Mini Symposium 2026 Mar 18 - Bruno Vaz
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Space Governance in the New Space Era: A Systems Sciences Perspective"
Abstract
The space sector is undergoing a profound transformation. The transition from "Old Space" — characterised by state-led programmes and Cold War-era treaties — to "New Space" has introduced unprecedented complexity. Private actors now rival national agencies in capability, the global space economy exceeds $600 billion, and emerging domains such as space mining and in-orbit manufacturing are reshaping the sector's boundaries. Yet governance structures have not kept pace. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty offers little guidance for an era of mega-constellations, 130 million pieces of orbital debris, space militarisation across multiple nations, and private companies pursuing lunar resource extraction. The recursion levels that once organised the sector — from the UN to governments, agencies, and contractors — are now blurred, whilst bilateral accords like the Artemis Accords compete with multilateral frameworks for legitimacy. This presentation draws on systems sciences, particularly the Viable System Model, to diagnose these structural deficits in the New Space era.
Short Bio
Bruno Nunes Vaz is a PhD candidate at the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA) and a visiting researcher at Politecnico di Milano, focusing on innovation within the New Space sector. With a background in mechanical engineering and orbital mechanics, he bridges the gap between academic research and industrial applications. He is a partner at N7 Ventures, a venture builder for deep-tech startups, and a shareholder at Orbital Engenharia, a Brazilian space and defense company.