Meet our Alumni
Raoul Cardellini (he/him, they/them) is a half Italian and Half German Law graduate. They pursued a Master of Laws at the University of Perugia (Italy): during their studies they undertook a semester at the KU Leuven (Belgium) for the purpose of taking exams and attending classes, as well as seven months at the Freie Universität Berlin (Germany) for the purpose of doing research for their Master’s Thesis.
Their thesis, drafted and defended in English, was a comparative analysis of the utilization and spread of the proportionality principle as well as the balancing technique as adopted by the ECJ, the ECtHR, by the United States, Germany, and Italy and their respective Courts.
They are currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in “European Legal Integration and Human Rights” while being a Legal Trainee in Berlin, after which they intend on further specializing in Space Law. They discovered a passion for Space Law back in 2021, and have been trying to hone their skills and legal knowledge so as to pursue a career in this field.
Pankaj Mehta is charting a course through the legal stratosphere as a current Advanced LL.M. student in air and space law at Leiden University. His legal journey commenced at Dharmashastra National Law University in India, where he obtained a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), laying a solid foundation for his ascension into the specialized realm of space law.
The curriculum he has undertaken is as expansive as the domain he studies, including modules on Outer Space Sustainability, Satellite Constellation and Legal Frameworks, Space Telecommunication Laws, and Space Law’s intersection with Intellectual Property Rights. Mr. Mehta’s leap into this field was motivated by the unique allure of space law’s novelty and its capacity to challenge and enrich traditional legal study.
In his role as Research Coordinator with the SGAC Space Law and Policy Project Group, Mr. Mehta orchestrates research initiatives across various spheres, including gender equality in space, the mitigation of space debris, disarmament, and the utilization of Earth observation for the IAC 2023 cycle. He is a key contributor to the National Space Legislation Project, assessing the emergence and necessity of national space laws in different jurisdictions.
Mr. Mehta’s prior contributions to the Space Court Foundation as a rapporteur are notable, particularly his work for the Big Book of Space Law India Division. His dedication to space law is further evidenced by his comprehensive analysis of space telecommunication regulation, where he performed a comparative study of Andrew G. Haley’s projections against the current state of radio spectrum management and trading, radio regulations, and the integral role played by the ITU.
With his sights set on entering the commercial space industry as a space lawyer, Mr. Mehta’s passion for the field is matched by his interdisciplinary interests that span telecommunication law, data protection, and international trade law.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Mehta enjoys the immersive worlds of video gaming, the discipline of gym workouts, the adventure of reading, and the simple pleasure of visiting parks.
Connect with Mr. Mehta and follow his space law journey on LinkedIn.
Joey graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in History and Foreign Affairs in 2019, and earned his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law in 2022. A space enthusiast since the age of 6, he always knew he wanted to do something in the field. In law school, apart from his internship with the Space Court Foundation, he served as President of the Aviation and Space Law Society and competed in the 2022 Manfred Lachs Moot Court Competition. Joey currently works as an attorney in the field of construction and business litigation out of Orlando, Florida.
Andrew Dagher is currently advancing through his final year at the University of California Davis School of Law, having honed his analytical acumen with a degree in philosophy from The Pennsylvania State University. He embarked on the space law trajectory inspired by the cosmic vistas opened in Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos,” which kindled his fascination with the legal intricacies of space exploration and usage.
Academically, Andrew’s rigorous engagement includes courses such as International Business Transactions, International Litigation and Arbitration, and a specialized SpaceGC Seminar with Professor Brian Israel. His legal acuity is further demonstrated through his scholarly work, “If (A)I Can’t Have It, No One Can: AI Created Inventions and the USPTO Inventorship Criteria,” shedding light on the evolving domain of AI and intellectual property.
With a Legal Intern role at OSA Consulting, LLC, Mr. Dagher is at the confluence of theory and practice, sharpening his skills in a dynamic professional environment. His immediate aspiration is to steer space policy and regulation within key governmental or commercial space sectors. His vision extends to serving as NASA’s Associate General Counsel for International Law and subsequently imparting his knowledge and passion as an academic, teaching Space Law, International Law, or Philosophy.
An advocate for a well-rounded life, Andrew is devoted to an array of physical pursuits including surfing, volleyball, rock climbing, and snowboarding, alongside indulging his creative side through reading and writing fantasy. His LinkedIn profile provides a window into his professional and academic narrative.
Mr. Dagher’s journey in space law is characterized by a steadfast commitment to sculpting the legal scaffolds that will underpin tomorrow’s celestial endeavors.
Pragati Mot is an Indian National. She completed her undergrad (BA. L.L.B) from Institute of Law, Nirma University and was a Merit Scholarship Awardee at her Institute. She has growing interest in the field of Space Law and Policy and wishes to pursue Master’s in Space Law to get hands on experience in the commercial space industry. In addition she loves indulging in Art, creative skills and Cultural Travel.
She is of the view that this decade will expose the true potential of the space industry and thus sustainable actions and policies are a need.
Duration of internship with Space Court Foundation: March 2022 – Ongoing
Justin Lindsay, currently pursuing a Law degree at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is carving a unique niche in the field of space law, a domain he was drawn to due to its nascent stage, especially in the private sector. His educational journey is diverse, encompassing a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (International Relations and Statistics) from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science in History from Drexel University. His focus on Litigation and a Certification in International and Comparative Law complement his keen interest in space law.
Justin’s interest in space law was ignited by the burgeoning nature of private space law and the challenges it presents in balancing growth, safety, and healthy competition. He is fascinated by the parallel advancements in the sciences and space law, driven by the exploration and exploitation of space.
As an American, Justin’s perspective on space exploration is shaped by a sense of routine achievement in space travel, driving him to seek out goals that require significant, innovative effort. He is motivated by the need to go beyond mere exploration, envisioning more efficient, cheaper, and farther-reaching space endeavors.
In the short term, Justin aims to forge connections and deepen his understanding of the law, aspiring to work for the government or private space-focused firms like Astrobotic. His long-term goal is ambitious: co-founding a Lunar-Martian-Belt transport company to facilitate private and public industry mining of celestial objects.
A member of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), Justin has contributed to space law through research, notably developing a guide for the export of space assets under CCL and ITAR. His interdisciplinary interests are enriched by a decade of experience in international law enforcement, giving him a unique insight into the challenges of harmonizing legislation and cultural differences between countries. He studies international law from both transactional and litigation perspectives, believing in the permanence and significance of private industry in space.
Outside the academic and professional realm, Justin enjoys carpentry, bouldering, running, boxing, reading, cooking, and star-gazing. A unique aspect of his personality is his ability to share the marvels of space with others, using an ISS tracking app to showcase the International Space Station’s flyovers, a testament to his passion for space.
[LinkedIn Profile]
Mr. Lindsay’s diverse background, combining legal acumen with a passion for space exploration and international relations, positions him uniquely at the forefront of the evolving landscape of space law.
Stella Ngono Ambassa is an attorney licensed to practice in the state of New York. She earned her first law degree in Cameroon, then she graduated magna cum laude with an L.L.M Master’s Degree from Mississippi College School of Law. Stella is fluent in Russian, French and English and she has experience in civil litigation and immigration law.
Kyungmin Kim is from Seoul, South Korea, and is currently pursuing an Advanced LLM in Air and Space Law at Leiden University for the academic year 2023-2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in global law, during which she gained extensive knowledge in international, US, and Korean law. In the summer of her final undergraduate year, she completed an internship at a law firm in Mongolia. Kyungmin is particularly interested in space law and aims to enhance her legal research and writing skills through this internship. She also seeks to gain comprehensive insights into Korean space policy and regulations.
Aniela Barug graduated from Leiden University with an Advanced Master of Air & Space Law and Masters in Public International Law. She is from the Netherlands and has been a space enthusiast for a while now. Her interest in legal issues related to activities of States and public private entities in the airspace and outer space has grown during her bachelor study at Leiden University. She believes that (Inter)national legislation has to keep pace with space technology that is advancing rapidly. This interrelationship makes it very attractive for her to further specialize in this field and start a challenging career.
Silvia Beghi graduated in Law, Master’s Degree, at University of Pisa in 2017, with a specialisation in International and European Law, I attended the Master in Space Institutions and Policies at SIOI, the Italian Society for International Organization, in Rome, followed by an internship at ASAS, the Association for services and applications for space. Currently working for a logistic company, Silvia is a space enthusiast who is looking for a future in the space sector.
Meghna. D. Dhanwani is currently a law student who has interned at quite a few places in different aspects of law.
Meghna is currently an intern at SCF which has been truly immersing. In aspects of law a few of Meghna’s interests are, Mediation, Intellectual Property Rights, Aviation and Space laws.
Megnhna is a person who is open to new challenges, tries to learn and develop various skills, and implement them the best ways possible.
Currently a student deeply entrenched in the realms of space law, Mr. Sarthak Dixit’s journey started at the confluence of a fascination with physics, astronomy, and the legal domain. An understanding of the intersections between these fields has set him firmly on the path to becoming a prominent figure in space law and policy.
Growing up in India, a nation known for its pioneering strides in space technology, Sarthak was always intrigued by the workings of satellites and telescopes. His scientific background seeded an enduring curiosity about these celestial artifacts, eventually shaping his decision to explore the legal aspects of space interactions.
Mr. Dixit’s firm grasp on international law is reflected in his interdisciplinary interests spanning Public International Law and International Trade Law and Economics. His dedication towards understanding space law’s intricacies transcends the theoretical, as demonstrated by his research paper titled “Reconsidering the current laws on invention in outer space”. This scholarly discourse emphasizes his commitment to molding the future of space jurisprudence.
Sarthak aspires to expand his academic knowledge by pursuing a Masters’s degree focused on international or space law. His career trajectory is aimed at achieving a position of influence, where he can contribute to shaping crucial space policies, thereby driving responsible off-world endeavors.
His personal interests align with his professional journey. An avid reader, Sarthak regularly immerses himself in literature related to outer space, which complements his penchant for space-themed video games. These hobbies offer a creative mirror of his professional aspirations.
To learn more about Mr. Sarthak Dixit’s academic and professional endeavors, visit his LinkedIn profile.
Toby Fadida is a junior Australian lawyer practicing in the area of litigation & dispute resolution. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting from Deakin University and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
Toby has been a legal research assistant for a seminal Australian constitutional law academic. He was on the team that won ‘best idea’ in the prestigious legal hackathon, LawWithoutWalls-X. Throughout the course of his university studies Toby held paralegal and clerical roles in commercial litigation practices. Toby achieved the highest grade in the cohort for International Commercial Law. He completed an internship at the Australian Institute for International Commercial Arbitration and Australian Disputes Centre and worked at a pro-bono community legal centre. He was a memorial finalist at an international insolvency moot in the first year of his studies and was invited to Uppsala University, Sweden to participate in Winter School on International Arbitration.
He is actively involved with Space Generation Advisory Council projects as well as mentoring and volunteering programs. In addition to space and dispute resolution he is passionate about environmental and public health issues.
Martin Fischer was born in Chicago and went to the University of Michigan for a B.A. in Sport Management. He worked for a start-up company and coached water polo before attending Dominican University for a M.A. in Conflict Resolution. He spent the next five years in Oregon and California, mediating disputes in state courts, training adults and youth in mediation, and coaching water polo. He then committed to the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2019, intending to concentrate in Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications law, as well as litigation. Ultimately, Martin aspires to be a mediator of the moon and help peacefully resolve outer space disputes.
Diana Chicas García is from Virginia, USA, and a daughter of immigrants. She earned her undergraduate degree from George Mason University and is currently a second-year law student at Howard University School of Law. Prior to law school, Diana obtained international and local experience in the education sector. Since starting law school, Diana has interned at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. She is currently a member of the Charles Hamilton Houston National Moot Court Team and a student attorney at the Howard Civil Rights Clinic. Her practice areas of interest are space, tech, civil rights, and appellate work.
An avid learner, with a keen interest in Technology, Robotics, Space, and the Law of artificial Intelligence. He has Contributed to the growth of organizations at various levels.
He has participated in a number of local and international debate and Moot Court Competitions with a certified skill in legal advocacy.
Anubha Gupta is from India and is currently pursuing her BBA/LLB from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi
Ujwala Iyengar earned her BA LL.B, with first-class honours, from Gujarat National Law University in 2019. She has assisted policymakers in the drafting of the Space Activities Bill, 2017 at the Indian Space Research Organisation, Bangalore. She has also worked with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) on intellectual property right issues that arise from different kinds of platform systems used to stabilise spacecrafts. At the SGAC Space Law and Policy Working Group she has worked on multiple projects ranging from space resource utilisation to debris mitigation. She is the process of graduating from the Institute of Air & Space Law, McGill University (Montreal, Canada) where she was awarded the N.M Matte Prize for outstanding performance in space law and the MITAC Research Training Award for her thesis titled “Trading of space technology and the role of international cooperation: Achieving sustainable development goals through the global space industry in an inclusive environment”. She has worked as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Air & Space Law focusing primarily on “benefit sharing” as under the Outer Space Treaty. Currently, she is working as a Research Assistant for Dr. Ricky J. Lee.
Ayush Khandelwal is a distinguished student currently pursuing an LLM in Air and Space Law, focusing on his thesis, at McGill University. He comes with a solid foundation in law, having completed his B.A.LLB (Hons.) from MNLU, Nagpur. His academic journey is marked by a profound engagement with space law, particularly reflected in his coursework titled “Space Law as a Self-contained Regime.”
Ayush’s foray into space law was ignited during his participation in the Manfred Lachs Moot Court competition. His passion for the field was further fueled by a mentorship opportunity under the UNOOSA’s Space4Women program, where he was mentored by Maruska Strah. Originating from India, a nation where space law is still an evolving niche, Ayush aims to be a frontrunner in this arena, bringing expertise and experience to a burgeoning market.
In the short term, Mr. Khandelwal is focused on achieving a doctorate degree in space law. His long-term aspirations encompass a broad spectrum of activities within the field, including academia, corporate and startup sectors, policymaking, and other emerging areas. His research contributions are noteworthy, including projects like “Space Law and Medicine” under the Haley Project and contributions to the “Big Book of Space Law.”
Ayush harbors interdisciplinary interests that merge space law with intellectual property rights, medicine, and its interaction with various other fields. He is also an avid practitioner of personal hobbies, such as playing the acoustic guitar, singing Bollywood songs, and playing pool, reflecting a well-rounded personality.
For a deeper insight into his professional and academic pursuits, visit his LinkedIn profile: Ayush Khandelwal on LinkedIn and his university profile: Ayush Khandelwal at McGill University.
Mr. Khandelwal’s journey in space law is driven by a profound love for the field, with a commitment to dedicating his life and work to shaping the legal landscape of space endeavors.
Robert Kresánek is a Slovak student of International Relations at the Rhein-Waal University in Germany. He is passionate about public international law and specifically as it relates to space and human rights. Currently, he is working on a thesis which discusses a conflict between the two.
After completing a Masters in Public International Law at Oxford, Josselyn had the opportunity to do an internship at the United Nations, the year of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. It was during this year that he had the chance to talk to space lawyers who told him about the urgency of the situation: that of a legal framework that is less and less respected, and increasingly present private and state ambitions. It was from there that he decided to become a space lawyer by starting a PhD in space law.
It has been over two years since he started his research on the right to self-determination in outer space at the University of Aberdeen.
He is part of the Société Française de Droit Aérien et Spatial in Paris, which allows him to attend certain meetings which bring together specialists in the field.
He believes that the disputes in outer space that humanity will face in the decades to come should not be taken lightly and that we need to increase awareness of space law from a pedagogical angle.
Jacob was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and currently attends American University in Washington D.C. where he is a member of the Global Scholars 3-year Cohort. He is pursuing an accelerated BA/BS double major in International Studies and Computer Science and has conducted research on technology policy domestically and internationally. Jacob has taken particular interest in the rapidly evolving capabilities of human innovation and spacefaring through the lens of international law and technology policy, which often struggles to keep up with scientific advancements. Jacob has gained proficiency in multiple programming languages, AI frameworks and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. After graduation, he plans to begin law school and aspires to become a space/technology lawyer. In his free time, Jacob enjoys mountaineering and backpacking, playing saxophone and traveling.
Gabriel Evalsam Lyster is a student of the Faculty of Law, University of Uyo, Nigeria. Currently a group lead at the University of Uyo Law Clinic; Director of Academics and Programs of Ime Umanah Chambers; and President, Christian Law Student Fellowship of Nigeria.
An avid learner, with a keen interest in Technology, Robotics, Space, and the Law of artificial Intelligence. He has Contributed to the growth of organizations at various levels.
He has participated in a number of local and international debate and Moot Court Competitions with a certified skill in legal advocacy.
Rahul Matharu is a final year student at law centre-2 Faculty of Law, Delhi University. He did his undergraduate degree in commerce from Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College Delhi University.
He has done a Postgraduate Diploma in Air and Space Law from Jamia Milia Islamia college Central University of India. He completed a postgraduate diploma in International business operation and Master degree in commerce.
Rahul has a keen interest in space law and I give all credit to Dr. Carl Sagan for prompting his interest in space the precious world of Dr Carl Sagan echoed in his ears: “ The Cosmos is all that is or was or ever will be. Our feeblest contemplations of the Cosmos stir us there is a tingling in the spine, a catch in the voice, a faint sensation, as if a distant memory, of falling from a height. We know we are approaching the greatest of mysteries of the Universe.”
Lauren Peterson grew up between the Bay Area in California and in Zurich, Switzerland. She attended University of the Pacific for undergrad where she played Division I Field Hockey and majored in International Business. After graduation, she worked at Google for a year before leaving to join a small tech startup in San Francisco for two years. Then she enrolled in Northwestern Law, where she will graduate with her JD in May 2021. During her time in law school, she’s published a few works, including, Governing the Unknown: How the Development of Intellectual Property Law in Space Will Shape the Next Great Era of Exploration, Exploitation, and Invention (Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property, Spring 2021) and her debut nonfiction book The Future of Governance in Space (New Degree Press, April 2021). She is currently working on her second nonfiction book. Also during her time at Northwestern Law, she’s interned for the technology company Wonolo in San Francisco, CA and the space company Momentus in Santa Clara, CA. After graduation, she plans to join the law firm Goodwin Procter at their San Francisco office.
Julie Pradel is a PhD candidate at the Université Toulouse 1 Capitole, writing her thesis in space law about appropriation in outer space. Specialized in international law, she holds an LL.M in the field, from Stetson University College of Law of Florida, and a Master’s Degree in International Economic Law, obtained at Université Toulouse 1 Capitole.
In the following years, Julie will sit for the New York Bar, as she aspires to become a space lawyer in the United States.
Keya Rebello is an advocate based in New Delhi, India. She is interested in discussions surrounding space law, public international law, and criminal law.
Maria Lucas-Rhimbassen is a PhD Candidate in Space Law at the University of Toulouse and CNES (France), where she has also worked as a Graduate Researcher on issues such as national space legislation and resilience. She has consulted with aerospace companies such as Airbus and Thales Alenia Space and has been invited to NATO conferences to speak on critical space infrastructures. Prior to her position at the University of Toulouse, Ms Rhimbassen earned a Strategic Space Law certificate at the University of McGill and a Master of Management at HEC Montreal where she worked as an Innovation Counselor. Ms Rhimbassen has a Juris Doctor from the University of Moncton where she focused on the Law of the Sea. Her current interests evolve around interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to a long-term sustainable space economy focused on commercial space.
Pablo Treviño is a third year student pursuing his Law Degree at UDEM, in Mexico. Born and raised in Monterrey, he has a keen interest in the field of Public International Law.
Pablo became a space enthusiast not so long ago, and has since aspired to practice law in the field. He’s an active member of SGAC’s Space Law & Policy Group, as well as the International Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi.
He enjoys reading, watching sitcoms and spending time with his friends. He also likes to do volunteer work, and is currently working as a middle school student counselor.
Darlene Sanchez is an undergraduate student at American University’s School of International Service, concentrating in Global Comparative Governance. She has been active in the space industry in the past few years, attending several space-related conferences. She is working to attend law school in the coming year and hopes to work in space law in the future.
Sajal Sharma is a senior Assistant Professor of Law at the School of Law, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India. He obtained his law degree ( BA LLB Hons) and went on to complete his LL.M with specialization in Intellectual Property Laws from the Department of Law, University of North Bengal. From the days of his graduation, he has a keen interest in the legal policy and legislations governing the emerging areas of technology related laws. He is an accomplished academician having over seven years of teaching and research experience. He developed keen interest in the area of space law since the passing of the US Space Law Competitiveness Act of 2015. This law caught his interest in the context of the developing property rights in space related activities. He is currently pursuing his PhD in the area of the developing commercial rights in outer space activities with special reference to intellectual property rights. At the University, he teaches intellectual property laws, air and space laws, corporate laws among other disciplines of law. He is very passionate about the immense growth that is taking place in space laws and engages himself actively in the research efforts towards a more sustainable growth in space law and policy.
