Timiebi Aganaba

Timiebi Aganaba is an Assistant Professor of Space and Society at Arizona State University, affiliated with the School for the Future of Innovation in Society with a courtesy appointment at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. She previously served as a post-doctoral fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) in Canada, Executive Director of the World Space Week Association, and holds advisory roles with the Space Generation Advisory Council supporting UN space programs and World View Enterprises.

Dr. Aganaba's research focuses on the critical intersection of space policy, law, and societal implications of space exploration. Her work addresses space governance frameworks, environmental protection in space, democratization of space access, and socioeconomic dimensions of the space sector. She examines how emerging space players challenge traditional power structures and develops approaches to ensure sustainable space exploration that benefits humanity broadly.

Her publications reveal consistent emphasis on space law adequacy for contemporary challenges including space debris management and inclusion of new spacefaring nations. Aganaba bridges technical, legal, and social perspectives to create more holistic space governance frameworks that consider both terrestrial environmental concerns and preservation of space environments.

• Space Leaders Award from the International Astronautical Federation (2017)
• George and Ann Robinson Award for advanced research capabilities (for doctoral work)

Dr. Aganaba has extensive international experience representing Nigeria at UN forums including the International Civil Aviation Organization Model Council (2014) and the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (2011). Her advisory roles demonstrate commitment to practical space governance development through collaboration with UN bodies and commercial space enterprises.

Through positions at the International Space University (as teaching associate in France 2008 and associate chair in Ireland 2017) and engagement with the Space Generation Advisory Council, Dr. Aganaba actively cultivates emerging space professionals. Her interdisciplinary approach combines legal expertise with socioeconomic analysis to address complex challenges in an increasingly congested space environment.