Episode 231: Whether Interference with Satellites in LEO is Act of War with Kai-Uwe Schrogl

This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl, one of the world’s leading experts on international space policy and the former Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Legal Subcommittee.

In this critical episode, they explore the growing risks in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where satellites are increasingly exposed to hostile acts such as signal jamming, cyber intrusion, and close-proximity maneuvers. As these grey-zone operations expand, a fundamental legal question remains unanswered: does interference with a satellite amount to an act of war?

Dr. Schrogl draws on decades of experience advising the European Space Agency, national governments, and international legal bodies to unpack why space law has failed to keep pace with the technological and strategic realities of orbit. The discussion covers alarming recent case studies—from Russia’s jamming of Starlink signals over Ukraine, to China’s Shijian-21 maneuvering near foreign satellites, and the Viasat cyberattack that disrupted infrastructure across Europe.

Together, they examine how states are exploiting legal ambiguity for strategic gain, why attribution remains elusive, and how a lack of enforceable norms may lead to escalation without warning. Dr. Schrogl also outlines urgent priorities for the international community—from tightening governance and clarifying use-of-force thresholds, to building greater transparency in satellite operations.

With insights into the legal, political, and security risks unfolding above Earth, this episode is essential listening for defence analysts, policymakers, legal scholars, and anyone shaping the future of strategic stability in space.

Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl is Special Advisor for Political Affairs at the European Space Agency and one of the foremost authorities on space law and governance. He has authored more than 150 publications on space policy, chaired UN legal bodies, and continues to advise institutions across Europe on the future of space security.

Hosted by Dominic Bowen, The International Risk Podcast is the go-to platform for senior leaders navigating today’s volatile global environment. Dominic is the Head of Strategic Advisory at 2Secure, Europe’s leading risk management consulting firm, and has more than 20 years of frontline experience managing complex operations across conflict zones, crisis regions, and boardrooms. As a trusted advisor to multinational corporations, a university lecturer, and an internationally recognised public speaker, Dominic brings unparalleled depth to conversations on enterprise risk management, geopolitical forecasting, and strategic decision-making.

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