Dr. Jessica West
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jessicawestphd.bsky.social
Dr. Jessica West
@jessicawestphd.bsky.social
Exploring peace, security, and space tech with a critical eye and a human touch.

Research: Grey Zones of Space Governance https://bit.ly/4jaj0Zo ; Hidden Harms in Outer Space https://bit.ly/3DTnBPJ

Reach out to connect and collaborate 🚀 ⭐ 🌍 🛰
Accusations have been loud at the UN’s #FirstCommittee discussion on #SpaceSecurity. But the quiet story is cooperation, as states maintain parallel progress on both legal and behavioural tracks.

Voting is today. Catch up here: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
November 3, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Nukes, interceptors, and a peace coalition: outer space diplomacy is heating up at the UN.

My summary of day one of the dedicated space security debate. Full version at the link. More to come this week.

reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
October 26, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Proud to see @ploughsharesca.bsky.social intern Kianna Low-A-Che deliver the joint civil society statement on #SpaceSecurity at #UNGA #FirstCommittee

A call to turn principles into practice to keep space peaceful for all. Big thanks to those who crafted.

reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
October 20, 2025 at 2:28 PM
At #UNGA #FirstCommittee, #Italy proposed a legally binding ban on destructive #ASAT tests, turning restraint into law and bridging legal + normative divides in #SpaceSecurity.

Also calls for equity and inclusivity in governing space for all humankind. 🌍🚀

reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
October 20, 2025 at 2:19 PM
🛰️ #SpaceSecurity is a big focus at the #UN #FirstCommittee.

During Week 1:
💣 Nuclear and tech entanglement is reshaping deterrence.
🚀 Restraint in the space arms race is slipping—“nearing the point of no return.”

More via Reaching Critical Will (p. 23) 👇
reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
October 14, 2025 at 1:58 PM
🚀 #GoldenDome: what’s it about?

Tomorrow I’ll be online with Sam Wilson + International Student/Young Pugwash to talk through the nuts, bolts, dilemmas & dollars.

Plenty of discussion time. Bring your questions and maybe a calculator.

Register: britishpugwash.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?...
September 24, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Priviledged to co-host a CIGI workshop last week tackling a BIG question: how do we govern space, AI, quantum & cyber together, when old rules can’t keep up?

It’s not just about tech: it’s about trust, cooperation, and investing in our values.

From principles to practice, Canada has a role. #G7 🍁
June 16, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Another early train to Sick Kids. A reminder: the personal is political.

My son was born with heart defects during my PhD. He’s OK, thanks to public investment in science, medicine, and health.

We give back when we can through participation in research. I try to do work that gives back, too.
May 8, 2025 at 11:12 AM
⚠️ The new U.S. Space Warfighting Framework embraces a zero-sum vision of space superiority, putting even kinetic strike on the table.

A wake-up call for the urgent need to modernize and advance #PAROS diplomacy.

📄 www.spacecom.mil/Portals/32/S...

#SpaceSecurity
April 17, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Second meeting time today #cancelled.

#ParosOEWG
April 9, 2025 at 1:07 PM
We call this "snow snorkeling."

#SuperNova #FindTheBall
February 13, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Nova does not appreciate how dapper she looks in her cold weather gear.
January 20, 2025 at 10:06 PM
"Freedom from space-based threats" was once key to #SpaceSecurity —but have we forgotten it? 🌍🚀

Recent events remind us why it matters. I explore this in my latest @ploughsharesca.bsky.social article 👇

www.ploughshares.ca/publications...
January 20, 2025 at 8:45 PM
One of the projects that I wrapped up earlier this year is an extensive report of global consultations on the hidden human harms linked to outer space. But extensive = long!

A short graphic version is also available: www.ploughshares.ca/reports/hidd...
January 15, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Excited to step back into my role as Senior Researcher on #SpaceSecurity with @ploughsharesca.bsky.social after a brief leave.

What better way to reconnect with the community than exploring this new platform?
January 13, 2025 at 6:44 PM