Who Owns the Moon? - Cathedral event is a space odyssey

Space experts from across the world will convene at Chester Cathedral this month to discuss interplanetary ownership.

As leaders on earth argue over who owns which piece of land, experts with experience in space warfare, astropolitics, space communications and lunar missions will discuss ‘Who Owns the Moon?’ at the latest Chester Cathedral Assemble event on Tuesday, March 25.

The panel comprises: Dr Bleddyn Bowen, astropolitics associate professor at Durham University, space entrepreneur Ian Jones, from Cornwall and space development strategist Carla Mitchell, from South Africa.  The event, in Café 1092 in the Refectory, is free to attend and everyone is welcome. 

Dr Bleddyn Bowen is Associate Professor of Astropolitics at the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University and an expert in space warfare and astropolitics. His research focuses on spacepower and military theory; space policy and politics; military space history; technology and modern warfare; international relations, security, and intelligence in space. He is recognised by bestselling author and journalist Tim Marshall as ‘Britain's leading thinker on astropolitics’.

Dr Bowen has advised, presented, and briefed for many government agencies and offices, including the UK Prime Minister’s Policy Unit, the US National Space Council, the US Space Force, the European Space Agency, UK Ministry of Defence, UK Space Agency, the UK Parliament and the Japanese Cabinet Office and Ministry of Defense.

Ian is a satellite communications engineer and entrepreneur who was awarded an OBE in 2024 for his services to space communications. The principal design engineer for the first satellite phone used on commercial aircraft, Ian went on to establish Orbit Research Ltd, a design consultancy developing bespoke solutions for satellite ground stations. 

When British Telecom announced its plans to close Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall in 2008 – the site from which the Moon landings and Live Aid were broadcast to the nation –  Ian acquired the site.  Since then, he and the Goonhilly team have assisted lunar missions and moon landings.  Ian recently established a new company, Ibbynet, concentrating on developing private AI solutions for business, in the aerospace field.

Carla (Sharpe) Mitchell has been with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory for over a decade and is responsible for planning, negotiating and implementing strategic and funding solutions for the Africa Radio Astronomy Programme.  She founded the Foundation for Space Development Africa, Women in Aerospace Africa and Africa2Moon, Africa’s first lunar mission.  Carla sits on the advisory boards of AstroAid and OffWorld and is a member of the International Institute for Space Law. She is also a governing member of the International Space University. Carla has completed her PhD at the University of Cape Town on a new systemic model for the implementation of sustainable space science and technology investment for Sub Saharan African economies.

Dean of Chester Dr Tim Stratford will welcome the panel and audience, who are invited to submit questions and join the debate.  

He said:

“We are delighted to welcome such an esteemed panel of guests to discuss this important topic.

“At a time when international relations are strained over the rights to land and resources, this discussion will help us all look beyond our existing borders to the future.  

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the cathedral refectory to explore the ethics and boundaries of space.”

The event begins at 6.45pm with refreshments available from 6.15pm. 

Free tickets are available from the Chester Cathedral website:

chestercathedral.com

Pictured - The Assemble event on Homelessness at Chester Cathedral in October 2024.