Free Astronomy Talk: Satellites in the Crosshairs

Satellites and space debris are hot topics in international space exploration, regulation, cooperation, and conflict. Learn about satellite-related conflicts and sustainability issues in outer space from Larry F. Martinez, Ph.D., during a free in-person talk in Fleischmann Auditorium at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, presented by the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit.

Dr. Martinez is professor emeritus of political science at the California State University at Long Beach. After completing his Ph.D. in political science at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1984, he joined the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce where he participated in developing the “rules of the road” for the first private international satellite networks. During his 1987–1988 stint at the U.S. Department of Transportation, he directly participated in the issuance of the first licenses for what became the commercial launch industry. In 1988, he was appointed to the Department of Political Science at CSU Long Beach, where he taught international relations and law, with a research focus on cyber and outer space governance. His 2024 book chapter for The Oxford Handbook of Space Security examines what happens to outer space governance as space communications becomes a cyberwar battlefield for global power in the twenty-first century. Since 2016, he has attended meetings of the United Nations Outer Space Committee as an official observer representing the International Institute of Space Law.

No tickets or reservations required. Questions? Contact Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Astronomy Programs Manager John Winckowski at jwinckowski@sbnature2.org or 805-682-4711 ext. 164.

Orbital debris image by NASA