Working Group on Earth-Space Governance: Overview and Updates

Organized by Working Group on Earth-Space Governance

This session provides an overview of the Working Group on Earth-Space Governance, including the latest activities within and related to the Working Group. The Co-Conveners (Xiao-Shan Yap, Utrecht University and Rakhyun Kim, Utrecht University) begin by presenting the vision and objectives of the Working Group as well as a brief introduction of new members (Yap ~15 mins). Subsequently, the co-leads of the Reading Group (Luca Thanei, ETH Zurich and Marieluna Frank, Zeppelin University) report and reflect on the reading sessions they have been organizing in 2024, including highlights and topics covered (~10 mins). The session continues with brief presentations of a few new/ ongoing research projects as well as initiatives affiliated with the Working Group (5 mins each), including project PlanetStewards (Planetary Stewardship in view of Earth-Space Sustainability, Xiao-Shan Yap, Utrecht University), project FOGOS (Futures-oriented Governance of Outer Space: Towards Peace, Equity, and Environmental Integrity, Florian Rabitz, Vilnius University), project NordSpace (Nordic Space Infrastructures: Environment, Security, and Future Imaginaries of Outer Space in the High North, Katharina Glaab, NMBU), project FutureSpace (Making the Ariane Rocket: Negotiating relations between European integration and the future of Europe in space, Nina Klimburg Witjes, Vienna University), and a new space database of international institutional arrangements (Jean-Frederic Morin, Laval University). Next, the co-conveners will present the call for a Special Issue on ''Earth-Space Governance: Meanings, Approaches, Implications'' in the Earth System Governance Journal (Kim ~15 mins). This will be followed by a paper presentation as an example of a potential contribution to the Special Issue (Santiago Vrech, Utrecht University ~10 mins). The Co-Conveners will subsequently outline future activities and milestones for the Working Group, including plans for 2025 (~ 5 mins). The session will end with questions and answers (Q&A) with the session participants (~ 10 mins).