UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Who owns space? How do we govern shared environments beyond Earth for the benefit of all people and future generations? On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Science Policy Society (SPS) graduate student organization at Penn State invites the campus community to explore these questions through a hands-on, scenario-based workshop titled "Conservation Policy in the Final Frontier: Strategic Simulation for Earth and Space Governance." The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 233AB of the HUB-Robeson Center at University Park. Interested community members must register in advance for the free event by Friday, Oct. 31.
Led by Timiebi Aganaba, assistant professor of space and society at Arizona State University, the workshop will simulate a lunar resource-extraction dispute, challenging participants to design governance tools that reflect principles of international law, environmental conservation and ethical diplomacy. Attendees will work in interdisciplinary teams to create protocols such as protected-zone plans and inspection frameworks, using templates adapted from real-world policy models.
“We’re excited to host a workshop that brings together people from all disciplines to think critically about how we govern emerging frontiers like space. It’s about building bridges between science, ethics and law for the benefit of all,” said Hannah Leapaldt, doctoral candidate in geosciences and co-chair of the Science Policy Society's Advocacy Committee.
Dani Buchheister, doctoral candidate in geosciences and astrobiology and lead organizer of the event, highlighted the community-building aspect of the workshop.
“We’ve already seen interest from over a dozen departments across Penn State,” she said. “This kind of interdisciplinary gathering is rare and incredibly exciting. It’s a chance to learn from each other, build new skills, and imagine a future where space governance is inclusive and responsible.”
This event is supported by the University Park Allocation Committee.
For questions, contact Buchheister at dob5203@psu.edu.