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Dr Cassandra Steer

@cassandrasteer.bsky.social
960 followers 515 following 145 posts

Space security - international space law - space governance - IHL - women, peace and security in space. Spacecitizens.substack.com is where you'll find my writings. Founder and CEO of the Australian Centre for Space Governance. Consultant. Mother.

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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
This week the US declared they have weapons in space. This is not new technology, it is re-branding existing space-based jammers. It is posturing and signalling, but this creates a dangerous arms race in space. If satellites go down, we all suffer. spacecitizens.substack.com/p/did-the-us...
spacecitizens.substack.com
Did the US just put weapons in space?
“Space control” weapons, at that!
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Jonathan McDowell @planet4589.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
So, USSF has space weapons now. In the current draft JSR, planet4589.org/latest.html , I describe a set of 17 USSF satellites that I am calling "USSF GEO Patrol". If @vsamsondc.bsky.social is correct that the space weapons are jammers, I think these are the likely candidates.
planet4589.org
Jonathan's Space Report - Latest Issue
Jonathan's Space Report | Latest Issue
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said that the U.S. has space control weapons on orbit. @theconversation.com asked me to clarify what this means, and why a space arms race is dangerous for all of us. theconversation.com/the-us-says-...
theconversation.com
The US says it has launched ‘space control weapons’. It plays into the hands of its enemies
This could mark the start of a major arms race in space, which would threaten all of us on Earth.
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
So much space expertise around one table! #OS26 Natália Archinard Jessica West, PhD Jessica Tok Regina Peldszus @Victoria Samson Almudena Azcárate Ortega Laetitia Cesari Nivedita Raju
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
A great homage to Gloria Steinem RIP a great thinker and communicator carlynbeccia.substack.com/p/gloria-ste...
carlynbeccia.substack.com
Gloria Steinem’s Fight to Free Boys
Steinem warned that we made masculinity available to women faster than we made femininity respectable for men. 50 years later, we still are not listening to her.
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Ukraine just gave Elon Musk a "Please Don't Turn off Starlink Again" award. We should be concerned about the concentration of power in Musk's hands for satellites and war. But even when it's all about Musk, it's not all about Musk. spacecitizens.substack.com/p/ukraine-gi...
spacecitizens.substack.com
Ukraine gives Elon Musk an award
The “Please Don’t Turn Starlink Off Again” award
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John Scalzi @scalzi.com · 18/08/2026
Oh, for fuck's sake. If you had an "AI" generate the text, then you're not the author. "Oh, but the ideas are mine." Motherfucker, ideas aren't copyrightable, and neither is the text if "AI" barfed it out. In neither a logistical nor legal sense does the term "author" convey to you.
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
This might be the dumbest space tech prototype ever given approval! This is my rant about Reflect Orbital, and how easy it might be to stop them trying to shine the sun where it don’t shine. substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
Selling sunlight from space
One of the dumbest ideas ever just got licenced
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Center for Space Environmentalism @space-environment.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
We just filed a Reply Comment with FCC opposing Cowboy Space’s 20,000-satellite constellation. Instead of engaging with the science on atmospheric pollution and astronomy hazards, they relied on procedural deflections. Read our full filing here: www.spaceenvironmentalism.org/actions/publ...
spaceenvironmentalism.org
Reply Comment to the Cowboy Space Corporation consolidated opposition and r
July 30, 2026 Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 via ICFS Electronic Filing In the Matter of: Cowboy Space Application for “Stampede” Constellation ICFS File No. ...
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Dr Zena Assaad @zenaassaad.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
AI is not capable of "breaking out of its cybersecurity guardrails and enclosures". If a system produces outputs outside of a set of guardrails it means the guardrails are flawed or broken. It's evidence of technical deficiency not the system "outsmarting" anything. /4
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Dr Zena Assaad @zenaassaad.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
New #ResponsibleBytesPodcast episode with @artcotterell.bsky.social just dropped. We chat about the nuclear renaissance & its implications for energy security, safety standards & space-based data centres. 🎧 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts. 📹 Full episode is also up on our YouTube channel.
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
This time it's a video rant from me! On why it's not all about Musk... despite headline and public fascination with the world's richest man, and one of the most powerful figures in space. Still, it's not all about him. substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
It's not all about Musk
(An informative rant)
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vsamsondc.bsky.social @vsamsondc.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
On the all-male Artemis 3 crew: "Unless we have more diverse teams, diverse thinking, we have no chance of solving the wicked problems of space technologies, let alone space travel." Another banger from @cassandrasteer.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...
open.substack.com
For all Mankind
Artemis III is deja vu all over again
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 17/06/2026
Mamdani: "Solidarity with a government that is committing genocide is a very different thing than a question of solidarity with people of a specific faith. I'm proud to be a mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population in this country."
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
I recently re-watched "The Martian", such a fun movie. They got every scientific detail right. Pity they didn't ask a space lawyer whether Mars falls under "maritime law". And whether Mark Watney can really be a space pirate. Join me on this cinematic walk through international space law.
open.substack.com
Nerding out to The Martian
They could have just asked a space lawyer!
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...
open.substack.com
Your daily life is powered by satellites
Why you can no longer afford to ignore what's happening in space
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vsamsondc.bsky.social @vsamsondc.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
‘Everyone wants a spaceplane’: More countries eye on-orbit protection for satellites www.defenseone.com/defense-syst...
defenseone.com
‘Everyone wants a spaceplane’: More countries eye on-orbit protection for satellites
New report says France, Germany, India, and Japan aim to emulate U.S., Chinese capabilities.
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Joining the chorus of commentaries about Artemis II as countdown continues. I'm actually only mildly excited. I'm more concerned about what comes next in this geopolitical competition. And to be clear: my bet is on China having the lead, and that not being all bad open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...
open.substack.com
Artemis II - are we excited?
Artemis and the Moon: Part 5. Or: "Why are we going back to the moon anyway?"
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Since I always preach that space is just another domain in which geopolitics are playing out, this post is about the critical role that satellite connectivity plays in Iran. And how shutting off access can impact civilians more than it impacts military operations. open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...
open.substack.com
Shutting Eyes Over Iran
How satellites enable or disable what's possible
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King Algamemnon @adamrothman.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
I have a joke about Cassandra that you wouldn't believe.
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Effie Seiberg @effies.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
"Palantir CEO Alex Karp says his AI technology will lessen the power of “highly educated, often female voters, who vote mostly Democrat” while increasing the power of working-class men." Just saying it right out loud now. newrepublic.com/post/207693/...
newrepublic.com
Palantir CEO Makes Shocking Confession on Disrupting Democratic Power
They’re saying the quiet part out loud now.
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Maryam Jamshidi @msjamshidi.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
This is the Israeli mainstream, by the way x.com/IhabHassane/...
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 08/03/2026
Chris Murphy: "I think it's likely the United States that carried out this attack on this school. I think it's unforgivable under any circumstances, but the fact this was one of our first targeting decisions speaks to the incompetence of our leadership at the Dept of Defense."
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Is space a lawless Wild West? Does the Outer Space Treaty needs replacing? We have to understand what the OST is and what it is not. And what international law is and is not. Either way, the OST is not dead, and this is why: open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...
open.substack.com
The Outer Space Treaty is dead! (Long live the Outer Space Treaty!)
A cry from an optimistic realist
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
The excellent (and very funny) Allan Behm in @thepointau.bsky.social today on how “the proverbial rainbow is certainly hitting the arse-end of Adelaide” as Aukus funds pour in - but to what end? thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
thepoint.com.au
Adelaide gets its bit of AUKUS
On Sunday 15 February, Prime Minister Albanese and Defence Industry Minister Conroy, with South Australian Premier Malinauskas in tow, launched the new AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine construction sit...
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
Access to internet is critical for Iranians. Starlink has been a digital lifeline, but can Musk be trusted to keep it on? The revolution will not be televised (see Gil Scott Heron). But we can hope it remains visible (see my "Space Citizens" Substack) open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...?
open.substack.com
Free internet for the revolution!
What should we make of SpaceX in Iran
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
So much in Carney's speech was bang on,especially this "We knew the story of the international rules-based order was partially false that the strongest would exempt themselves when convenient...that international law applied with varying rigour depending on the identity of the accused or the victim"
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
What is the Asian Century? Have we already entered it? Why is space (satellites, data, connectivity) so important for this new era? My last post for 2025 is an enthusiastic rant, complete with a video of my visit to the Philippines for a regional gathering. Enjoy! open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...
open.substack.com
Space in the Asian Century
(Which, by the way, we have already entered)
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Tom Dannenbaum @tomdannenbaum.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
While waging a murderous campaign in the Caribbean and threatening a war of aggression against Venezuela, the United States has now sanctioned two additional ICC judges for performing their judicial functions in the Palestine situation. Gangsterism across the board. www.icc-cpi.int/news/icc-str...
icc-cpi.int
ICC strongly rejects new U.S. sanctions designations against two ICC Judges
The International Criminal Court deplores the announcement of new designations for sanctions by the US administration against Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze (Georgia) and Judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin (Mongolia). These additional designations follow the earlier designation of nine elected officials of the Judiciary and the Office of the Prosecutor, drawn from all regional groups.These sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution which operates pursuant to the mandate conferred by its States Parties from across regions. Such measures targeting judges and prosecutors who were elected by the States Parties undermine the rule of law. When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk.As previously stated, the Court stands firmly behind its personnel and behind victims of unimaginable atrocities. It will continue to carry out its mandate with independence and impartiality, in full accordance with the Rome Statute and in the interest of victims of international crimes.The ICC values the consistent demonstrations of solidarity of States Parties, civil society and all those who support the rule of law and justice for the victims of international crimes. The Court will continue its work, with all partners, to ensure the effective and independent implementation of its mandate.For more information, please contact the ICC Public Affairs Unit: PublicAffairs.Unit@icc-cpi.int. You can also follow the Court’s activities on Twitter/X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Flickr
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Sara Mitchell @sbmitche.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
We should stop using the term “cease fire” for this situation. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...
aljazeera.com
Israel strikes hit southern, eastern Lebanon in latest truce violation
The continued Israeli bombardment has drawn sharp criticism from the UN, which has recorded dozens of civilian deaths.
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Really enjoyed this piece by Sam Kriss about how AI writes. And it's only partially written by AI! archive.is/2025.12.15-0...
archive.is
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Ep 2 of the Space Citizens just dropped. An awesome weaving conversation with Priyanka Dhopade about an applying engineering lens to the policy question of space sustainability. And much more. Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube open.spotify.com/episode/0t1a...
open.spotify.com
Ep_02_Sustainable Space with Priyanka Dhopade
Spotify video
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The Japan Times @japantimes.co.jp · 03/12/2025
The Defense Ministry is pursuing a policy to strengthen its capabilities, recognizing the growing importance of the space domain for national security.
ebx.sh
Koizumi inspects ASDF group for outer space security
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
@listigeplaylists.bsky.social + open.spotify.com/show/0k1rp85...
open.spotify.com
Ep 01_Exploring Space Citizenship
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
OK I am genuinely nervous about this but also excited. Just launched ep1 of my new podcast "Space Citizens" (yes the same name as my Substack newsletter). It starts with a bit of a rant, will include some awesome guests, and will probably be peppered with more rants. open.spotify.com/episode/6a4C...
open.spotify.com
Spotify – Web Player
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Last week's Space Citizens substack was about the Artemis Accords. Because they turned 5 years old and now have 60 signatories. I can't help still being cynical, but maybe I have to resign to the fact that this is the guiding document for lunar activities. spacecitizens.substack.com/p/happy-birt...
spacecitizens.substack.com
Happy Birthday Artemis Accords
Am I still allowed to be skeptical?
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
As is often the case with international conferences, here at #APRSAF-31 in Cebu, Philippines, we are inside an expensive resort all day. But I walk from my accommodation to the venue past those Philipinos who built and work in the resorts, and see the other side of the coin
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Currently flying over Taiwan towards the Philippines for #APRSAF31 - pondering the history of this mountainous island and its place in geostrategy, and thinking about just how important space is, and is becoming, in our changing geopolitical times
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Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · 26/10/2025
Lawfare is hiring paid interns for Spring 2026! Find more information and apply here: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/inte...
lawfaremedia.org
Intern with Lawfare!
Lawfare is now accepting Spring 2026 internship applications.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 21/10/2025
"Progress in international law often emerges not in spite of crisis, but because of it." William Aceves, Amity Boye, and @jesspeake.bsky.social ask: How can today's crises become opportunities for innovation? www.justsecurity.org/122915/crisi...
justsecurity.org
Crisis as Catalyst: Past, Present, and Future of International Law
To see crisis as catalyst is to reject fatalism and to believe that law can be both a shield and a compass in turbulent times.
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Timnit Gebru @timnitgebru.blacksky.app · 20/10/2025
Translation: After we built an addictive tool based on stolen data, exploited labor and plundering the environment, which pushes kids to commit suicides, we were like, why not cash in on "erotica"? After all, this is what building so-called AGI that "benefits humanity" looks like.
Sam Altman (@sama) We made ChatGPT pretty restrictive to make sure we were being careful with mental health issues. We realize this made it less useful/enjoyable to many users who had no mental health problems, but given the seriousness of the issue we wanted to get this right.

Now that we have been able to mitigate the serious mental health issues and have new tools, we are going to be able to safely relax the restrictions in most cases.

In a few weeks, we plan to put out a new version of ChatGPT that allows people to have a personality that behaves more like what people liked about 4o (we hope it will be better!). If you want your ChatGPT to respond in a very human-like way, or use a ton of emoji, or act like a friend, ChatGPT should do it (but only if you want it, not because we are usage-maxxing).

In December, as we roll out age-gating more fully and as part of our “treat adult users like adults” principle, we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults.
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Kat Robison, PhD @katrobison.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
When we recently surveyed Australians about their concerns around space - 41.9% cited the accumulation of space debris around Earth.
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
This is autobiographical. But it's also an invitation to anyone who's ever dreamed of a career in space and thought it wasn't possible. My journey to space (as a space lawyer. Caveat: never actually been to space.) substack.com/home/post/p-...
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
"“There is one tier of justice for all Americans,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement after Bolton was charged. “Anyone who abuses a position of power and jeopardizes our national security will be held accountable. No one is above the law. " Look forward to quoting this one back to her
nbcnews.com
Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton indicted
He's the third prominent Trump adversary to face criminal charges in recent weeks, following former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
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Jaakko Husa @husajaakko.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Why I used AI explained by AI. You can't make this shit up. 😂😂😂
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Given my recent piece "Can You Buy The Moon?" open.substack.com/pub/spacecit... I thought this hilarious sketch by the marvellous "Puppet Regime" was brilliant. youtube.com/shorts/nwcVw...
youtube.com
Trump's deal to end the Ukraine war — #PUPPETREGIME #TrumpPuppet #PutinPuppet
YouTube video by GZERO Media
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
It's #WorldSpaceWeek! What better way to celebrate than buy a piece of the Moon! You can buy lunar sites online for just $34.99. JK, it's a scam. But then what's the difference between this and million dollar deals to sell lunar resources? spacecitizens.substack.com/p/can-you-bu...
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Dr Cassandra Steer @cassandrasteer.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
Literally brought me to tears. Ziptied kids together, put guns in the face of US citizens (no coincidence that these are black citizens) and explicitly dehumanise them, threaten them, attack their homes. I know this is going down, but to hear these eyewitness accounts made me cry.
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