5/21/2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
Contact: Karen Ryba/Phone: 701-777-4761
May 22, 2007

Space Studies Faculty Candidate
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“The Militarization & Weaponization of Outer Spaceâ€"From Playground to Battleground: Legal Perspectives on Use of Force'

(Grand Forks, North Dakota): Dr. Jackson N. Maogoto, FCCS of the University of Newcastle in Australia and a faculty candidate for UND's Department of Space Studies, will present a lecture on Thursday, May 24 at 2:00 p.m. in the Clifford Hall Auditorium (Room 210). The presentation, entitled “The Militarization & Weaponization of Outer Spaceâ€"From Playground to Battleground: Legal Perspectives on Use of Force' is free and open to the public. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend.

Abstract: The presentation explores the militarization and weaponization of space and its intersection with the international space regime. It juxtaposes technological advances with the tenets of the United Nations Charter and analyses technological breakthroughs in the weaponization of space against the landscape of the ‘peaceful purposes' mantra that underpins the Space Law regime. It highlights the fact that the international arena now has a new game in the making for which it is in many ways ill equipped to handle with dual purpose technology having capabilities for both defensive and offensive purposes. The distinguishing feature of the research is its aim to consolidate and critique the initiatives of space faring nations in their endeavors to develop hi-tech integrated battle platforms through the coâ€"option of among other devices spaceâ€"based sensors, space and missile tracking and deployment of hypervelocity kinetic weapons in outer space. By addressing these questions with an incisive look at the lacunae inherent in the Space Law regime, the research aims to make a holistic, novel contribution to developing issues that will become a pressing concern as the 21st century progresses.

About Space Studies: The Department of Space Studies offers a program leading to a Master of Science degree. This interdisciplinary program studies the conditions and implications of humankind's entry into space: including the political, legal, technical, scientific, economic, and historical impacts on a national and international level. Designed to prepare the student for positions in the commercial and governmental sectors of the rapidly growing field of space exploration and development, the Space Studies M.S. is offered on campus and over the Internet. The Department of Space Studies is consistently innovative in the delivery of education services, and is now planning for the creation of a Ph.D. program offered on campus and at a distance. Students with a variety of professional backgrounds from all over the world participate in our program.

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