An event of considerable value—the 4th annual Space and Satellite Regulatory Colloquium—was conducted in Washington DC at the Denton's Office on Thursday, October 22, 2015—this was an informative one-day event that focused in on the emerging space law and regulatory issues that face the U.S. and International governments.
The seminar was created by ManSat in 2012 to provide a global platform to discuss the key issues that surround space and satellite law and regulation. This year’s event was presented in conjunction with the multinational law firm, Dentons, Satnews Publishers, and supported by other leading firms and names in the industry. A company with offices on the Isle of Mann, UK and the US, ManSat carries out satellite filings for the Isle of Man under a contract with the Manx Government’s Communications Commission.
ManSat Chairman and CEO Chris Stott spoke at the opening of the colloquium and also chaired one of the day’s five panel discussions, which focused on emerging space law and regulatory issues facing international governments.
Chris said, "With the World Radio Conference fast approaching, new satellite constellations revolutionizing both communications and Earth observation, and an explosion of new satellite market and financing opportunities, the issues surrounding space and satellite law are more pertinent than ever. This was a crucial factor in our recent appointment of Manxwoman Dr. Jennifer Stone as Regulatory Affairs Manager.
"The Space and Satellite Law Colloquium is the only event for legal and regulatory professionals in the world engaged in this industry. The event focuses on the key players addressing the key issues. It has become the “must attend” event for those in the know in the space and satellite industry.
"We created the conference because we realized that, prior to this Manx-led effort, there had never been an event focusing purely on space and satellite law and regulation. Regulation is at the core of ManSat’s expertise and is the foundation stone of every satellite effort. It’s also an excellent venue to talk about the Isle of Man with these key industry decision makers."
In addition to Dentons, the seminar was supported by Jones Day, Latham & Watkins, Milbank, Hogan Lovells, Shepherd Mullin, the Global VSAT Forum, the International Space University, the International Institute of Space Law, the SSPI, ViaSat, Telesat, EchoStar, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Eutelsat, O3b, Globecomm Systems, Raytheon, Bank of America, Summit Group, the Secure World Foundation, and more.
Dr. Del Smith, Dentons’ Senior Space Business Counsel, said, "With all of institutional changes taking place in the space world, it is essential to understand the regulatory framework within which you work. The best way to do this is to interact with your peers, and that is what we have created; a full day of presentation and interaction on the most important satellite regulatory issues of the day."
Retired general David Petraeus, left, publisher Silvano Payne, right.
Silvano Payne, the Satnews Publisher, was in attendance at this symposium that was also sponsored by his company. He had the opportunity to meet and speak with retired four star general David Petraeus, who served in command capacities for 37 years with the US Army, served as the Commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan as well as a past Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.