Professor Matthew Schaefer was one of fifteen participants in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Space Commerce Roundtable to discuss best methods and approaches for regulating space activities, including new space activities such as space tourism, asteroid mining, on-orbit satellite servicing and similar activities. The discussion included coverage of the recent bills passed by the House (HR2262) and Senate (S1297) that will soon be discussed by a conference committee. Professor Schaefer’s recommended approach in 33 Berkeley J. Int’l L. 223-273 (2015) to third-party liability is included in both bills and his recommended approach to space flight participant liability issues is included in the House bill. Professor Schaefer has also participated in the drafting and co-signed two letters in May and September to Congressional leaders in support of the property rights provisions in the House bill.
Professor Schaefer also spoke on the legal and regulatory panel at the Space Foundation’s inaugural Space Technology and Investment Forum on Oct. 1, 2015 in San Francisco. The conference was attended by start-up space companies as well as established ones, and by the venture capital and angel investor community.