Since Yuri Gagarin first pierced the veil of Earth’s atmosphere in 1961, 641 humans have earned the title of astronaut. Of this number, at least 60 are private individuals who have flown into space as tourists or as private astronauts. In coming years, SpaceX and other operators are preparing for a sharp increase in human spaceflight, with the Starship being designed to potentially transport up to 100 people on a single flight. As private space stations begin to populate Earth’s orbits and a permanent human presence is established on the moon, the number of destinations for human spaceflight will increase further spurring on the need to taxi humans to space.
While the future is bright, many challenges remain. From bone loss and radiation exposure to the possibility of being stranded in space, the risks to the safety and long-term health of astronauts are significant. However, the legal questions may prove to be the most difficult to solve. Uncertainty continues as to where space begins and who, therefore, deserves the title of astronaut. The application of existing international law to space tourists is unclear. The rules governing the future Lunar Gateway are only now evolving and the domestic regulatory environment surrounding human spaceflight is currently insufficient.
This symposium will address the operational and legal challenges facing the future of human spaceflight with thought-leaders in the field sharing their ideas and potential solutions.
Co-sponsored by the Global Space Law Center and the Global Business Law Review.
with generous support from BLUE ABYSS LLC
Program Agenda
9:30-9:35 Welcome Remarks by Lee Fisher, Dean of CSU Law
9:35-9:50 Introduction to the Symposium by Prof. Mark J. Sundahl
9:50-10:15 Keynote Presentation by John Vickers, Blue Abyss LLC
10:15-11:15 Humans in Space: Health, Training, Disability & Access
Panelists: Dr. Laura Hoffman, CSU Law
Dr. Vladimir Pletser, Blue Abyss UK
Moderator: Dr. Mark Sundahl, CSU Law
11:15-11:30 Coffee Break
11:30-12:30 The Rescue and Return of Astronauts
Panelists: Blake Fleming, USCG Lant-35 Space Operations Program Manager
Prof. Michael Dodge, University of North Dakota
Dr. Mark J. Sundahl, CSU Law
Moderator: Bailey Reichelt, Aegis Law
12:30-1:15 Lunch Break & Keynote Address by Dr. James A. Kenyon
1:15-2:15 How Do Ohio Companies Get Involved in Human Spaceflight?
Panelists: Joseph Zeis, Senior Advisor for Aerospace and Defense to Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine
Callista Puchmeyer, NASA Glenn Research Center, Office of the General Counsel
Jon P. Yormick, Yormick & Associates LLP
Moderator: Caylan Fazio, CSU Law Student
2:15-2:30 An Introduction to Space Stations and their Legal Environment, by Prof. Mark J. Sundahl
2:30-2:45 Video Greeting from an Astronaut: The Honorable Dorin Prunariou (to be confirmed)
2:45-3:30 The International Space Station and the Lunar Gateway, Ms. Rebecca Bresnik, NASA Associate General Counsel for International/Space Law (to be confirmed)
3:30-4:30 The U.S. Regulation of Human Spaceflight: Sub-Orbital, Orbital & Beyond
Panelists: Dr. Diane Howard, National Space Council
Dr. Michael Mineiro, Akin
Moderator: Prof. Michael Dodge, University of North Dakota
4:30-4:45 Symposium Take-aways & Final Words
In-person and online attendance options available!
REGISTRATION
Free: No CLE Credit
$150 for 6 hours of CLE credit