On September 18, 2025, the Nebraska Space, Cyber, and National Security Law Program hosted the annual Nebraska Space Law Conference at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C. The event gathered leading voices from government, industry, academia, and international organizations to discuss pressing issues shaping the future of space law and policy.
The conference opened with a keynote address from Major General Dennis Bythewood, who shared insights on the intersection of national security and space operations.
The program continued with a panel on “Insecurity in Space: What Are the Threats? How Can They Be Countered?” Moderated by Prof. Erik Mudrinich of the Nebraska College of Law, the discussion featured Lt. Col. Jonathan Sawmiller (Headquarters Air Force Operations and International Law Directorate), Sarah Erickson (Project Coordinator, Space Security & WMD Program, UN Institute for Disarmament), and Prof. Peter Hays (George Washington University). Panelists explored the evolving threat landscape in space and strategies for strengthening security frameworks.
The program concluded with "Commercial Space Fireside Chats: Regulation in the United States, Europe, and the Globe." Led by Prof. Matthew Schaefer, the conversation brought together Kiersten Haugen (Relativity Space), Laura Cummings (Greenberg Traurig), and Mike Gold (Redwire Space) for a candid discussion on regulatory challenges and opportunities across jurisdictions.
This year’s conference also provided a special opportunity for students: five Nebraska J.D. students, one J.D. student from St. John’s University (recipient of the Schmid Student Travel Award), and one undergraduate student from the University of Nebraska were able to attend thanks to the generous support of the Schmid Foundation. Their participation reflected the program’s commitment to fostering the next generation of space law professionals.
