Dr P.J. Blount

Assistant Professor in the Durham Law School

What do you do?

I am a researcher in the field of space law. As part of the Durham University Space Research Centre, I focus on governance solutions to keeping the space environment safe, secure, and sustainable in order to maintain space for the benefit of global society. As an interdisciplinary scholar, I engage at the intersection of law, policy, technology, and science to find solutions that support the responsible use of the space domain while at the same time enabling innovation.

How are you involved in this area of science? 

I have been involved in the field of space governance for more than 15 years and have contributed to the debate at the global and national levels. I routinely appear as an invited speaker and teacher across the world, and I have been connected to a number of the leading centres for space law in North America, Europe, and Asia.

I am the Executive Secretary for the International Institute of Space Law, which has allowed me to attend the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space as an observer. I have numerous publications in the field of space governance, and have held editorial positions with The Journal of Space Law, The Proceedings of the IISL, Space: Science and Technology, and The Journal of Astrosociology.

What do you love about this topic?

Space governance has been historically rooted in notions of using space technology to benefit humanity. I love being able work on the future issues of maintaining space as a cooperative endeavour that provides public goods across the world.

The challenges presented by increased militarisation and commercialisation of space have led to increasing pressures on the governance regime. Facing this challenge and working to ensure that space brings benefits to future generations is what drives my research. When the space age began, space was framed as a peaceful endeavour for all humankind. I love being able to contribute to the ongoing development of space technology as a societal good.

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

I have had the opportunity to contribute to numerous discussions on space governance that have had real world impact. For instance, in 2014 I testified before the Space Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives on the issue of Space Traffic Management. That hearing and the evidence presented in it was an initial step in the development of the United States policy on Space Traffic Management.

Joining the Durham University Space Research Centre is an excellent platform to continue to work to influence the development of the governance of space technology. The Centre's interdisciplinary team brings significant technical expertise to important issues we face in the space domain.