With access for all: space law and the final frontier
Imagine even non-billionaires can travel to the edge of space (and beyond). See yourself vacationing on the moon. Picture your company mining asteroids, or ushering in a new era of space recycling by repurposing the junk that previously orbited Earth.
Major technological advancement is not the only thing needed to make these scenarios a reality. An international framework of shared legal principles is also required to keep space from becoming a new Wild West, lawless and chaotic, unfit for travel, development, or commerce.
The 1967 outer space treaty (officially, the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies) established such a framework, creating a solid foundation for the evolution of space law.
One remarkable feature is its doctrine of universal access.
Per the treaty, “every country, all humans, have freedom of travel and use of outer space, and no country can assert sovereignty or appropriate a celestial body,” says Mark Sundahl, Ph.D., JD, founder/director of CSU’s Global Space Law Center, the only center in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to the field.
This means the moon can never become the 51st state of the union or a new province of China.
The treaty also dictates that space is a place of peace, never of war. “No nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction are permitted to be stationed in orbit,” Sundahl says, and no military bases or installations may be built on the moon or other celestial bodies.
If a country behaves in a way that contravenes this binding treaty, it can be brought before the International Court of Justice. This has never happened, although not because every country always adheres to the treaty’s principles.
China carried out a clear act of space aggression in 2007 when it shot down one of its own satellites, but instead of taking China to court, the U.S. (and later, India) followed suit, Sundahl says.
Still, the development of space has been largely peaceful, Sundahl says, and over the years, additional agreements have advanced space law in areas like liability (countries are liable for their actions and the actions of their citizens and companies) and the treatment of spacecraft that crash land in a foreign country (personnel must be rescued and returned with the spacecraft to their home country).
Unfortunately, no new international treaty has been ratified since the 1970s. Indeed, the Moon Agreement of 1979 failed to gain a single signatory in part because countries refused to accept international regulation of space mining, Sundahl says.
The field of space law remains vital, though, continuing to evolve primarily via “nonbinding laws, guidelines and best practices” that countries may choose to adopt (or not), Sundahl says.
For the sake of our shared future, we can only hope that nations will come together again in the spirit of the original outer space treaty, ensuring that space benefits all and is owned by none.
Also in This Issue...
University unveils blueprint for the future: CSU 2.0
Cleveland State University has unveiled an aggressive, growth-oriented plan for emerging from the global pandemic a stronger, more-focused institution.
Madam Secretary
Marcia Fudge (JD ’83) is the once-reluctant politician who has risen the ranks to earn a spot in President Joe Biden’s cabinet.
Steven Lake pays it forward, helps Cleveland students thrive in college and beyond
Steven Lake, first in his family to attend college, thrived at CSU with prep programs and mentorship. Now executive director of Cleveland’s Thrive Scholars, he supports underrepresented students through college success.
Tenacious McGee
At an age when most are reflecting on lifelong careers and enjoying their golden years, Robert McGee, 74, has no plans to slow down.
A Message from the President
Harlan Sands marks his first anniversary as CSU’s president, celebrating new strategic priorities, the Say Yes initiative, partnerships with Tri‑C & LCCC, and global student engagement — all focused on student success.
The Space for Success
Throughout the past few years, CSU has developed a collection of student success programs that set students on an upward trajectory. This summer saw the rollout of a new initiative that had both students and parents breathing a sigh of relief.
Business prof’s top podcast seeks to create better workplaces, one listener at a time
Anchored by CSU’s Ben Baran and co‑host Chris Everett — The Indigo Podcast blends science-backed strategies and real-world stories to help listeners build flourishing, meaningful workplaces for all.
Hands off the steering wheel to build a better future
Level 3 and some Level 4 driverless cars already navigate roads — identifying hazards, following routes — with full autonomy (Level 5) still decades away. These vehicles could slash parking needs and reshape urban spaces by 2030.
Making secondhand the first choice
A nonprofit creative reuse space minutes from downtown Cleveland, Upcycle Parts Shop offers low‑cost materials — beads, fabric, buttons — and fosters community through workshops, local hires, and partnerships that spark connection and revitalization.
The walls that love built
Holly Jackson turned her experience of homelessness into Walls of Love: a nonprofit that installs community “needs walls” stocked with essentials. In 3 years, it's served 325,000+ people across 21 states — all driven by grassroots volunteerism.
We can’t get enough of this local t-shirt shop
When Cleveland rebranded its baseball team to the Guardians, locals were buzzing: why wasn’t GV Art involved? The Vlosich brothers swiftly launched their own tribute — mixing civic pride with Cleveland grit.
What Now?
CSU alumni in diversity and equity roles reflect on post-2020 racial justice protests, pushing lasting change through anti-racist training and community-driven accountability.
New leader of alumni relations seeks greater engagement
Anne-Marie Connors returns to CSU as associate VP for alumni relations, focusing on mentoring, internships, and events to strengthen alumni ties and support for students.
Alumnus teams with industry heavy hitters for new film
Eric Swinderman (BA ’05) returns with The Enormity of Life, a dramedy about mental health and gun violence, starring Breckin Meyer; now streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play.
One recent grad’s quest to end homelessness
As a child, Claire Billingsley grew up witnessing housing instability. She didn’t know it then, but those early experiences would shape her life’s work: to combat housing inequity and end homelessness, in her words, “one way or another.”
New president of alumni association board takes reins
With nearly 20 years in HR, Lauren Rudman (MLRHR ’08) leads GNCO’s HR and Training and now serves as CSU Alumni Association president, aiming to strengthen alumni connections and support career growth for CSU grads.
The Birth of the Vikings
As the Cleveland Indians transition to their new moniker the Guardians, we couldn’t help but wonder why and how the Vikings became CSU’s official nickname.
A Family Affair
Samia Shaheen (BA ’19) is set to graduate from CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and join Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. She'll be the 11th in her family to earn a CSU degree.
Greater Cleveland Partnership spearheads scholarships for Levin College of Urban Affairs students
A new scholarship fund created in honor of longtime civic leader Joe Roman will provide support to CSU undergraduate and graduate students who are studying economic development or urban planning at CSU’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.
CSU partners with TransDigm to promote diversity in aerospace with scholarship fund
CSU has formed a new partnership with TransDigm Group Inc., which will provide scholarship funds to support tuition and on-campus housing needs for female and underrepresented minority engineering and business students at CSU.
CSU joins Industry 4.0 with new lab donation
CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering now houses the Rockwell Automation Connected Enterprise Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility designed to train students on advanced manufacturing technologies.
Remembering former CSU president Dr. Claire Van Ummersen
The first woman to hold the position of President at Cleveland State University, Dr. Claire A. Van Ummersen, passed away on September 29 after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident in Needham, Massachusetts. She was 86.
Grace Drake was a public servant with CSU students at heart
As the founder of the Ohio Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service, former state senator Grace Drake, worked tirelessly for close to 20 years promoting the advancement of Levin students in public sector careers.
In Memoriam – December 2021
Class Notes – Winter 2021
University unveils blueprint for the future: CSU 2.0
Cleveland State University has unveiled an aggressive, growth-oriented plan for emerging from the global pandemic a stronger, more-focused institution.
Steven Lake pays it forward, helps Cleveland students thrive in college and beyond
Steven Lake, first in his family to attend college, thrived at CSU with prep programs and mentorship. Now executive director of Cleveland’s Thrive Scholars, he supports underrepresented students through college success.
A Message from the President
Harlan Sands marks his first anniversary as CSU’s president, celebrating new strategic priorities, the Say Yes initiative, partnerships with Tri‑C & LCCC, and global student engagement — all focused on student success.
Business prof’s top podcast seeks to create better workplaces, one listener at a time
Anchored by CSU’s Ben Baran and co‑host Chris Everett — The Indigo Podcast blends science-backed strategies and real-world stories to help listeners build flourishing, meaningful workplaces for all.
Making secondhand the first choice
A nonprofit creative reuse space minutes from downtown Cleveland, Upcycle Parts Shop offers low‑cost materials — beads, fabric, buttons — and fosters community through workshops, local hires, and partnerships that spark connection and revitalization.
We can’t get enough of this local t-shirt shop
When Cleveland rebranded its baseball team to the Guardians, locals were buzzing: why wasn’t GV Art involved? The Vlosich brothers swiftly launched their own tribute — mixing civic pride with Cleveland grit.
New leader of alumni relations seeks greater engagement
Anne-Marie Connors returns to CSU as associate VP for alumni relations, focusing on mentoring, internships, and events to strengthen alumni ties and support for students.
One recent grad’s quest to end homelessness
As a child, Claire Billingsley grew up witnessing housing instability. She didn’t know it then, but those early experiences would shape her life’s work: to combat housing inequity and end homelessness, in her words, “one way or another.”
The Birth of the Vikings
As the Cleveland Indians transition to their new moniker the Guardians, we couldn’t help but wonder why and how the Vikings became CSU’s official nickname.
Greater Cleveland Partnership spearheads scholarships for Levin College of Urban Affairs students
A new scholarship fund created in honor of longtime civic leader Joe Roman will provide support to CSU undergraduate and graduate students who are studying economic development or urban planning at CSU’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.
CSU joins Industry 4.0 with new lab donation
CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering now houses the Rockwell Automation Connected Enterprise Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility designed to train students on advanced manufacturing technologies.
Grace Drake was a public servant with CSU students at heart
As the founder of the Ohio Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service, former state senator Grace Drake, worked tirelessly for close to 20 years promoting the advancement of Levin students in public sector careers.
Class Notes – Winter 2021
Madam Secretary
Marcia Fudge (JD ’83) is the once-reluctant politician who has risen the ranks to earn a spot in President Joe Biden’s cabinet.
Tenacious McGee
At an age when most are reflecting on lifelong careers and enjoying their golden years, Robert McGee, 74, has no plans to slow down.
The Space for Success
Throughout the past few years, CSU has developed a collection of student success programs that set students on an upward trajectory. This summer saw the rollout of a new initiative that had both students and parents breathing a sigh of relief.
Hands off the steering wheel to build a better future
Level 3 and some Level 4 driverless cars already navigate roads — identifying hazards, following routes — with full autonomy (Level 5) still decades away. These vehicles could slash parking needs and reshape urban spaces by 2030.
The walls that love built
Holly Jackson turned her experience of homelessness into Walls of Love: a nonprofit that installs community “needs walls” stocked with essentials. In 3 years, it's served 325,000+ people across 21 states — all driven by grassroots volunteerism.
What Now?
CSU alumni in diversity and equity roles reflect on post-2020 racial justice protests, pushing lasting change through anti-racist training and community-driven accountability.
Alumnus teams with industry heavy hitters for new film
Eric Swinderman (BA ’05) returns with The Enormity of Life, a dramedy about mental health and gun violence, starring Breckin Meyer; now streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play.
New president of alumni association board takes reins
With nearly 20 years in HR, Lauren Rudman (MLRHR ’08) leads GNCO’s HR and Training and now serves as CSU Alumni Association president, aiming to strengthen alumni connections and support career growth for CSU grads.
A Family Affair
Samia Shaheen (BA ’19) is set to graduate from CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and join Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. She'll be the 11th in her family to earn a CSU degree.
CSU partners with TransDigm to promote diversity in aerospace with scholarship fund
CSU has formed a new partnership with TransDigm Group Inc., which will provide scholarship funds to support tuition and on-campus housing needs for female and underrepresented minority engineering and business students at CSU.
Remembering former CSU president Dr. Claire Van Ummersen
The first woman to hold the position of President at Cleveland State University, Dr. Claire A. Van Ummersen, passed away on September 29 after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident in Needham, Massachusetts. She was 86.
In Memoriam – December 2021
University unveils blueprint for the future: CSU 2.0
Cleveland State University has unveiled an aggressive, growth-oriented plan for emerging from the global pandemic a stronger, more-focused institution.
Tenacious McGee
At an age when most are reflecting on lifelong careers and enjoying their golden years, Robert McGee, 74, has no plans to slow down.
Business prof’s top podcast seeks to create better workplaces, one listener at a time
Anchored by CSU’s Ben Baran and co‑host Chris Everett — The Indigo Podcast blends science-backed strategies and real-world stories to help listeners build flourishing, meaningful workplaces for all.
The walls that love built
Holly Jackson turned her experience of homelessness into Walls of Love: a nonprofit that installs community “needs walls” stocked with essentials. In 3 years, it's served 325,000+ people across 21 states — all driven by grassroots volunteerism.
New leader of alumni relations seeks greater engagement
Anne-Marie Connors returns to CSU as associate VP for alumni relations, focusing on mentoring, internships, and events to strengthen alumni ties and support for students.
New president of alumni association board takes reins
With nearly 20 years in HR, Lauren Rudman (MLRHR ’08) leads GNCO’s HR and Training and now serves as CSU Alumni Association president, aiming to strengthen alumni connections and support career growth for CSU grads.
Greater Cleveland Partnership spearheads scholarships for Levin College of Urban Affairs students
A new scholarship fund created in honor of longtime civic leader Joe Roman will provide support to CSU undergraduate and graduate students who are studying economic development or urban planning at CSU’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.
Remembering former CSU president Dr. Claire Van Ummersen
The first woman to hold the position of President at Cleveland State University, Dr. Claire A. Van Ummersen, passed away on September 29 after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident in Needham, Massachusetts. She was 86.
Class Notes – Winter 2021
Madam Secretary
Marcia Fudge (JD ’83) is the once-reluctant politician who has risen the ranks to earn a spot in President Joe Biden’s cabinet.
A Message from the President
Harlan Sands marks his first anniversary as CSU’s president, celebrating new strategic priorities, the Say Yes initiative, partnerships with Tri‑C & LCCC, and global student engagement — all focused on student success.
Hands off the steering wheel to build a better future
Level 3 and some Level 4 driverless cars already navigate roads — identifying hazards, following routes — with full autonomy (Level 5) still decades away. These vehicles could slash parking needs and reshape urban spaces by 2030.
We can’t get enough of this local t-shirt shop
When Cleveland rebranded its baseball team to the Guardians, locals were buzzing: why wasn’t GV Art involved? The Vlosich brothers swiftly launched their own tribute — mixing civic pride with Cleveland grit.
Alumnus teams with industry heavy hitters for new film
Eric Swinderman (BA ’05) returns with The Enormity of Life, a dramedy about mental health and gun violence, starring Breckin Meyer; now streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play.
The Birth of the Vikings
As the Cleveland Indians transition to their new moniker the Guardians, we couldn’t help but wonder why and how the Vikings became CSU’s official nickname.
CSU partners with TransDigm to promote diversity in aerospace with scholarship fund
CSU has formed a new partnership with TransDigm Group Inc., which will provide scholarship funds to support tuition and on-campus housing needs for female and underrepresented minority engineering and business students at CSU.
Grace Drake was a public servant with CSU students at heart
As the founder of the Ohio Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service, former state senator Grace Drake, worked tirelessly for close to 20 years promoting the advancement of Levin students in public sector careers.
Steven Lake pays it forward, helps Cleveland students thrive in college and beyond
Steven Lake, first in his family to attend college, thrived at CSU with prep programs and mentorship. Now executive director of Cleveland’s Thrive Scholars, he supports underrepresented students through college success.
The Space for Success
Throughout the past few years, CSU has developed a collection of student success programs that set students on an upward trajectory. This summer saw the rollout of a new initiative that had both students and parents breathing a sigh of relief.
Making secondhand the first choice
A nonprofit creative reuse space minutes from downtown Cleveland, Upcycle Parts Shop offers low‑cost materials — beads, fabric, buttons — and fosters community through workshops, local hires, and partnerships that spark connection and revitalization.
What Now?
CSU alumni in diversity and equity roles reflect on post-2020 racial justice protests, pushing lasting change through anti-racist training and community-driven accountability.
One recent grad’s quest to end homelessness
As a child, Claire Billingsley grew up witnessing housing instability. She didn’t know it then, but those early experiences would shape her life’s work: to combat housing inequity and end homelessness, in her words, “one way or another.”
A Family Affair
Samia Shaheen (BA ’19) is set to graduate from CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and join Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. She'll be the 11th in her family to earn a CSU degree.
CSU joins Industry 4.0 with new lab donation
CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering now houses the Rockwell Automation Connected Enterprise Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility designed to train students on advanced manufacturing technologies.