On September 27th, the Nebraska Space, Cyber, and National Security Law Program held its 17th Annual Fall Conference at the prestigious Army & Navy Club in Farragut Square, Washington, D.C. The event gathered legal experts, industry leaders, and students to explore critical developments in space and national security law.
This year’s keynote was delivered by Brigadier General Michael D. Tomatz, Director of Operations and International Law, The Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Department of the Air Force, who provided insight into the evolving challenges facing military space operations.
Two expert panels followed, featuring esteemed colleagues and industry leaders with close ties to the program. The first panel, centered on the Woomera Manual on the International Law of Military Space Activities and Operations, was moderated by Program Director and Professor Jack Beard. Panelists included:
Prof. Dale Stephens, University of Adelaide, Australia
Dr. Brian Weeden, Systems Director, The Aerospace Corporation
Col. Matthew King, Chief of Space Law and Deputy Director, Headquarters Air Force Operations and International Law Directorate (AF/JAO)
Prof. Christopher J. Borgen, Co-Director of the Center for International and Comparative Law, St. John's University School of Law
The second panel, moderated by Elsbeth Magilton, Lecturer and Director of Externships, focused on Regulating Space in a Shifting Administrative Law Landscape. The panelists were:
Prof. Frans von der Dunk, University of Nebraska College of Law
Laura Cummings, Associate, Space & Satellite, Greenberg Traurig
Jessica Noble, Associate General Counsel, ispace technologies – U.S.
A cornerstone of the conference is the Program’s commitment to student involvement and professional growth. Thanks to the generous support of a NASA Nebraska grant, the Program provided travel awards to 11 students—6 JD and 5 LLM—who were able to attend the event, fostering valuable learning and networking opportunities.
