium-unga-resolution-and-lessons-for-the-future/


• Recap report by UNIDIR on the OEWG (authored by Almudena and Sarah) https://unidir.org/publication/oewg-on-reducing-space-threats-recap-report/


• Recap report on the OEWG

by Project Ploughshares (authored by Jess West) https://www.ploughshares.ca/reports/the-open-ended-working-group-on-reducing

-space-threats-final-recap


• Cassandra Steer, "Making Arms Control Work" https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/making-space-arms-control-work


• Secure World Foundation, "Global Counterspace Capabilities Report" (co-authored by Victoria Samson and Brian Weeden) https://swfound.org/counterspace/


• UNIDIR report "Space Security and Sustainability: Why Is It Essential for Small Island Nations?" (co-authored by Almudena and Sarah) https://unidir.org/publication/space-security-and-sustainability-why-is-it-essential-for-small-island-nations/

What does a space lawyer do? Join senior fellow Dr. Kat Robison and research affiliate Joel Lisk in this episode of Space Matters, the Space Governance Podcast. They discuss the landscape of space regulation, focusing on Australian domestic space law and broader challenges in outer space regulation. Joel's insights cover the intersection of space laws with cultural and scientific rights, intellectual property rights in space, space debris, and data security. He also explores the future of space law amidst the commercialisation of outer space.

Welcome to a new episode where we discuss the Australian Centre for Space Governance's recent survey on Australian attitudes towards space activities. This study reveals a significant lack of awareness and knowledge about space activities among Australians, highlighting a gap between public interest in space and actual knowledge about space technologies. This podcast episode provides an in-depth discussion on the implications of these findings for space governance and public policy.

Join Dr. Aleksandar Deejay, along with Dr. Tristan Moss and Dr. Kat Robison-Hasani, as they explore the most comprehensive public opinion poll on understandings of space conducted in Australia. They discuss the critical need for clearer messaging and communication about the impact of space activities on daily life, national needs, and government priorities, and suggest ways to enhance public understanding and engagement with space governance.

Today's conversation is crucial for anyone interested in how space activities are viewed by the public and the importance of effective communication to bridge the knowledge gap. Insights from this episode will help shape future initiatives to better integrate public awareness into space policy and governance.

Link to survey: https://www.spacegovcentre.org/_files/ugd/ed2eed_d028d1b713fe425d98f0ecb0064c1329.pd

In this episode of “Space Matters: The Space Governance podcast”, join our chair, Dr. Cassandra Steer, as she discusses Earth Observation, its role in our daily lives, its applications, and its governance. Our special guest, Stephen Ward, shares his journey into the space sector and discusses his work with Symbios in Earth Observation governance. This episode explores the transformative potential of Earth Observation to both change and save the world, while also addressing the recent cancellation of the National Space Mission for Earth Observation.

We examine the risks associated with data dependency, the necessity for continuity, and the international institutions governing these advanced technologies. The discussion also covers the involvement of the commercial sector, highlighting both the opportunities and concerns it brings to Earth Observation. Tune in to learn how Australia can best position itself to manage and responsibly use commercial space activities.

Check out the papers we discuss in this episode and additional resources you may find interesting:

ACSG report on EO data: https://www.spacegovcentre.org/_files/ugd/ed2eed_e154dbf09cc34fa7b7088d7794df0f73.pdf

Continuity of EO Data for Australia: https://www.eoa.org.au/news/2024/4/9/continuity-of-earth-observation-data-for-australia-risks-report-released

Symbios Communications: https://symbios.space/

CEOS: https://ceos.org/about-ceos/overview/