Episode 4

Beyond the Horizon: Framing the Future of Space Communications 

19 May 2026
15:00 – 16:30 CEST – Online participation

Beyond the Horizon: Framing the Future of Space Communications 

Space technology and application have never evolved this quickly before, bringing the horizon of possibility closer and closer.  Join us for a look at the research shaping the next wave  of space communications and policy. In this special episode, members of ITU’s Academic Advisory Body present some of the most forward-looking questions and concepts they’re exploring to prepare the path for the ongoing development of space.  Their Space Thematic Group, which is tackling topics with direct implications for spectrum management, standardization, and global connectivity, including creation of a Solar System Internet, the definition of Coordinated Lunar Time, quantum-secure space communications, and the use of AI to expand the reach of Earth observation data.

This future-facing Space Connect episode, moderated by Patricia Cooper, will feature Dr. Scott Pace, facilitator of the AAB Space Thematic Group, alongside group members Dr. Tanja Masson-Zwaan and Dr. Guifei Jing, who will discuss their findings, the challenges ahead, and how these questions will affect regulators, industry, and policymakers worldwide as the space sector continues to evolve.


Agenda – Episode 4

15:00 – 15:05
Introduction

Presentation of the session and the panelists by the Moderator

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Patricia Cooper

ITU

15:05 – 16:00
Interactive panel discussion

16:00 – 16:25
Audience Q&A session
16:25 – 16:30
Wrap-Up and session close

Speakers

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Patricia Cooper

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Patricia Cooper

Episode Moderator

ITU

Scott Pace

Scott Pace

Panelist

Director of the Space Policy Institute

Professor of the Practice of International Affairs

George Washington University

Tanja Masson-Zwaan

Tanja Masson-Zwaan

Panelist

Assistant Professor

Deputy Director of the International Institute of Air and Space Law

Leiden University

Guifei Jing

Guifei Jing

Panelist

Professor for LBS/EOS applications

Beihang University


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Virtual room opens 30 min before session start

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E3 – Girls & Space: Pathways to the stars – ITU Space Connect

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