Keynote - Space security 101: A Legal and Policy Primer for the IT Community

Space is no longer a distant or isolated frontier, it has become a crucial part of our everyday ecosystem. From satellite navigation and global communications to climate monitoring and military activities, space systems underpin the functioning of modern society. As more actors engage in space and activities expand rapidly, the threats and risks to these space systems are multiplying.

This talk will offer an accessible introduction to the evolving field of space security, with a focus on its legal and policy dimensions. It will outline the spectrum of threats faced by space systems, including counterspace capabilities, electronic warfare and cyber vulnerabilities. Drawing on international law and ongoing multilateral efforts, the session will explore how the global community is attempting to govern these challenges—and what role IT professionals can play. Whether you are new to the space field or already working on these fascinating technologies, this session will connect the dots between orbit and the IT world.