The increased availability of space technology and capabilities has both advantages and disadvantages. It has spurred innovation, lowering of costs, and greater access to capabilities and services available from satellites for all. However, the growth in space activities and the influx of new actors also has the potential to exacerbate many of the current threats to the long-term sustainable use of space, such as on-orbit crowding, radio-frequency interference, the proliferation of space debris, and the chances of an incident in space sparking or escalating geopolitical tensions on Earth. Access to space now and even more so, in the future, will be affected by these challenges. This new edition of Secure World Foundation’s Handbook for New Actors in Space focuses on showcasing industry trends, evolving policies, and new challenges to space sustainability. New research areas include the effects of anti-satellite testing on low Earth orbit and global governance attempts to address this threat, expansion of commercial cislunar and lunar activities, and the advancement of non-traditional technologies such as active debris removal and on-orbit servicing. Global efforts are underway to address space sustainability challenges including a number of industry working groups for standards and best practices, technical certification initiatives, and changes and expansion of the mandates of international governance institutions such as the United Nations Committee on the peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the International Telecommunications Union. Small satellite operators have a role to play in these efforts, and this workshop will highlight pathways for engagement, regulatory considerations, and operational best practices. The workshop will be split into three sections of 15 minutes each covering the international framework for space activities, national space policy and administration, and responsible operations in space respectively. Each section will begin with a short lecture by a prominent expert on that topic followed by a structured discussion for participants. The workshop is intended for those new to the industry or for those for whom the topics of policy, regulation, and law are less familiar. They will walk away with a better understanding of the common issues and challenges regarding space sustainability as well as knowledge about resources available for further research and support. Participants will also receive a physical copy of the Handbook.
Krystal Azelton
With over 18 years of international and domestic space, public policy, and management experience, Krystal Azelton (nee Wilson) is the Senior Director, Program Planning at Secure World Foundation, a private, operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space. There, she focuses provides support for organizational strategic goals and program planning as well on the Human and Environmental Security initiative, which promotes improved governance and cooperation in the delivery and use of information derived from space systems. In this role, she represents herself and the organization at the United Nations, the Group on Earth Observation, and at topical conferences, events and workshops around the world.
Dr. Tanja Masson-Zwaan
Dr. Tanja Masson-Zwaan is Assistant Professor and Deputy Director of the International Institute of Air and Space Law at Leiden University, and President Emerita of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL). She is a Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).
She co-authored ‘Introduction to Space Law’ (5th ed., Kluwer 2025) and chairs the Board of Editors of Kluwer’s journal Air and Space Law. Her PhD dissertation ‘Widening the Horizons of Outer Space Law’ was published in the Meijers Series of Leiden Law School.
Tanja advises the Dutch Government and other institutions on space law issues and was co-founder of the Hague International Space Resources Governance Working Group. The Dutch Government appointed her as an arbitrator for space-related disputes at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Tanja teaches at universities worldwide and was appointed Adjunct Professor at Wuhan University (China) and as Global Faculty at International Space University (ISU). She serves on various organisations’ (Advisory) Boards, including Open Lunar Foundation, the Interplanetary Initiative of Arizona State University, and the Space Sustainability Rating.
She is an elected full member of professional associations such as IISL, the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and the International Law Association (ILA). She was a Member of the Founding Boards of the European Centre for Space Law (ECSL) and of Women in Aerospace-Europe, and is an Honorary Board Member of Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).
Tanja received several awards and is a Member of Honour of the Netherlands Space Society (NVR). In 2020 she received a Royal decoration as ‘Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau’ for her work in space law.