Nivedita Raju

Space policy analyst (SIPRI, Open Lunar Foundation, Space Court Foundation)

Region:          Asia

Field:              Law; Policy

Profile:     I am a space policy analyst with a focus on space security at Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). I am also a Research Fellow at Open Lunar Foundation, where I focus on developing transparency and confidence-building measures for lunar activities. In addition, I am Director of Legal Affairs at Space Court Foundation, a non-profit that aims to facilitate accessibility to space law and policy.

My work experience includes a stint with the Indian delegation at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada, as well as key researcher on the Manual on International Law Applicable to Military Uses of Outer Space (MILAMOS) project at McGill University. I was also Deputy Representative to the US Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation. Prior to specializing in space law at McGill University, I steered aircraft finance transactions as a practicing lawyer in Mumbai, India.

My practical experience fast revealed the gendered nature of the aerospace sector, particularly in space security. I have therefore been deeply committed to addressing the gender gap, through my own initiatives. Most recent is my YouTube interview series launched through Space Court Foundation, where I interview women of colour in the space sector to amplify their experiences and share advice with students and young professionals.

Network Activities:     Success in the space sector is impeded by prevailing gender norms, workplace discrimination and/or harassment, access to resources and an overall lack of awareness. As a UN Space4Women mentor, I aim to guide my mentees through these hurdles and help them navigate educational and professional opportunities. I am also developing a children’s book on international space law to raise awareness about careers in space among young girls in India. Through this outreach, I plan to increase the role of women in the Indian space sector.