Space Café Radio - Space Debris and Policy: A Conversation with Prof Michael Byers

In this episode of Space Café Radio, Torsten Kriening sit down with Professor Michael Byers, co-director of the Outer Space Institute in Vancouver, to discuss pressing issues in space governance. Recorded at a scenic street café in Berlin, Michael  sheds light on the potential future crisis in Earth's orbit, comparing it to the current plastic crisis in our oceans. 

He talks about the mission and methods of the Outer Space Institute, the influence of academic research on policy-making, and the urgent need to address the environmental impact of space activities. Michael discusses topics ranging from space debris and mega constellations to international space policy and advocacy against kinetic anti-satellite weapon tests. 

Useful literature:

Who Owns Outer Space? 

International Law and the Arctic 

Who Owns the Arctic? 

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Chapters

• 0:00 Space Cafe Radio - Space Debris and Policy: A Conversation with Prof Michael Byers
• 1:28 The Outer Space Institute's Mission
• 1:40 Collaboration and New Issues
• 2:57 Global Network and Policy Influence
• 6:01 Controlled Reentry Advocacy
• 8:01 Governance Gaps in Space
• 12:02 Debris and Anti-Satellite Tests
• 15:04 Military Developments in Space
• 18:47 Mega Constellations and the Night Sky
• 19:06 Governance Frameworks for Mega Constellations
• 19:58 Challenges with SpaceX's Approach
• 21:38 Environmental Impact Assessments for Mega Constellations
• 23:12 The Role of Reliable Allies in Space
• 28:02 Inclusion of the Global South in Space Governance
• 29:20 The Importance of Multilateralism in Space