OXFORD, Miss. – As more and more countries venture into
outer space, the study and development of space law is
expanding. A University of Mississippi professor is playing
an important role in that process as an internationally
recognized expert on space law and as a newly-appointed
member of the International Institute of Space Law’s board
of directors.
Research professor Joanne Gabrynowicz said one of the major
issues in the realm of space law is the growing interest in
writing national space laws in nationals that have recently
entered outer space. For example, Nigeria is defining the
treaty regime for space exploration activities on the moon
and Mars.
As a member of the board, Gabrynowicz will work with other
IISL members to guide the direction of the organization and
its role in the development of space law.
“This is an honor that I will pursue to the best of my
ability. National and international efforts in developing
space law are increasing around the world,” she said. “Many
new nations are becoming spacefarers. It is an exciting
time to assume this position.”
The IISL appointment is just one of many roles filled by
Gabrynowicz, who is a frequent guest at United Nations
conferences and other international space law groups. Just
this year, the professor has traveled to Beijing, China, to
speak at the International Conference on Air Transport and
Space Activities and was asked by the United Nations to
participate in a December conference on space law in
Vienna, Austria.
The IISL, founded in 1960, has individual and institutional
elected members from more than 40 countries. The
organization is a component of the International
Astronautical Federation, and its objectives include
cooperation with appropriate international organizations
and national institutions in the field of space law and
fostering the development of space law and studies of legal
and social science aspects of the exploration and use of
outer space.
Gabrynowicz has taught space law and policy since 1987 and
remote sensing law and policy since 1990. She joined the
faculty of the UM School of Law in 2001 as the first
director of the National Remote Sensing and Space Law
Center, a position she continues to hold.
The center was established to serve as a reliable source
for creating and distributing information and materials on
remote sensing, space and aviation issues.
For more information on the UM School of Law, go to
http://www.law.olemiss.edu. For more information on the
National Remote Sensing and Space Law Center, visit
http://www.spacelaw.olemiss.edu. For more information
on the International Institute of Space Law, go to
http://www.iafastro-iisl.com/.