Side Event at 9th SmallSat Conference - Understanding Space Sustainability: Debuting the Handbook for New Actors in Space

This side event will explore how to maintain space sustainability without sidelining emerging participants by showcasing Secure World Foundation’s updated Handbook for New Actors in Space—first released in 2017 and revised in October 2024 to reflect the sector’s rapid diversification—offering stakeholders key principles, norms, and best practices. Experts will present their findings, engage with attendees, and everyone will receive a complimentary hard copy of the Handbook.

When: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Time: 9:45am-10:45am MDT

Where: 9th Annual Small Satellite Conference in Salt Lake City, UT, USA

How can the space community ensure space sustainability without disadvantaging new actors such as small satellite operators and other associated stakeholders? In 2017, Secure Word Foundation released the first edition of the Handbook for New Actors in Space, This guidebook was intended to provide nations, established satellite operators, start-up companies, universities, and other space actors with a broad overview of the fundamental principles, laws, norms, and best practices for peaceful, safe, and responsible activities in space. Since then, the space domain continued to see a rapid diversification and increase in the number of actors involved in space activities. In light of new developments, Secure World Foundation has researched and published (October 2024) the 2nd edition of the Handbook for New Actors in Space. This side event will feature experts across this issue to present and engage with participants. Attendees will receive a free hard copy of the Handbook.