Posted by The Law School
11 October 2023Exeter Law School student Mila Spence (LLB English Law and French/Master1) has just returned from an incredible trip to Baku, Azerbaijan.
At the International Astronautical Congress she presented her paper, ‘A Call for an Internationally Binding Legal Definition of ‘Sustainability’ in Outer Space Legislation’. The IAC is an annual meeting of all global space actors and attracts more than 6,000 participants each year. Covering all space sectors and topics, it offers everyone the latest space information and developments in industry and academia, attended by many of the agency heads and senior executives of the world’s space agencies, commercial space companies and international organisations.
? Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me on this journey, in particular the University of Exeter for making the dream of attending such an incredible event a reality.
Here in Baku, I have had the unmatched opportunity to meet so many experts, young professionals and fellow students in the space sector, who I hope to keep in contact with. Having travelled alone to the IAC, I really appreciate the support I have received here and the connections I have made. I am so proud to be a part of this fantastic space community and I cannot wait for what the future might hold. ?
Mila has been interested in Space Law since beginning her studies at Exeter, and has been very proactive to secure placements and opportunities alongside her studies. Last year she secured a place on the coveted European Centre for Space Law Summer Course held in Lisbon as well as completing two summer internships at Alden Legal(a leading firm in the satellite, space and telecommunications industries).
The University of Exeter helped fund this trip for Mila to present her paper and where she had the chance to meet and speak with leading academics, space agencies representatives, astronauts, commercial companies and partners at international law firms.