Thesis Defense by Christopher Hearsey on November 30th
Space Studies master’s student, Christopher Hearsey, will defend his thesis as follows. All Space Studies students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. Please show your support!
When: Monday, November 30th at 4:00 p.m. (Central)
Where: Ryan Hall, Room 111
Title: The Evolution of Outer Space Law: An Economic Analysis of Rule Formation
About the topic: This thesis comprises a study of those socio-economic dynamics that establish and influence the existence, distribution, and evolution of rules for the outer space environment. In particular, this thesis analyzes how rules for the outer space environment arose from the initial State practice of launching objects into outer space. The presentation of this thesis includes an introduction, a methodology section, three studies, and a conclusion. The first study considers the formation of initial rules for the outer space environment as a consequence of State practice using historical analysis and game theory. The second study considers how States utilized their ability to practice foreign relations to produce and conclude the Outer Space Treaty and how adoption of the Outer Space Treaty led to subsequent adoption of specialized treaties regarding objects launched into outer space using economic analysis of public international law. The third study comprises a case study of the term “space object” and its adoption and subsequent evolution into State municipal laws that originated from the initial State practice of launching objects into outer space using economic and regression analyses. Collectively, each study seeks to demonstrate how the rules for the outer space environment have evolved and converged on the consumption of legal rules on which States depend to ultimately minimize the social risks and costs associated with activities to and in the outer space environment.
About the presenter: Christopher Hearsey serves as Corporate Counsel for Bigelow Aerospace, LLC in Washington, D.C. Prior to working at Bigelow Aerospace, Mr. Hearsey served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Programs and Special Projects for the Astrosociology Research Institute (ARI) from 2009 to 2013. Mr. Hearsey continues to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARI and Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Astrosociology.
Mr. Hearsey holds a B.A. in Mathematical Economics and Political Science from Temple University, a M.S. in Justice, Law and Society from The American University, and a J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law specializing in Air and Space Law.
Mr. Hearsey has experience working at the United States Department of State, the United States Senate, and the National Air & Space Museum as a Graduate Fellow. He is active in the space policy and law circles and participated in the development of President Obama’s National Space Policy. In addition, he has consulted for the United States Department of State, The Boeing Company, and on several space-themed television programs. Mr. Hearsey is a member of several professional organizations including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the American Society of International Law, International Bar Association, and American Bar Association. Furthermore, Mr. Hearsey regularly publishes on space law and policy topics.
******Those unable to attend in person may view the live webcast******
1) A live webcast which includes PowerPoint slides will be available here. Please note: this option is currently not operational on portable devices/tablets.
2) A simple live webcast is also available here.
3) Via Adobe ConnectPro. Sign in as a guest, or use your Connect-Pro log-in.