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September 19 2024 – U.N. Plaza 777, NYC
Session #01 – Chair: Adriano V. Autino
| time (US EDT) | speaker | abstract |
| 9:00 pm |  Adriano V. Autino (Space Renaissance International) | Opening and first speech Concepts for a Critical Review of the U.N. Space 2030 Agenda In general terms, the current version of the U.N. Space 2030 agenda – issued in 2021 – appears to be a collection of worthwhile wishes, but it is missing the most important goal of space activities – space settlement and civilizational expansion into space – and it is therefore void of any plans for realization. Sustainability seems to be the main concern of the Agenda, yet outer space is only conceived of as a tool to support human sustainability on Earth’s surface. There’s no mention of outer space as an arena of possible expansion and sustainable development for human civilization. Space exploration is the only concept mentioned for manned activities in outer space, and there’s no mention of space settlement and its value to mankind. These, then, are the biggest limitations of the U.N. Space 2030 Agenda. We urge to trigger a big public discussion -- taking the opportunity of the Space 2030 Agenda -- on Civilian Space Development as a key factor of sustainable development and obsolescence of resource wars. The whole Space Community is invited to do their best to enable an extensive public awareness of this discussion, and the truly urgent need to help launch Civilian Space Development before 2030. 2030 remains a key date, for the SDGs and the space development agenda, regardless of whatever proponents advocating for a programmatic rescheduling to 2035 - 2050 horizon, without any critical public reflection, might suggest. Some fundamental questions to begin working on a timely revision of the Space2030 Agenda: 1. Which critical concepts are currently missing in the Agenda? 2. Why does the Space2030 Agenda need a radical review? 3. Space2030 Agenda: who knows about it? 4. What key organizations have been engaged with the Space2030 Agenda, and to date what public initiatives have been undertaken? 5. How has the Space2030 Agenda enhanced public awareness regarding space as a key factor for human sustainability? 6. What are the public initiatives held so far? 7. What amendments (if any) should we propose? 8. What may be the main points for a policy of much greater public exposition? |
| 9:12 am |  Claire A. Nelson (The Futures Forum) | How We Share the Future: Enabling Space For All |
| 9:24 am |  Robert Zubrin (The Mars Society) | Space will give us freedom. Freedom will give us space |
| 9:36 am |  Frank White (Human Space Program) | Visualizing the 18 SDGs: Including “Space for All” The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) are typically represented as a group of colorful blocks piled on top of one anotherand, of course, the 18th SDG, “Space for All,” is not represented in any way. However, #18 is the context in which the content of the other SDG’s function. Seen from orbit or the Moon, astronauts perceive the Earth as it really isa whole system comprised of multiple subsystems, all of which interact with and have an impact on one another (“The Overview Effect). Seen from a distance, moreover, it is clear that the Earth is not a closed system. On the contrary, it is an open system within the larger solar ecosystem. The SDG’s can therefore be understood as interacting subsystems within the whole Earth system, which will be the topic of this session. Frank White will present a new framework for understanding the SDG’s as subsystems of a larger whole system, and will also report on specific examples of how to accomplish this goal. He will describe the simulation model now being developed by the Human Space Program as a tool to explore how “space for all” can affect various societal challenges (which are reflected in the 17 existing SDG’s). As such, the model can highlight the critical importance of the 18th SDG. |
| 9:48 |  Rick Tumlinson (EarthLightFoundation) | Looking for a space fairing civilization. Versus a civilization that is managing its environment. |
| 10:00 am |  Paul J. Werbos (Millennium Project, NSS, NSF, MST) | How New Space Activities Could Win or Lose This Century for Humanity Many radical changes in science and technology, and market structures, now threaten the very existence of the human species in this century, far more than most policy makers even begin to envision. Thanks to the Millennium Project, NSS, the IEEE and the India Foundation, some of us have begun to make connections to understand the four biggest "existential threats" to humanity in this century, as well as three great new opportunities which could overcome those threats and advance humanity far more than most believe possible, in a unifying way which is fully consistent with the highest demands of science and of the human soul. For example, see Werbos, Paul J. "The New AI: Basic concepts, and urgent risks and opportunities in the internet of things." Artificial Intelligence in the Age of Neural Networks and Brain Computing. Academic Press, 2024. 93-127 and https://drpauljohn.blogspot.com/2024/09/position-paper-for-next-great-advances.html. The deeper we get into these seven great challenges, the more we can understand how a great diversity of breakthrough activities in space may spell the difference between success or failure. All seven challenges demand new strategic and mathematical thinking, integrated across disciplines, in a way we simply do not see in the fragmented and specialized organizations which care about the challenges but do not get deep enough into science and technology. But the international civilian space community offers not only more advanced technologies, needed by everyone, but a culture of building new connections and exploring new possibilities crucial to them all. Two of the seven challenges -- two of the three great positive hopes -- fall well within what many parts of the space community view as their leading priorities: (1) the economically sustainable growth of humanity through and beyond our solar system; (2) the open, international systems to "see the sky" with radically new technology, crucial to understanding our place in the larger universe but also to reduce the growing power of poorly observed offensive actors threatening war in the skies of earth. |
| 10:12 am |  Gary Barnhard (Space Development Foundation) | 18th SDG: Space Administrivia or a Call to Action!? |
| 10:24 am |  Ben Gamble (AstroBen Podcast) | Exploring the New Space Economy: Innovation, Collaboration, and the Role of Storytelling in Advancing the Final Frontier How space will be integral to advancing sustainable development on Earth and beyond. Reflecting on the interconnectedness between space and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, while calling for the inclusion of "Space for All" as the 18th SDG. Drawing from the innovation and collaboration within the new space economy, it emphasizes the critical role of storytelling in making space accessible to all, not just as an abstract idea but as a transformative force that can address humanity's biggest challenges. Influencers and cultural icons are needed to raise space awareness, making it an essential part of global conversations about sustainability and the future of civilization. |
| 10:36 am |  Marie-Luise Heuser (Space Renaissance International) | Outer Space and the Principles of the United Nations Charter |
| 10:48 am |  Shannon Procise (Brevard Prosperity Initiative) | Expanding Horizons: Prosperity through Earth and Space Collaboration This presentation will explore the powerful impact of collaboration between businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies in driving sustainable community development, both on Earth and in Space. By showcasing the Brevard Prosperity Initiative, I’ll highlight how innovative partnerships address social and economic challenges, creating lasting impacts and optimizing resources for everyone, regardless of where in the world, or beyond, they may be. As we look beyond Earth, I’ll discuss how these collaborative principles can be extended to space development. Integrating space into our sustainability strategies opens new opportunities for economic growth and social progress. This approach aligns with exactly with the Space 18th SDG, and all of the 17 baseline SDGs, emphasizing that true sustainability must extend beyond Earth, ensuring a prosperous future for all. |
| 11:00 am |  Ryan Laird | Building Bridges: Engaging Stakeholders in Sustainable Space Development for a Resilient Future As humanity faces significant terrestrial and extraterrestrial challenges, effectively engaging stakeholders in sustainable space development becomes crucial. This talk will explore strategies for fostering robust stakeholder engagement that aligns with the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Space 2030 Agenda. We will examine the unique challenges and opportunities of involving diverse actors—governments, private enterprises, NGOs, and the general public—in the narrative of space as a frontier for sustainable economic and social growth. The presentation will highlight best practices in sustainable marketing, focusing on how to craft compelling narratives that resonate across different sectors and cultures. It will discuss the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and ethical considerations in building trust and securing long-term commitment from stakeholders. The talk will also emphasise the role of education and awareness in bridging knowledge gaps, fostering a sense of shared purpose, and promoting the idea of space development as a key driver of global sustainability. By engaging stakeholders effectively, we can ensure that the expansion into the cislunar economy and beyond is not only technologically and economically viable but also socially and environmentally sustainable. This approach will help create a unified vision that integrates space development into the broader goals of peace, prosperity, and sustainability on Earth, offering a path forward for a resilient and thriving future. |
| 11:12 am |  Constance Erlanger (GoKnown LLC) | The Foundation of Sustainable, Secure, Space Exploration and Commerce GoKnown supports the proposed 18th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to be added to the existing SDGs: “ “Space for All, on Earth and Beyond”, a civilian-led space development, with human communities living and working in outer space to expand and multiply benefits to all the peoples of Earth.” To ensure the successful attainment of this goal, it is imperative that we secure the infrastructure that powers civilization on Earth and supports Space exploration and Space commerce. The critical infrastructures on Earth rely on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) to function. Whether it is environmental, transportation, telecommunications, agriculture, finance, healthcare or national defense, infrastructures run on PNT information. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the primary source of PNT information. GPS is increasingly vulnerable to natural and manmade disruptions, thus making the risk of GPS failure a rapidly escalating and untenable risk for all of mankind, on Earth and in Space. To mitigate this risk, we must develop a secure, interoperable, sustainable alternative to existing GPS and PNT. We envision a fully integrated, resilient network of non-GPS-reliant Alternative PNT (Alt-PNT) that spans Earth, the Moon, and Mars, enabling civilian-led space development for the benefit of all humanity. |
| 11:24 am |  Cheryl Gallagher (Asgardia) | Cultural Implications and Impacts of the Space 18th SDG The pace of the current Space Race continues to exponentially develop at a blistering pace, fueled by the effective and powerful influence of civilian space based initiatives from around the world, along with their integration into traditional governmental space agencies and environments. Almost universally, the results of each new experiment, each new innovation has ethical, legal, cultural and human evolutionary implications, essentially there is human culture in everything we aspire to do whether living on earth or living in space. Why is it so important for humankind for the next sustainable development goal to be dedicated to “Space for All on Earth and Beyond” versus the other laudable suggestions for the UN’s next SDG? I am a cultural specialist, there are a number of SDG suggestions that specifically highlight cultural concerns, why focus attention and effort on this specific SDG? It is precisely because all these other concerns are fully embraced by the concept of Space for All and Beyond. This presentation focuses on both the “All" and the “Beyond”. We have a great deal of essential focus on engineering solutions for the many critical concrete practical survival concerns of our species as we aspire to adapt to the completely foreign environment of outer space. What about the significant impacts on overall human development and potentials for positive human physical societal philosophical and cultural evolution as we expand into the vast universe, and as we reflect what we learn back to our home world and all her inhabitants? Thought provoking insights derived from a few upcoming and rapidly developing civilian space initiatives are reviewed in this brief but potent presentation. |
| 11:36 am |  Ari Eisenstat (Space 4 Humanity) | Human Rights and Human Space Flight |
| 11:48 am |  Chantelle Baier (4SPACE) | Bridging Culture, Art, Music, and STEM to Speed Sustainability: 4Space & 4Earth In an era where sustainability challenges demand sustainable solutions, this keynote presents a visionary, yet obtainable, approach which unites culture, art, music, and STEM. By integrating the imaginative power of the arts with the analytical rigor of STEM, we foster a holistic pathway to problem-solving that transcends traditional boundaries. This interdisciplinary collaboration celebrates both human ingenuity and diversity. Through quick quirky stories and instantly inspiring examples, this keynote will illustrate how pioneering projects exemplify this synergy. From placing the first authorized artwork on the Moon to designing educational programs blending robotics with artistic expression, the transformative potential of merging these fields will be shown, not just told. Buckle-up for a short, yet enlightening and entertaining journey. Discover how embracing the full spectrum of human creativity and intellect can create an incredible, and lasting, future. Together, we can build a world where space exploration and Earth conservation unite, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all crew members of our Spaceship Earth. |
| 12:00 (noon) |  Werner Grandl (Space Renaissance International) | The next Steps to expand Human Civilization into Space In our days humankind is facing multiple crises such as global warming, a permanent energy crisis and wars for the limited natural resources of Earth. Furthermore there are possible natural disasters like super volcanoes and asteroid impacts which may cause the end of civilization on our planet. If we utilize the enormous natural resources of the solar system and build human outposts in space we can mitigate the crises and open the gate for humans to outer space and an ongoing cosmic evolution. To achieve this goal there are some urgent next steps as follows: -a successor of ISS with simulated gravity in Low Earth Orbit; as a precursor project to large space habitats it is necessary to study the effects of gravity simulation in a rotating space station -an initial lunar base, preferably inside a lava tube or on the lunar south pole; a base for scientific studies and a testbed for in situ resource utilization -a space factory preferably on a Lagrange point L4 or L5; the factory processes orbital debris and lunar material -measurements against hazardous Near Earth Asteroids such as space telescopes and testing of interceptor missiles |
| 12:12 pm |  Thomas Matula (Space Renaissance International) | The Role of Space Development in the Global Economy Space technology and satellites have been a major driver of economic development since the 1960’s. Weather, remote sensing and communication satellites were critical to the creation of today knowledge economy. Making access to space easily available to everyone will accelerate the economic growth of emerging nations by enabling them to leverage the benefits of space in building their economies. Advances in recycling, food production and mining low grade ores resulting from the building of communities will allow all of the nations to grow their economies without increasing the damage to the world’s environment. An 18th Sustainable Development Goal of Space for All will better enable the nations of the Earth to all share in the benefits created by the expanding space economy. |
| 12:24 pm |  Jerry Stone (Space Renaissance International, BIS)) | Island Zero - A practical introduction to physically starting space habitation through the use of simulated gravity. In the early 1970s, Gerard O’Neill and others developed plans for large habitats to be constructed in free space that could house 10,000 people. This level of design was known as “Island One”. O’Neill deliberately restricted the design to the technology of the time, so that no-one could suggest that it was fantasy due to requiring materials that had not yet been invented. As a result of advances in materials and technology over the next 40 years that could make this program more efficient, a project was run at the British Interplanetary Society to re-examine and update the original studies. There are various such designs, and they all assumed the structure would rotate to produce 1g. An initial question for the project was whether they needed 1g. Why not 0.9g, 0.8g or lower? A reduced value would mean less stress on the structure, so less material would be required for its construction. It would also mean less stress on the inhabitants, and they would not have to carry out two hours of exercise every day, as on the ISS. In addition, construction would not begin with Island One; a much smaller structure would need to be established first, which would act as living and working space for the personnel that would assemble the facilities for construction. Importantly, it would rotate to provide simulated gravity. The associated question is how much the gravity can be reduced before it becomes a problem rather than a benefit. An initial version of such a unit could be used to carry out the medical research necessary in order to determine the g-level to be used in larger space habitats. This small unit would demonstrate many features of a full settlement but on a much smaller scale, both in size and cost, as a way of showing the viability of some of the ideas behind space habitation. This structure was designated as “Island Zero”. Made up of multiple inflatable or expandable units, some modules could be positioned to provide 0.9g, 0.8g or 0.7g, This will allow medical research to be carried out at different levels - simultaneously - to determine the best g-level to be used. Inflatable units have already been launched, and others are undergoing testing by Sierra Space. This means that this unit could be constructed now. Modules could also be used for commercial space activities and space tourism. |
| 12:36 pm |  Renato Frota (Space For Pogress) | Unified Observatory: Leveraging CERN for Global SDG Monitoring This presentation explores the concept of a Unified Observatory aimed at providing universal access to data on actions related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The proposal outlines how CERN's expertise in data collection, international collaboration, and open access can be leveraged to create a space-based initiative for real-time global monitoring. Key considerations include the integration of remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and geospatial information systems, alongside challenges such as governance, security, and ethical implications. |
| 12:48 pm |  Ghanim Alotaibi (Space Renaissance International) | Human Population Growth and the Expansion of Civilization into Outer Space Hundreds of Studies considered the carrying capacity of Earth, or how much human population can the planet earth support. The question is not easy and depends on many variables. However, most studies agree that the carrying capacity of earth is about 8 billion human inhabitants. Unfortunately, proposed solutions for this existential problem are about reducing the human population or degrowth strategies. This talk argues that human evolution and the advancement of civilization since the first unquestionable homo sapiens fossilized remnants depends on the increase and growth of human population density. Instead of reducing human population, political decision makers should consider expanding human civilization to space as soon as possible. The fact that we have already passed, or near of passing, the carrying capacity of earth is demonstrated by the increased wars since the last 20 century. |
| 13:00 pm |  Bernard Foing (Space Renaissance International) | Space4all research, astronautics, innovation and capacity building |
Session #02 – Chair: Robert Katz
| time (US EDT) | title / abstract | co-chairs | |
| 2:30 pm | Space 2030 Agenda – a Critical Review Sustainability is the main concern of the Space 2030 Agenda, issued in 2021. Yet space is only conceived as a tool to support sustainability on Earth’s surface. There’s no mention of outer space as an area of possible expansion and sustainable development for human civilization. Space exploration is the only considered activity in outer space. No mention of space settlement. The social and economic issues of civilization have a very marginal place. In general terms, the agenda looks like a collection of worthwhile wishes, missing the most important goal of the space program – space settlement and civilization expansion into space. | Gary Barnhard (Space Development Foundation) |  Henk Rogers (Intl Moonbase Alliance) |
| 3:20 pm | Space for Peace Making resource wars obsolete, by achieving the immense resources of space ISS is the only place where the USA and Russia still collaborate: may the Moon be another similar place? Will the Artemis and the ILRS programs find ways to collaborate? The Moon: a zero weapons environment? A new romanticism and human brotherhood in space. Humanist optimistic answers vs. pessimistic static views of human nature. |  Alma Okpalefe (World Space Week) | Chantelle Baier (4SPACE) |
| 4:10 pm | Space for sustainable Economic and Social Growth The key role of the incoming cislunar economy in opening thousands new jobs and business opportunities for enterprises and commerce: an incredible season of social growth for all. Permanent space revolution: the space-emerging countries don’t need to go through the long, slow road traveled by the space-faring countries. Already-Space-Faring, Space-Emerging, Not-Yet-Spacefaring: refusing any classification of Earth’s countries into A, B, and C series. The people of non-space-faring countries shouldn’t be peasants forever. Many will be peasants in space… Building capacities without borders, in an open-world and open-culture context. Space development to provide a new industrial development chain to the “post-industrial” countries, contributing to resolving the lack of jobs in the advanced societies. Cislunar economy and space industrialization first goals, products, customers, markets: producing fuel in space, orbital debris recovery and reuse, protection of life from the Sun and cosmic radiation, start experimenting with simulated gravity, green environment in space habitats, ergonomic, healthy, and psychologically safe space habitats; AI and big data servers in orbit and on the moon, directly fed by solar power in space. The role of traditional space technologies – namely telecommunication and remote sensing – in helping all human activities on Earth Peoples become more and more aware of the huge social diversities among different regions of planet Earth, as a baseline to make plans for personal and collective beneficial social growth. Earth observation helps agriculture, forest protection and management, monitoring disaster situations, forecasting the weather, understanding the global environment, understanding climate changes and global temperature trends, biodiversity, infrastructure, land use, and physical assets of all kinds. |  Victoria Ustimenko (Preto Business) | Frank White (HSP) |
| 5:00 pm | Space for Young Generations The effect of the global crisis on young generations: concerns for the environment, lack of jobs, wars, missing future, a jack-pot of depressive conditions The idea that our children and nephews will have life conditions worse than ours is pervading society and youths in particular Civilian space development will bring new hope in the future, prospecting great projects where youths may find reasons to study and work, a new faith in a brilliant future Civilian space development will generate millions of new jobs in all countries, in all sectors: industry, services, education, tourism, and logistics, just to mention the main sectors. The whole global economy will be impacted, and the main benefits will be for young generations. | Ghanim Alotaibi (Space Renaissance International | Dr. Claire A. Nelson (The Futures Forum) |
| 5:50 pm | Space for Earth’s environment and sustainable development Space development and sustainability of development: a strict interconnection. Civilian Space Development will relieve our planet’s environment from the burden of industrial development, reduce pollution, and improve the natural and humanized environment’s balance. Orbital debris represents an increasing risk for space navigation and could close us into a cage, enchaining humanity at the bottom of the Earth’s gravitational well. But also a great opportunity to start cislunar industrialization. Irresponsible management of wastes, on Earth, in orbit, and on the Moon, may result in show-stopping conditions for space development itself. To make better, in space, than what we have done on Earth. Learning from past mistakes, and identifying best practices, to design our immediate and mid-term future. Skills and experience earned in space – e.g. total recycling, circular economy, farming, and vegetable cultivation in closed environments — may help sustainability on Earth too. |  Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom (SpaceBase Limited) | Shannon Procise (Brevard Prosperity Initiative)) |
| 6:40 pm | closure |