Space Exploration

Centuries ago, China and Europe were connected by a number of trade routes across the Eurasian landmass and the Indian Ocean that were later known as the Silk Road. These Silk Roads not only connected the ancient Chinese Middle Kingdom and Medieval Europe, but also connected regions of Eurasia that …

For All Moonkind, Inc., announced on July 30, 2017, the formation of an International Advisory Council which will develop and implement the nonprofit organization’s plan to obtain United Nations protection of the six Apollo Lunar Landing Sites and related artifacts. One of the key members of the Advisory Council is …

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has launched its first science summer camp, under the title “Like a Scientist.” The camp targeted students from grade 9 to 12 at UAE schools, who had the opportunity to explore how planetary scientists work through a series of interactive activities, workshops, and …

On July 13, 2017, Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies passed a law, with near unanimity, regarding the exploration and utilisation of space resources. The new law will enter into force on August 1, 2017. Luxembourg is the first European country to have a legal framework recognising the right to space-based resources that …

In the sixth and final installment of our #SWMEThemes on Space Resources and the Middle East, Robert Boehme – the CEO and Founder of PTScientists – tells us how his company’s Mission to the Moon is contributing to the commercial exploration of space, and the opportunities on offer to Middle Eastern …

In the fifth installment of our #SWMEThemes on Space Resources and the Middle East, UAE space lawyer Humaid Al Shamsi explores the opportunities and legal and policy challenges for Middle Eastern states seeking to exploit space resources. Humanity relies heavily on natural resources and continued human development currently remains dependent …

The fourth part of our #SWMEThemes on the Middle East and Space Resources is an interview with Andrey Maximov and Raghu Das of Ramaspace, and explores their view on space resources, asteroid mining, and the impact of the new Luxembourg space resources law. SWME: Can we begin by talking about the …

The third part of our #SWMEThemes on the Middle East and Space Resources is an interview with space law attorney Michael J. Listner of Space Law and Policy Solutions, and author and publisher of space law and policy briefing-letter The Précis. Michael – a friend of SpaceWatch Middle East –provides readers with …

The second contribution to the #SWMEThemes week on the Middle East and Space Resources is by Ben Baseley-Walker, the Senior Director for Global Engagement for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Planetary Resources. Ben argues that Gulf Arab countries have an opportunity to lead in the coming race to exploit space …

In the first of our week-long #SWMEThemes on the Middle East and Space Resources, Dr. Tom James of Navitas Resources LLP argues that with its heritage in extracting oil and gas from harsh environments and recent investments in space programmes, many Middle Eastern countries are well-placed to take advantage of the …