Space and Planetary Resources

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel Abbud-Madrid
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Planetary Science ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Forthcoming Article ◽  
Outer Planets ◽  
Commercial Activities ◽  
Manufacturing Technologies

This is an advance summary of a forthcoming article in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Planetary Science. Please check back later for the full article. The space and multitude of celestial bodies surrounding Earth hold a vast wealth of resources for a variety of space and terrestrial applications. The unlimited solar energy, vacuum, and low gravity in space, as well as the minerals, metals, water, atmospheric gases, and volatile elements on the Moon, asteroids, comets, and the inner and outer planets of the Solar System and their moons, constitute potential valuable resources for robotic and human space missions and for future use in our own planet. In the short term, these resources could be transformed into useful materials at the site where they are found to extend mission duration and to reduce the costly dependence from materials sent from Earth. Making propellants and human consumables from local resources can significantly reduce mission mass and cost, enabling longer stays and fueling transportation systems for use within and beyond the planetary surface. Use of finely grained soils and rocks can serve for habitat construction, radiation protection, solar cell fabrication, and food growth. The same material could also be used to develop repair and replacement capabilities using advanced manufacturing technologies. Following similar mining practices utilized for centuries on Earth, identifying, extracting, and utilizing extraterrestrial resources will enable further space exploration, while increasing commercial activities beyond our planet. In the long term, planetary resources and solar energy could also be brought to Earth if obtaining these resources locally prove to be no longer economically or environmentally acceptable. Throughout human history, resources have been the driving force for the exploration and settling of our planet. Similarly, extraterrestrial resources will make space the next destination in the quest for further exploration and expansion of our species. However, just like on Earth, not all challenges are scientific and technological. As private companies start working toward exploiting the resources from asteroids, the Moon, and Mars, an international legal framework is also needed to regulate commercial exploration and the use of space and planetary resources for the benefit of all humanity. These resources hold the secret to unleash an unprecedented wave of exploration and of economic prosperity by utilizing the full potential and value of space. It is up to us humans here on planet Earth to find the best way to use these extraterrestrial resources effectively and responsibly to make this promise a reality.

Celebration of the quincentenary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus

1973 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-13
Keyword(s):  
Royal Society ◽  
Planetary Science ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Future Issue ◽  
Historical Material ◽  
Outer Planets ◽  
Royal Astronomical Society ◽  
Nicolaus Copernicus ◽  
The University ◽  
Fred Hoyle

On Thursday, 25 January 1973, the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society celebrated the quincentenary of the birth of Copernicus in 1473. The celebrations took the form of a symposium on planetary science, organized by Sir Harrie Massey, Sec.R.S., and Professor W. H. McCrea, F.R.S., at which four papers were presented: ‘The Moon’ by Professor S. K. Runcorn, F.R.S.; ‘Mars and Venus’ by Professor R. M. Goody;‘Jupiter and Saturn’ by Professor R. Hide, F.R.S.; and ‘The outer planets and their satellites’ by Dr G. A. Wilkins. In the evening a reception was held at which Sir Fred Hoyle, F.R.S., delivered a lecture on ‘The work of Nicolaus Copernicus’ and many exhibits illustrating modern developments in planetary science as well as historical material relating to Copernicus were on display. On the following morning senior scholars from selected schools were invited to view the exhibits and to listen to a talk on Copernicus by Dr J. R. Ravetz of the University of Leeds. The papers read at the Symposium, the lecture by Sir Fred Hoyle and the talk by Dr J. R. Ravetz will be published in a future issue of Proceedings of the Royal Society , series A, and in a special commemorative volume.

Recommendations for Sustainable Cetacean-Based Tourism in French Territories: A Review on the Industry and Current Management Actions

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-235
Author(s):  
Josephine Chazot ◽  
Ludovic Hoarau ◽  
Pamela Carzon ◽  
Jeanne Wagner ◽  
Stéphanie Sorby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Mammal ◽  
Marine Mammals ◽  
French Polynesia ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Whale Watching ◽  
Cetacean Species ◽  
Commercial Activities ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Overseas Territories ◽  
Socioeconomic Benefits

Whale-watching activities provide important socioeconomic benefits for local communities and constitute powerful platform incentives for marine mammals' protection or more broadly marine environments. However, these activities can cause adverse effects on targeted populations, with considerable downside associated risks of injuries and fatality for whale watchers during inwater interactions. France with its overseas territories has the second largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ), in which more than half of existing cetacean species are encountered. In these territories, recreational and commercial whale watching, including swim-with cetacean activities, have recently developed. Yet few studies focused on these activities and their associated impacts across French territories, leading to an unclear assessment of the situation. To address this issue, we reviewed cetaceans' occurrence within the French EEZ, whale-watching industry, targeted species, local management of marine mammal-based tourism activities, and regulations in France mainland and some overseas territories (Reunion Island, Mayotte, and French Polynesia). Fortyeight species are encountered in the French EEZ, and 15 are targeted by whale-watching activities. A total of 185 operators, including 34% offering swim-with-cetaceans tours, offered trips in France and overseas in 2019. While several more or less restrictive regulations exist locally, our results indicate that French's national legal framework for marine mammals' protection remains inadequate and insufficient to cope with the recent development of this activity. As conservation biologists, managers, and stakeholders from these French territories, we cooperated to provide general guidelines for a sustainable development of whale watching at a national scale. We urge (1) to legally acknowledge and regulate whale-watching commercial activities; (2) to create a national legal framework regarding whale watching and swim-with marine mammals practices, while accounting for local distinctiveness and disparities across regions; (3) to conduct more research to evaluate local short- and long-term impacts on targeted marine mammal populations as well as the socioeconomic benefits; and (4) to reinforce synergetic relations between the different stakeholders.

scholarly journals The International Criminal Court and Sexual Violence: Between Aspirations and Reality

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 878-893
Author(s):  
Tanja Altunjan
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Conceptual Understanding ◽  
International Criminal Court ◽  
Rome Statute ◽  
International Criminal ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Criminal Court ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Sexual Crimes ◽  
Track Record

AbstractThe adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) was widely lauded as a success with regard to the recognition and potential prosecution of conflict-related sexual violence. More than twenty years later, however, many observers are disillusioned with the ICC’s dire track record concerning the implementation of its progressive legal framework. In many cases, the Court and particularly its Prosecutor have been criticized for failing to adequately address and prioritize sexual violence, culminating in only a single final conviction since 2002. Nevertheless, the ICC’s emerging practice shows progress with regard to the conceptual understanding of conflict-related sexual violence and the realization of the Statute’s full potential in ensuring accountability for sexual crimes. Taking into account the evolving jurisprudence, the Article explores the persisting challenges and the perceived gap between aspirations and reality regarding the prosecution of sexual violence at the ICC.

Trans-Neptunian Dwarf Planets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan Holler
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Surface Composition ◽  
Planetary Science ◽  
Chemical Diversity ◽  
Asteroid Belt ◽  
Dynamical Structure ◽  
Forthcoming Article ◽  
Cold Temperatures ◽  
Dwarf Planets ◽  
Physical And Chemical

This is an advance summary of a forthcoming article in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Planetary Science. Please check back later for the full article. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially recognizes five objects as dwarf planets: Ceres in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter; and Pluto, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake in the trans-Neptunian region beyond the orbit of Neptune. However, the definition used by the IAU applies to many other trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and can be summarized as any nonsatellite large enough to be rounded by its own gravity. Practically speaking, this means any nonsatellite with a diameter >400 km. In the trans-Neptunian region, there are more than 100 objects that satisfy this definition, based on published results and diameter estimates. The dynamical structure of the trans-Neptunian region records the migration history of the giant planets in the early days of the solar system. The semi-major axes, eccentricities, and orbital inclinations of TNOs across various dynamical classes provide constraints on different aspects of planetary migration. For many TNOs, the orbital parameters are all that is known about them, due to their large distances, small sizes, and low albedos. The TNO dwarf planets are a different story. These objects are large enough to be studied in more detail from ground- and space-based observatories. Imaging observations can be used to detect satellites and measure surface colors, while spectroscopy can be used to constrain surface composition. In this way, TNO dwarf planets not only help provide context for the dynamical evolution of the outer solar system, but also reveal the composition of the primordial solar nebula as well as the physical and chemical processes at work at very cold temperatures. The largest TNO dwarf planets, those officially recognized by the IAU, plus others such as Sedna, Quaoar, and Gonggong, are large enough to support volatile ices on their surfaces in the present day. These ices are able to exist as solids and gases on some TNOs, due to their sizes and surface temperatures (similar to water ice on Earth) and include N2 (nitrogen), CH4 (methane), and CO (carbon monoxide). A global atmosphere composed of these three species has been detected around Pluto, the largest TNO dwarf planet, with the possibility of local atmospheres or global atmospheres at perihelion for Eris and Makemake. The presence of nonvolatile species, such as H2O (water), NH3 (ammonia), and organics provide valuable information on objects that may be too small to retain volatile ices over the age of the solar system. In particular, large quantities of H2O mixed with NH3 points to ancient cryovolcanism caused by internal differentiation of ice from rock. Organic material, formed through radiation processing of surface ices such as CH4, records the radiation histories of these objects as well as providing clues to their primordial surface compositions. The dynamical, physical, and chemical diversity of the >100 TNO dwarf planets are key to understanding the formation of the solar system and subsequent evolution to its current state. Most of our knowledge comes from a small handful of objects, but we are continually expanding our horizons as additional objects are studied in more detail.

scholarly journals Distributed generation of photovoltaic solar energy: impacts of ANEEL`s new regulation proposal on investment attractiveness

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 423-442
Author(s):  
Diego Silva Cardoso ◽  
Pedro Sartori Locatelli ◽  
Wanderley Ramalho ◽  
Nader Asgary
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Distributed Generation ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Government Policies ◽  
Solar Irradiation ◽  
Industrial Plant ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Photovoltaic Solar Energy ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The production of photovoltaic solar energy has gained international prominence, being the subject of government policies aimed at its development. The purpose of this study is to analyze the profitability of a shared photovoltaic solar energy project, located in the national territory, resulting from changes in regulatory framework of the sector represented by different tariff levels.Design/methodology/approach – It is a quantitative study based on corporate finance as its theoretical-conceptual substrate. Simulations were carried out using different energy price and tariff scenarios.Findings - The results reveal that, under current conditions, distributed photovoltaic solar energy generation is financially very attractive to investors. In addition, it was found that significant changes in the tariff regime for this type of energy might prevent new investments in the segment. Practical implications – The evidence suggests caution in changing the legal framework of a segment that is still incipient in the country, which generates clean and renewable energy, and with enormous growth potential.Originality/value - The study presents, in a systematic way, the possible impacts of changes in the price and tariff scenarios on the attractiveness of investment in the distributed generation of photovoltaic solar energy generation. In this sense, it can be easily adapted to evaluate industrial plant projects of different sizes in regions with distinct levels of solar irradiation.           

scholarly journals Sexuality and sexual health of the population with disabilities, with special reference to people with visual impairments

Stanovnistvo ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Branka Jablan ◽  
Marta Sjenicic
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Women With Disabilities ◽  
Reproductive And Sexual Health ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Right

Sexuality represents one of the basic dimensions of human existence, which is channelled through sexual and gender identification and role, sexual orientation, eroticism, emotional commitment, satisfaction, and reproduction. Sexuality is also linked to many significant health problems, especially in the area of reproductive and sexual health. Sexual health is the condition of physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing that is linked with sexuality. Knowledge about sexual health, contraception and selection of contraceptives, and the risk of sexually transmittable diseases is not only relevant for individuals? sexuality; it?s also important for encouraging the use of health services and other forms of support that are necessary to protect youth from sexually transmittable diseases and the maintenance of sexual and re-productive health. When it comes to sexuality and care of reproductive and sexual health, some groups are especially vulnerable. Bearing in mind the specific conditions women with disabilities grow up in and their dependence on assistance and support from other people, satisfying their needs for partnership, sexuality, and parenthood becomes unattainable for many, or it takes place under the control of professionals or family members. In this context, people with visual impairments are part of a vulnerable group, acknowledging that visual impairment leads to limitations in everyday life, autonomy, and quality of life to its full potential. The purpose of this article is to describe the phenomena of sexuality and sexual health among people with visual impairments, and to point out the existing international and national normative frameworks relevant to the sexual health of people with disabilities. Existing legislative acts acknowledge the right to a normal sexual life, as well as to the care and maintenance of the sexual health of people with disabilities. However, there are many obstacles and limitations that hamper the practical application of these rights: health issues, communication problems, lack of privacy, people?s acceptance of the inhibition of their own sexuality, or their acceptance of the labelling and normalisation of their situation. Even considering the existence of the regulation, the system of support for maintaining and improving the sexual and reproductive health of women with disabilities is not developed enough. The lack of literature relating to this topic shows that its importance is not recognised enough among the relevant actors, including organisations that advocate for people with disabilities. Realising the existing general legal framework requires the will of policymakers, who could enact and implement specific bylaw regulations, as well as activating the societal actors relevant to this field.

The Rights and Obligations of States in Disputed Maritime Areas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youri van Logchem
Keyword(s):  
South China Sea ◽  
International Law ◽  
South China ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
International Courts ◽  
Judicial Decisions ◽  
Commercial Activities ◽  
State Practice ◽  
The World

Disputed maritime areas exist around the world, and in many cases the affected States have not been able to reach agreement on cooperative arrangements or regulate commercial activities within the area. Where a claimant coastal State increases their level of unilateral activity, such as in the South China Sea, long-standing conflicts remain difficult to resolve. This book examines the rights and obligations States have under international law concerning disputed maritime areas in the first comprehensive treatment of this highly topical and pressing issue. It analyses conventional law, general international law, judicial decisions, State practice and academic opinions that shine light on the international legal framework applicable in disputed maritime areas. Proposing practical solutions for interpreting and applying the applicable international law, the book discusses the extent to which it currently provides clear guidance to States, and how international courts and tribunals have dealt with cases related to disputed maritime areas.

scholarly journals Precise Reduction to the Apparent Places of Stars

1974 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. 319-319
Author(s):  
S. Yumi ◽  
K. Hurukawa ◽  
Th. Hirayama
Keyword(s):  
The Sun ◽  
Maximum Difference ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Uniform System ◽  
Outer Planets ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Astronomical Constants

For a precise reduction to the apparent places of the stars in a uniform system during the 19th and 20th centuries, the ‘Solar Coordinates 1800–2000’ by Herget (Astron. Papers14, 1953) may conveniently be used, because no coordinates of the Sun, referred to the mean equinox of 1950.0, are given in the Astronomical Ephemeris before 1930.A maximum difference of 0″.0003 was found between the aberrations calculated from both the Astronomical Ephemeris and Herget's Tables for the period 1960–1969, taking into consideration the effect of the outer planets, which amounted to 0″.0109.The effect of the inner planets on the aberration is estimated to be of the order of 0″.0001 at the most and the correction for the lunar term due to the change in astronomical constants is 0″.00002. It is recommended that the solar coordinates be calculated directly from Newcomb's formulae taking the effects of all the planets into consideration, but the effect concerned with the Moon can be neglected.

EU Data Protection Law: The Review of Directive 95/46/EC and the General Data Protection Regulation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Hustinx
Keyword(s):  
Data Protection ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
General Data Protection Regulation ◽  
Gradual Development ◽  
Charter Of Fundamental Rights ◽  
General Data ◽  
Data Protection Law ◽  
The Difference

This chapter looks at the origins and the current state of EU data protection law, and highlights the context of the ongoing review of Directive 95/46/EC as its key instrument, as well as the main lines of the proposed General Data Protection Regulation which will replace the Directive in the near future. The analysis shows a gradual development along two lines: one aiming at stronger rights in order to provide more effective protection, and one ensuring more consistent application of those rights across the EU. It also demonstrates the increasing impact of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, both in the case law of the Court of Justice and in the review of the legal framework. At the same time, it is argued that a lack of awareness of the difference in character between Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter could prevent Article 8 from reaching its full potential.

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