Preview: Life Science Centre – Science Speakeasy: Who Owns Space?

When Branson, Bezos and co. are finally able to explore the vastness of space, they’ll know doubt whizz about the galaxy setting up warehouses, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and anything else that would line their pockets and enhance our (by our I mean the 1% who can afford it) consumer experience… Which, like their actions on Earth have, raises various ethical issues, issues that Newcastle’s Life Science Centre hope to answer in their latest Science Speakeasy, Who Owns Space on Thursday 14th July.

For those not in the know, the Science Speakeasy, debates, using correct science, important and often controversial topics in a relaxed, friendly environment. Questions to the panel are encouraged, or you can just sit back with a drink and enjoy the event. 

Taking place under Gaia, a mesmerising, seven-metre-diameter recreation of Planet Earth, the panelists will be debating questions, such as…  Who is responsible for the space ‘junk’ orbiting our planet? What gives big businesses the right to assume ownership of space? And do we have a right to make other planets suitable for human habitation when we’ve done such a bad job of looking after our own? 

 On the panel is Dr David Rosario,a Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics, Newcastle University, Professor Christopher Newman, Professor of Space Law and Policy at Northumbria University, Dr Fionagh Thomson, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation at Durham University and Ralph “Dinz” Dinsley, Executive Director of NORSS (Northern Space and Security).

Tickets are £5 and are available here.