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Seattle is recognized as a center for the space industry. In 2024, 90% of the satellites sent into orbit were created or assembled in the Greater Seattle region. Washington state produced more than half of the satellites currently circling the Earth, and is projected to manufacture over 75% of the Earth’s satellites.

Saadia Pekkanen, a professor of international studies at the University of Washington, contends that the city can enhance its influence by also becoming a center for space diplomacy. This vision inspired her to initiate the annual Space Diplomacy Symposium at UW in 2023.

The SDS — jointly supported by the Space Law, Data and Policy Program (SPACE LDP) within the UW School of Law and the Program on Strategy, Policy, and Diplomacy Research from the UW Jackson School of International Studies (SPDR) — aspires to prioritize diplomacy in civilian, commercial, and military space endeavors.

“I desire for the world, not just our country, to notice what’s happening within Seattle’s sector,” stated Pekkanen, who serves as the founding director of SPACE LDP and SPDR. “Seattle is evolving into a principal center for satellites and megaconstellations, while we aim to position ourselves as the hub for regulatory frameworks and forging diplomatic partnerships. All these efforts benefit not only educators but also our local community. Seattle can pioneer the model for what space diplomacy could entail.”

According to Pekkanen, there’s an abundance of space technology worldwide, yet it’s the dialogue and diplomacy that encourages advancement. 

“Possessions are crucial, but strategically positioning those capabilities in a highly competitive global arena is equally vital,” she remarked. “How can we promote these abilities in a manner beneficial for our community and also appealing to potential buyers?”

This year’s keynote speaker for the SDS is Esther Brimmer, the James H. Binger senior fellow in global governance at the Council on Foreign Relations. Brimmer will discuss the significance of diplomacy in global space interactions while drawing attention to critical space-associated issues. Brimmer oversaw the report “Securing Space: A Plan for U.S. Action,” where Pekkanen was a task force participant. 

Pekkanen had three primary drivers for initiating the SDS.

“The first was that nobody else was undertaking this,” she noted. “So now we occupy a unique position globally. The UW boasts a permanent platform.”

Secondly, she emphasized that the symposium provides UW and the Seattle area with a chance to highlight emerging regulatory, policy, and diplomatic challenges. 

Finally, Pekkanen mentioned that universities have a remarkable yet isolated ecosystem. The SDS facilitates the connection by bringing together thought leaders from various academic divisions.

“We have a plethora of individuals at the UW with diverse skills who are at the forefront of space evolution,” Pekkanen stated. “We must unite to begin constructing the sort of policy and diplomatic infrastructure that matters.”

The SDS originated as a means to convene experts and foster community. However, as the event evolves, Pekkanen also perceives it as an avenue to introduce specific topics.

“It’s a misconception to believe that space is unrelated to conflict, or that it pertains solely to prosperity,” she asserted. “This technology has dual applications that intersect with both realms. This year, for the first time, we are incorporating more defined themes.”

Jessica Beyer, an assistant teaching professor of international studies at UW and head of the Jackson School’s Cybersecurity Initiative, will lead a panel focused on military space diplomacy with an emphasis on cybersecurity. 

A central topic on the space diplomacy front will be megaconstellations —  extensive groups of satellites that collaboratively provide a service. James Davenport, a research assistant professor of astronomy at UW and associate director of the UW Institute for Data-Intensive Research in Astrophysics and Cosmology (DiRAC), will moderate this panel.

The commercial diplomacy discussion will be overseen by Amy Hinterberger, an associate professor of bioethics and humanities in the UW School of Medicine. A key discussion point for these specialists will be the medical and biological hurdles of maintaining human life in space.

“It’s space!” Pekkanen exclaimed. “Who isn’t intrigued? It represents a hopeful vision. It offers people optimism that we can create and sustain something valuable not just for our community but also at national and international levels.”

For more details, reach out to Pekkanen at [email protected].

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