The day before the 2025 Nebraska Space Law Conference, a group of students — including five Nebraska J.D. candidates, one LLM student, a visiting J.D. student from St. John’s University, and one University of Nebraska undergraduate — spent the day in Washington, D.C. meeting with professionals across government, industry, and Congress to see how space law and policy are developed and applied in practice.
The day began at the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, where students learned about launch and reentry regulations from Nebraska alumni Leana Brown and Matias Cava. From there, the group headed to Capitol Hill, where they were introduced to the process of developing space law through legislation, regulation, and policy.
The final stop of the day brought the students to SpaceX, where they gained perspective on the commercial side of the industry and how private companies navigate the regulatory environment.
Students reflected on the trip as a formative experience. Aung Oo, a J.D. student from St. John’s University and recipient of a Schmid Student Travel Award, shared:
“Thank you for having me for the conference. It was very educational and also very fun. I have actually started considering space law as a possible path now because of the trip so I really appreciate you accepting my application and letting me come. I hope I get to see you more in the future at space/cyber law events!”
For University of Nebraska undergraduate student Anastasia Eriksen, the experience was equally meaningful:
“A few months ago, the University of Nebraska College of Law’s Space, Cyber, and National Security program invited me to attend their annual conference in Washington, D.C. as an undergrad, and I excitedly said yes.
We wrapped up the last day in Washington, D.C. today. Highlights included visiting the FAA Commercial Space Transportation Office to learn about launch and reentry regulations with Nebraska Law alumni, meeting with Kelsey McBarron, who serves as a space law advisor in Congress, and hearing from the SpaceX D.C. office about the legal and policy landscape for commercial space companies.
Along the way, we had time to explore the city, walk by monuments, and get a sense of D.C. The conference itself took place at the Army Navy Club, with panels focused on threats and insecurities in space.
I’m grateful for the chance to learn, to connect with so many sharp and passionate people, and especially for the Nebraska Law community who have welcomed me with open arms.”
These visits were made possible through the generosity and time of attorneys, government affairs professionals, and policy advocates who welcomed students into their offices and shared their expertise. The experience gave students an invaluable behind-the-scenes look at the diverse career paths available in space law and policy — and underscored the Nebraska Space, Cyber, and National Security Law Program’s commitment to connecting students with leaders at the forefront of the field.
