Meet our SPACE COURT INTERNS AND RAPPORTEURS
Kaili Ayers, a juris doctor candidate at the University of Oregon School of Law, is forging a distinctive path in space law, underpinned by a solid foundation in international relations from Harvard Extension School and interdisciplinary studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her academic pursuits are marked by a masterful blend of liberal arts and a dedication to nuanced understanding, especially within Japanese-English translation and interpretation.
Her master’s thesis, “Emerging Anti-Satellite Capabilities and the Recourse to Deterrence Theory in Practice,” is a testament to her deep engagement with pressing issues at the nexus of technology and policy. Kaili’s leap into space law was propelled by the field’s infancy and boundless potential to shape a collective future, driving her commitment to join and contribute to this burgeoning community of trailblazers.
Kaili’s immediate professional objectives include delving into the telecommunications sector of legal practice, focusing on regulatory aspects of spectrum allocation and wireless licensing. She envisions her journey leading her to an in-house legal position within the space industry or a regulatory role within governmental agencies overseeing outer space endeavors.
As a student volunteer with the American Bar Association SciTech Space Law Committee, Ms. Ayers is already contributing to the discourse on space law, ensuring her presence is felt among industry pioneers. With the space sector evolving, she remains enthusiastically receptive to unforeseen opportunities that this dynamic field may unveil.
Adina Darbyshire is an Australian-qualified lawyer from Japan with experience at a global law firm focusing on M&A, venture capital, and public international law (e.g., investment law and human rights law). Adina has a passion for international space law as well as its interplay with other specialised areas of public international law (e.g., IHL). During her undergraduate degree, Adina studied international space law and joined her university’s Rocketry team as a safety and legal researcher. After graduating, Adina led a number of multi-jurisdictional pro bono legal research projects (e.g., child protection, disinformation law, State immunity) and coordinated educational programs centred on public international law and international space law on behalf of a US-based NPO dedicated to pro bono and public interest advocacy. In pursuit of her research interests in public international law and international space law in particular, Adina is currently based in Belgium undertaking a Master of Laws in International and European Public Law at KU Leuven, and is conducting research at the Space Court Foundation on space law in the jurisdictions of Japan and Australia. Adina is looking forward to supporting the important mission of the Space Court Foundation in promoting research and education on space law and policy around the world.
Valeria Navarrete, a Master of Peace and Conflict Studies candidate at the University of Waterloo, is making significant strides in the interdisciplinary realms of space law and human rights. Her academic journey began with an Honors degree in Psychology, with a Research Intensive Specialization and a Minor in Legal Studies, also from the University of Waterloo. This unique blend of psychology and legal studies provides Valeria with a nuanced perspective, particularly valuable in the evolving field of space law.
Valeria’s journey into space law was serendipitous, sparked by her curiosity in public international law. This exploration led her to the intriguing and multifaceted world of space law, a field she describes as a captivating rabbit hole from which she has no intention of emerging. Her enthusiasm for the subject is evident in her eagerness to delve deeper into its complexities.
In the short term, Valeria is keen on expanding her involvement in the space community. She is considering engaging with the Space Generation Advisory Council, particularly in their policy, law, ethics, and human rights groups. These interests align seamlessly with her long-term aspiration of attending law school, with an ambition to explore the intersection of space law and human rights – a reflection of her enduring commitment to broadening her horizons.
Valeria’s personal hobbies are as diverse and engaging as her academic pursuits. She enjoys reading, music, and puzzles, and stays active with sports like kickboxing, boxing, rock climbing, and soccer. Valeria also cherishes spending quality time with friends, embracing the joys of social interaction and relaxation.
Ms. Navarrete stands out for her multidisciplinary approach and commitment to exploring the synergy between space law and human rights. Her unique perspective is sure to contribute significantly to the discourse in these fields, as she navigates her promising career path.
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Paige is a recently admitted Florida attorney and Law & Policy Legal Research Intern with the Space Court Foundation. In her legal practice, she has gained hands-on experience in maritime civil litigation, commercial transactions, and criminal DUI and traffic matters, developing a strong foundation in legal research, drafting, client communication, and case support across civil and regulatory matters.
During law school, Paige earned a Certificate in Intellectual Property and Cybersecurity Law and founded and served as President of the Air & Space Law Society. She also held leadership roles in the Intellectual Property & Cyber Law Society and Maritime Law Society, broadening her exposure to transportation, technology, and global commerce issues while strengthening her interest in regulatory frameworks governing emerging industries.
Paige is an active member of the Space Generation Advisory Council and regularly participates in conferences and workshops focused on aviation, aerospace, and technology law. Through her work with the Space Court Foundation, she continues to build her understanding of international space law and policy while contributing research on evolving regulatory and liability issues in the commercial space sector.
Josh’s relationship with space began with a summer internship at the University of Edinburgh, working with Professor Charles Cockell and a
Since graduating, Josh has developed as an experienced paralegal within litigation, working across a range of complex civil disputes as well as transactional and regulatory matters. He directly supports large cases, assistin
With this background, Josh is interested in the commercial growth of the space sector and the role that ADR vehicles, particularly arbitration, will play in resolving disputes between space actors in the future. He is keen to explore how lessons from complex financial and commercial litigation can inform the design of effective dispute resolution frameworks for the scaling space economy.
Josh is now preparing to take his final exams to qualify as a Solicitor in England and Wales.
Baptiste is currently pursuing the Advanced LL.M. in Air and Space Law at the International Institute of Air and Space Law, Leiden University. He previously completed the European Law School Bachelor at Maastricht University, where he developed a strong foundation in European and comparative law, as well as international law. During his undergraduate studies, he completed two academic minors, one in Business and Law and one in Entrepreneurship, and wrote his bachelor thesis on the regulation of unfair terms in French consumer e-commerce contracts.
His current academic interests are in space governance, sustainability, and the growing role of private actors in outer space activities. He is particularly interested in how international legal rules apply to the increasing commercialisation of space activities and how law can contribute to a responsible and sustainable use of outer space.
Baptiste has completed a legal internship and is engaged in the international legal and space law community as a member of the Space Law and Policy Research Group of the Space Generation Advisory Council, a Student Affiliate of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and a member of the Royal Netherlands Society of International Law. Through his internship at the Space Court Foundation, he aims to contribute to research initiatives while further developing his expertise in international space law and policy.
Aisha, born in Honolulu Hawaii, is a 1L at Creighton University School of Law, where she serves as a Research Assistant to Professor Michel J. Kelly, Chair of International Law. A dual American-Italian citizen, she holds a Master’s in International Affairs & Policy from the American University of Paris and has conducted field research across the Pacific and Latin America. She is committed to helping develop the legal frameworks that will shape humanity’s future in space.
He graduated from the English Section of the Faculty of Law at Ain Shams University
in 2024.
During his university years, he participated in moot courts and debating
clubs, and volunteered in many student activities. He recently served as a judge at the Veritas
Debating Club.
He worked for Majed El Rasheed Law Firm in Saudi Arabia, where his work
focused on bankruptcy and liquidation procedures. After that, he worked in
Nojara Studios in the media tech field.
Samar Jain is a BA candidate in Government and Political Science at Sciences Po Paris and the University of British Columbia. He has previously worked supporting self-represented litigants in navigating legal processes and in government policy roles, developing a strong foundation in law and public policy. At the Space Court Foundation, he is driven to engage in rigorous study of existing and emerging legal and policy frameworks, as well as customary norms, that shape the governance of outer space as a global commons, with particular attention to the use of force and private ownership of resources.
Nisha J graduated from the University of York with an LLB (Hons) Law. Originally from Singapore, she is currently working as a Legal Assistant in a UK Law Firm. She has joined the Space Court Foundation as an intern to build a strong foundation which will help advance her academic and career plans in Space Law. Just like SCF, she also sees this as a platform to educate and make others aware about the significance of space law.
Her passion for Space Law comes from two things; her experience in engineering and her love for space science. Before her undergraduate degree, Nisha completed a Diploma in Audio-Visual Technology and worked as a part-time AV Technician in Singapore. Her prior education and career made her aware of how technical operations rely on clear accountability and risk management. This perspective naturally developed into a curiosity about how legal systems address space activities.
Nisha completed the Space Law for New Space Actors eLearningcourse delivered by UNOOSA and a Space Law course by the School of Disruption. Among other things she learnt about, she is interested in the intersection of international space law, national legislation, and space exploration, with a focus on the Outer Space Treaty and the legal governance of space resource extraction.
Her hobbies include stargazing, hunting for the Northern Lights as soon as the KP Index goes up, travelling, reading, and playing soccer.
Nisha sees herself drawing on her diverse background to bring a well-rounded perspective. She is looking forward to working with SCF and contributing to the objectives of its mission, and to becoming a space law academic in the future.
Skylar Prichard is an incoming law student (Fall 2026) with an interdisciplinary background bridging science and governance in the space domain. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Astronomical and Planetary Sciences from Arizona State University and an Associate of Applied Business in Business Management (Programming and Development focus). His interest in space law emerged while studying the long term sustainability of orbital environments and the challenges posed by increasing congestion in orbit.
His research has examined how norms form and evolve in the space domain and how they inform governance and legal accountability. He has also participated in observational and radio astronomy projects that shaped his understanding of how activity in space is detected, tracked, and interpreted. In addition to research, Skylar has worked as a STEM educator, developing programs that make complex scientific concepts accessible to younger audiences.
Skylar is particularly interested in orbital sustainability, coordination and data transparency, and equitable access to space activities for all nations and organizations. He hopes to contribute to legal frameworks that support responsible behavior and long term stewardship of the space environment.
Alexandra Sarban is a Master’s student in Law and Technology in Europe at Utrecht University, where she also participates in the university’s Leadership Honours Programme. She has an LLB in International and European Law, with distinction in both academics and extracurriculars.
Alexandra is passionate about intersection of space law, national cybersecurity regulations, data protection, and the history of law. She is currently writing her Master’s thesis and has an interest in the role of legal frameworks governing organisations involved in space activities, with a focus on how data privacy, cybersecurity, and cross-border legal governance impact space operations. Her approach is informed by hands-on experience across legal settings, including work with GDPR compliance, intellectual property, and contract law at firms and organizations throughout Europe and the UK.
Motivated by deep curiosity for emerging technologies, Alexandra is the creator and editor of the Legal Tech Talks podcast. She brings a global, multidisciplinary perspective to the legal challenges of space, especially the increasing importance of privacy and cybersecurity as private and public actors expand their presence beyond Earth.
