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The Global Business Law Institute at the �鶹���� Law hosts an annual symposium that addresses legal and policy questions in the space industry.

From commercial spaceflights to astronauts preparing to establish a long-term presence on the moon, human activities in space are all over the news these days.

These thrilling adventures — driven by private companies, space agencies and governments — promise new scientific understanding, economic growth and multiplanetary existence. But they also hold the dark potential of a fragile orbital environment, use of space assets by a few powerful actors, and armed conflict in space that can plunge Earth into chaos.

With so much at stake, the question arises: What are the rights and obligations in humanity’s race to establish a presence in space?

The Third Annual Space Diplomacy Symposium, which will be held at the University of �鶹���� of Law on Nov. 7, addresses that question.

Cosponsored by the Space Law, Data and Policy Program (SPACE LDP), part of the Global Business Law Institute at �鶹���� School of Law, and the at the Henry Jackson School of International Studies, the Symposium convenes experts and practitioners across the fields of space law and security, international affairs, and space medicine and bioethics. It assesses the rewards and risks of space development as well as the importance of diplomacy in maintaining collaboration in the space domain.

“Space diplomacy isn’t just dialogue,” said Saadia Pekkanen, Professor at the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, and a founding director of SLDP and SPDR. “It is a way to respond to fast-paced realities through communication, persuasion and bargaining.”

Pekkanen sees the Space Diplomacy Symposium as a neutral convenor for dialogues on how space science, business and policy intersect — a Davos-like platform to bring together technical, legal and policy dialogues and raise public awareness.

“The Symposium creates a diplomatic home base where decision-makers, academics and commercial leaders can build trust, cross-pollinate ideas and find common ground on partnerships,” Pekkanen said.

“The Space Diplomacy Symposium is an important annual event that addresses the vital questions about the law, policy and engagement of the space industry,” said Scott Schumacher, Professor and Associate Dean at the �鶹���� School of Law and a founding director of SLDP. “The Global Business Law Institute is proud to be part of this outstanding symposium.”

We asked Pekkanen to describe the Symposium and how it contributes to building a peaceful and collaborative future for humanity in space.

�鶹���� Law: What prompted you to convene the Annual Space Diplomacy Symposium?

Pekkanen: We need a standing platform that bridges space innovations and global diplomacy, and that generates thought leadership on collaborative pathways forward in international markets and legal ecosystems. There was no such national platform when we set out about three years ago, but thanks to many colleagues we were able to launch it and are now carrying it forward together.

�鶹���� Law: Why is the Third Annual Space Diplomacy Symposium important?

Pekkanen: We are showcasing that we are not a one-off symposium. Instead, we are moving forward together with partners as a standing space diplomacy hub for decision-makers, academics and commercial leaders interested in understanding and responding to fast-paced changes in the international space ecosystem.

�鶹���� Law: How would you describe the voices featured at the Symposium?

Pekkanen: We have been fortunate in expanding the circle of conversation, and to bring international voices to the table as we engage in dialogues on military, civil and commercial space diplomacy. It is vital that we have voices from around the world represented, as this builds awareness of international realities that affect the space ecosystem. This time around, we were able to get funding that allowed us to bring in top-level officials and academics from Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom.

�鶹���� Law: What key themes will the Symposium address?

Pekkanen: Some of the key themes will cover the intersection of space with emerging and disruptive technologies such as cyber, the promise and perils posed by mega-constellations, and the medical and biological challenges standing in the way of millions of people living in space. Of course, the presiders will also draw in other themes and questions as these are interactive dialogues!

�鶹���� Law: What do you hope attendees take away from this Symposium?

Pekkanen: Each year we try to improve, and this year we are going to end the SDS with some takeaways! So, stay tuned.

Learn more about the 2025 Space Diplomacy Symposium.