In this podcast, we continue the discussion of public/private partnerships, focusing on the growing, somewhat quietly menacing issue of keeping space free from debris. What role can collaborations play here? What, if any, already exist? Will regulations be put in place that de-incentivize leaving your litter behind? SSPI Director of Development and Innovation Lou Zacharilla asks these questions and more as he speaks with Dr. Walter Scott, Executive Vice President and CTO at Maxar Technologies; George John, Associate at Hogan Lovells; and Carolyn Belle, Director of Advanced Systems at Astroscale.
Carolyn Belle engages in space industry growth and diversification, with expertise in the market dynamics of on-orbit servicing, emerging satellite applications, and the creation of diversified space architectures. Carolyn currently works with commercial and government satellite operators to pursue new approaches to on-orbit operations in her role at Astroscale U.S., where she serves as the Director of Advanced Systems. She previously led KSAT’s standardized ground network development in the U.S. and, as a consultant and industry analyst, advised companies throughout the value chain on key opportunities & strategic direction. She started her career in astrobiology research before focusing her passion for space on building the business environment and underlying infrastructure necessary to facilitate dynamic industry expansion. Carolyn holds a bachelor’s degree from The Colorado College with a focus in Biology and Chemistry and completed the International Space University’s multidisciplinary master’s program in Space Management. She has been active in leading STEM outreach initiatives such as Yuri’s Night and Cool Science as well as efforts to strengthen women’s roles and recognition within the space industry.
George John ensures regulations do not disrupt innovation and investment in the aerospace, telecommunications, sports, medical, and mobility industries. He advises clients on radiofrequency (RF) spectrum use, orbital debris mitigation, and remote sensing licensing while engaging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), International Telecommunication Union, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Those interactions have helped him shape and streamline regulations on RF spectrum, the safety and sustainability of space, and Earth imagery; negotiate RF spectrum rights at international fora; and complete associated due diligence for venture-capital and private-equity investments. Before joining Hogan Lovells, George served as in-house regulatory and transactional counsel for a pioneering nanosatellite company, where he secured satellite, earth station, and remote sensing licenses and negotiated satellite launch and insurance agreements. Other previous stops include the FCC’s International Bureau Satellite Division, where he tackled satellite and earth station licensing and rulemakings, and the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Chief Counsel, where he undertook commercial space launch, reentry, launch site operation, and other aviation regulation projects. George is a member of the 2020 list of 20 Under 35. Learn more about George.
Dr. Walter Scott is Maxar's Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. He founded DigitalGlobe in 1992, which became part of Maxar in 2017. From 1986 through 1992, Walter held a number of technical, program, and department management positions at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, including serving as the assistant associate director of the Physics Department. Prior to this, Walter served as president of Scott Consulting, a Unix systems and applications consulting firm. Walter holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics, magna cum laude, from Harvard College and a Doctorate and Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. Walter was inducted into the Space & Satellite Hall of Fame in 2017. Learn more about Walter.
This podcast series is sponsored by
SSPI’s Better Satellite World campaign is made possible with the support of our corporate partners
