Space for a Safe and Secure World: International Symposium Tackles Challenging Issues

Newswise — Issues of military space power and Earth security in the 21st century will be addressed at Space for a Safe and Secure World " the theme for the 13th International Space University Annual International Symposium being held February 18-20 in Strasbourg, France.

The symposium features a wide ranging number of sessions, from International Goals and Perspectives on Security to Civil Security and Military Space and Dual Use.

Secure World Foundation (SWF) is a proud sponsor of the International Space University symposium, with leaders of the SWF taking part in the three day program.

The International Space University (ISU) organizes a three-day symposium as an interdisciplinary, international forum to help both the users and the providers of space-related systems move forward from the discussion of problems to the formulation of innovative solutions.

Rules of the road

At a time when more nations make use of space, the stakes also become higher. It is clear that a new era of using space for the benefit of all has dawned.

"This means that rules of the road are required to manage traffic, prevent misunderstandings, mitigate production of orbital debris, and generally avoid destructive behavior," said Phil Smith, Communications Director for the Secure World Foundation, a participant in this week's ISU symposium.

Smith added: "At the same time, our use of space to monitor the Earth and support disaster management has become quite sophisticated, making it possible to address how to more effectively share Earth observation data globally."

Learning to use space more effectively through cooperative relationships will likely have a reciprocal effect when it comes to certain challenges on Earth, Smith explained. "Sometimes, an enormously complex and challenging opportunity teaches us about the fundamentals"¦in this case the use of space teaches us about how to live better on our planet."

Smith will be presenting "Reintroducing Space to the People: A New Approach to Space Education and Outreach," co-authored by Dr. Suzanne Metlay, SWF's Operations Director.

In addition, Brian Weeden, Technical Consultant for SWF, will be presenting "The Case for International Civil Space Situational Awareness," with contributions from Dr. Ray Williamson, SWF's Executive Director, and Ben Baseley-Walker, Legal and Policy Consultant for the Secure World Foundation.

Global space community

The International Space University provides graduate-level training to the future leaders of the emerging global space community at its Central Campus in Strasbourg, France, and at locations around the world.

ISU students take part in a unique Core Curriculum covering all disciplines related to space programs and enterprises " space science, space engineering, systems engineering, space policy and law, business and management, and space and society.

International graduate students and young space professionals work together to solve complex problems in an intercultural and collaborative environment.

Since its founding in 1987, ISU has graduated more than 2700 students from 100 countries. Together with hundreds of ISU faculty and lecturers from around the world, ISU alumni comprise an extremely effective network of space professionals and leaders that actively facilitates individual career growth, professional activities and international space cooperation.

For more information on the International Space University and this week's symposium, go to:

http://www.isunet.edu/index.php

NOTICE:

Reporters wanting comment on SWF's involvement in the ISU symposium, please contact:

1)Dr. Ray A. Williamson Executive DirectorSecure World Foundation

2)Brian Weeden, SWF Technical ConsultantSecure World Foundation

3)Phil Smith, SWF Communications Director

Secure World Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples.

SWF engages with academics, policy makers, scientists and advocates in the space and international affairs communities to support steps that strengthen global space security. It promotes the development of cooperative and effective use of space for the protection of Earth's environment and human security.

The Foundation acts as a research body, convener and facilitator to advocate for key space security and other space related topics and to examine their influence on governance and international development.