Space debris is part of almost every topic surrounding activities in outer space, yet despite its prevalence in the discussion, both the threat of damage and the lack of progress in mitigating it continues to grow. In light of the recent lawsuit involving a Florida family requesting that NASA pay for damage caused by a piece of space junk landing on their house, questions about the future of space debris mitigation.

Moderated by Michelle Hanlon, this Webinar will examine some of the pressing issues relating to the tracking of space debris, including the legal and policy challenges, space situational awareness, and pathways forward to ensure that space can be utilized by present and future humans.

Panelists:

• Michelle Hanlon (Moderator), Executive Director, Center for Air & Space Law at the University of Mississippi
• Ian Thomas, Senior Program Manager, Astroscale U.S., Inc.
• Chris Johnson, Director of Legal Affairs & Space Law, Secure World Foundation
• Marlon Sorge, Technical Fellow, The Aerospace Corporation
• Gabriel Swiney, Director, Policy, Advocacy, and International Division, NOAA Office of Space Commerce