De absentia necessitatis - An Update
I return to write my first post in 3 months. Take comfort, however, in the knowledge that this time lapse isn't a result of growing tired or bored of continuing this website. In fact, I've been wanting to get back to this for quite a while now. As is the way with life, however, it has managed to get in the way and prevent me from doing such: until now, that is.
To keep it brief, the last couple of posts I did were attempts to keep fresh content appearing on here, whilst getting to grips with the start of my current course (LLM Legal Practice (Bar), if anyone is interested!). Alas, I soon realised that I simply did not have the time to devote 60 hours or so a week to the course, and then also continue with all of my outside commitments. This remains the case somewhat currently, as I am only a few weeks into the second part of the course, so it remains to be seen how the different modules on this part of the course will impact any free time I might otherwise have. However, I still want to put something up here in the meantime, so thought that mentioning some articles, organisations etc. would be a good way to keep everyone engaged.
Firstly, I would recommend people (students especially, but not exclusively) to check out the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). It's a great organisation, which is inclusive and accepting of everyone, regardless of how much experience and knowledge of space you happen to have. They often have scholarships available, hold competitions, have various campaigns, workshops, meetings etc to get involved with, and actively try to get everyone involved with as much networking and as many congresses as possible. Despite being a member myself, I am in no way being biased (nor, for that matter, am I sponsored by anyone) when I say that they are doing a great deal of extremely valuable work and have some impressive achievements to their name. For more information, please take a look at their website: https://spacegeneration.org/
The European Centre for Space Law (ECSL) is certainly worth checking out too. As Europe's answer to NASA, the ESC (and by extension, the ECSL) have their hand in some very interesting, groundbreaking projects, collaborations, symposiums etc. They offer some wonderful opportunities to students, either through being a student member, or via participating in individual events such as the Manfred Lachs Moot or the IISL/ECSL Symposium, UN COPUOS Legal Subcommittee, due to be held in Austria this year. I have seen some very attractive trainee, internship etc offers advertised by ESC and ECSL, which are not only prestigious positions which is great on a CV, but more importantly genuinely affords you unparalleled insights into the industry. Their website can be found here: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ECSL_-_European_Centre_for_Space_Law
Furthermore, "Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is in orbit, heading for the International Space Station following launch Thursday of the next-generation spacecraft on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket on a mission designed to test the end-to-end capabilities of the crew-capable system as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program" ......... https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/starliner-launches-to-space-station-on-uncrewed-flight-test-for-nasa
A new article has been published which does a great job of succinctly covering the basics of space law, as it currently stands, as well as touching on the future of space (including the massive economic potential of the industry). It's worth having a read of, especially if you aren't particularly familiar with the legislation, conventions etc which governs the industry. ........ https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=704e9eb0-e8c9-47e7-b0e3-d3d0a91c3da4
Another great article here, which touches on some of the issues I have previously covered, albeit through a slightly different lens. Whilst a more lengthy article than others, it offers more detail and discussion than many other articles to have come out in recent weeks/months on the inevitable climb towards numerous impenetrable issues on a vast scale, concerning the militarisation of space and claims of sovereignty. https://nationalinterest.org/feature/coming-anarchy-outer-space-201934
In an effort to combat Western sanctions and curb their effect, Putin has signed into law new legislation which effectively could result in hundreds of aircraft, leased to them by Western countries, being confiscated. The aviation insurance market is braced for massive losses, possibly reaching many billions of dollars in total. ........ https://insuranceday.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/ID1140124/New-Russian-aviation-law-sparks-confiscation-fears
I hope to be able to go back to my regular posts in the near future. Until then, other posts like this may follow. It is my hope that this will at least keep everyone occupied, interested, and curious about the goings on within the aviation and space industries.