MEET OUR TEAM
Jonathan Kaley-Isley is a space lawyer and cybersecurity expert based in The Netherlands. He holds a BA from the University of Florida, a Juris Doctorate from the Illinois Institute of Technology and the Chicago Kent School of Law, and an Advanced LLM in Aviation and Space Law from the University of Leiden. His PhD research is on the use of satellite information as evidence in international courts.
Jonathan has spent his career at the intersection of law and emerging technologies, directing global information governance, cybersecurity, and privacy programs at Visa, Barclays, Blackrock, and Vanguard. He taught computer science and security at the graduate level at the University of Denver, He is the former Director of the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, and the former CIO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Jonathan directs the operations of the global organization, including the production of the Space Court Law Library, the work of our interns, officers, and rapporteurs, and the SCF academic journal.
Yana Yakushina is a lawyer, researcher, and dark sky protection educator. Currently, Yana is working on her Ph.D. at the University of Ghent (Belgium). Yana is actively involved in dark sky protection awareness activities by attending international conferences, podcasts, and workshops and providing consulting services.
Yana has successfully participated in international legal research projects in the field of dark sky protection and space law and collaborated with organizations and government bodies worldwide, inter alia, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Ghent University, the EU Commission, International Dark-Sky Association, Starlight Foundation, International Astronomical Union, UNOOSA, etc. In addition, Yana is a member and an advisor of several NGOs, including the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), Starlight Foundation, and the Rule of Law Association. This year Yana has become a board member and one of the co-founders of the Belgian dark sky protection organization – Living Night.
ASTRA, YUCOM, ELSA, and UNDP, where the last four resulted with her being published as a co-author.
Marieta Valdivia Lefort is a policy specialist working in the areas of astronomy and space. She is based in the UK and works at the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) as Policy and Diversity Officer, overseeing RAS policy. Her remit includes national and international regulatory frameworks for protection of astronomy, funding for science and acience policy, ground-based light pollution and government (APPG for Dark Skies), satellite constellations and interference on optical and radio astronomy, space science, institutional EDI- frameworks, among others.
His research currently focuses upon EU constitutional and institutional law in the context of the space industry, and especially defence and security issues surrounding the regulation of dual-use space items to the extent relevant to Europe.
At SCF he acts as the lead coordinator and editor of the ‘Big Book of National Space Law’ (BBSL) Project, and contributes to various other SCF initiatives.
Owing to his knowledge of European space law and its place within the wider EU constitutional and defence system, his expertise has been sought – through presentations and interviews – by the German Ministry of Defence, the European Security and Defence College, the European Military Research Institute, Max Planck Institute Luxembourg, and others.
In addition to the above, Mr. Bennett has a keen interest in negotiation theory and practice, having entered and won several national competitions in the subject. He uses the skills gained during these experiences to maintain open, direct, and honest communication during his work.
He feels most at home in mountains, and is an avid animal lover – especially in the case of dogs.
She is the current Co-Lead of the Space Law and Policy Project Group of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), where she also co-spearheads the “AI and Space Law” Research Group. In addition, she has contributed as a co-author to the recently published report on “Balancing Innovation and Responsibility: International Recommendations for AI Regulation in Space”, elaborated under the auspices of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL).
Nathan Johnson is an attorney licensed in Washington, DC, and publishes the blog and podcast AstroEsq. He graduated with his Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School, and received an LL.M from the University of Nebraska College of Law in Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law. He worked at the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation during SpaceX’s first berth with the International Space Station, and for the US House of Representatives’ Committee on Science, Space, and Technology during deliberation on human spaceflight regulation. He has published articles on orbital debris removal, on-orbit liability, and outer space property rights. He is also the Regional Organizer for the Manfred Lachs North America Space Law Moot Court Competition.
Antonio (KangSan Kim) Stark is a consultant and speaker for aerospace policy, technology integration, sustainability and inclusivity, and education.
🌏 Minerva University Alumnus
🏔 FutureTalks Foundation Arctic Expedition Member
UHG Foundation Himalayas Expedition Member
Marine Corps Officer
🛰 SGAC Asia-Pacific Regional Coordinator
Moon Village Association East Asia Regional Coordinator
🎖 IAF Emerging Space Leader 2022
Tencent THINC Fellow
Korea Prime Ministerial National Talent Award
SGAC Pioneer Award
The Mars Generation 24 Under 24
#17 Top Men to follow on LinkedIn for Aviation & Aerospace