For the Entire Society, to be a Bond Between the Public and Space from the Law.

In this interview, we have an interview with Mr.Mclee, who joined in July as the first member of WARPSPACE USA Inc. He is leading the entry to the US market of WARPSPACE USA with his high knowledge of space law.

-Please tell us about your background.

I graduated from Leiden University in the Netherlands, where I studied space law and policy. I was not involved in the space industry, but I became interested in it when Spaceport America was established in 2011 as the world’s first commercial space light facility. At the same time, I sensed the need to develop a legal environment for a completely new industry sector.

Before Leiden, I went Spaceport to law school at the City University of New York Law School. I have been working both in academia and in my personal life to promote more widespread commercial space utilization.

At Leiden University, I continued my studies in space law and earned my Master’s degree. My research focused on a survey of comprehensive legislation for Spaceports.

-Have there been any activities by students in the area of space law?

The Space Court Foundation, of which I am the Deputy executive director, has been attracting interested students from around the world to participate in internship programs, space law competitions, and other activities. The “Manfred Lachs Moot Court Competition’’ is a mock trial competition based on recent international space law, and many teams and students from various countries have participated.

I see that even in the legal field, case analysis and friendly competition among students are progressing day by day.

Space is for Everyone

-How did you come across WARPSPACE?

I read about space-related businesses and media every day. Among them, WARPSPACE caught my eye during the Series A funding release. I kept an eye on the company’s activities after that, and when I came across a job posting on Linkedin this year, I entered the company because I thought I could make use of what I had learned so far.

-Was there a reason why you chose a Japanese startup company?

For me, it didn’t really matter whether I chose the U.S. or Japan. I believe that space is for everyone and everyone can benefit from its utilization. In the space industry, which will undoubtedly become more important in the future, I would like to connect the public and space from a legal perspective.

-As more and more companies focus on space law, how do you see the needs of the industry?

Since the United Nations adopted the Outer Space Treaty in 1967, the treaty has been steadily developed. However, as a new industry, it is necessary to make laws while making detailed adjustments so that there is no conflict between international treaties and the laws of each country, and the pace of progress is not fast.

Nevertheless, as space development by the private sector as well as the national government becomes more and more active, and as human activities in space become more commonplace in the future, laws will be necessary for all of these activities. The expansion of the industry is accompanied by the expansion of legislation, and I believe that space law will become increasingly important for companies to address.

WARPSPACE’s vision of an optical communications network will contribute to the satellite industry, as well as to all industries, and will be a technology that will support the entire industry. It will require even more highly secure communications, and appropriate legislation will be necessary as it is implemented in society.

WARPSPACE USA is working with the awareness that we are creating our own history.

-What are some of the challenges you would like to take on as the first member of the U.S. office?

It is very exciting to think that the history of WARPSPACE USA is about to be made. Right now I am working daily on building relationships within the U.S., but I would like to continue to expand the size of the company and increase WARPSPACE’s visibility in the U.S. and around the world. I would like to work hard to make WARPSPACE known to as many people as possible so that we can win the Satellite Award for the year.

Compass of Behavior

— What is the most important “Compass of Behavior” for you?

Respect your crew. Teams are the most important factor in advancing our business amidst a drastically changing environment. I would like to work hard with members who can execute the strategies we have set and move forward rapidly, and I would be happy if such people would join us in the future.