24 Oct 2023
Annually, the Nebraska Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Program extends student travel awards, funded in part by a NASA Nebraska grant, enabling them to attend our Fall Space Law Conference in Washington D.C. This year, the program was able to send 6 JD students and 5 LLM students to the conference. Zach Hellen (JD ’25), a recipient of one such travel award, shared his insights, remarking, "I gained a profound understanding of the challenges confronting the space industry, such as the imperative for a more efficient contracting framework and enhanced life cycle management for space assets." Moreover, the conference offered students invaluable opportunities to network with seasoned industry professionals. Hellen, in particular, had the privilege of "reconnecting with some of his prior professional contacts, including the Senior Council of Space X."
During their stay in the nation's capital, the program organized visits to the Satellite Industry Association and the Pentagon for the students. At the Satellite Industry Association, they had the opportunity to hear from Tom Stroup, who provided insights into the complexities of lobbying for the diverse interests of satellite businesses, as well as educating government stakeholders and the general public about the satellite industry. Stroup also emphasized the increasing demand for legal experts well-versed in the intricacies of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The Pentagon visit provided students to meet with Nebraska alumni Vicki Belleau and Jillian Sloan. After a tour of the building, representatives from each division within the AF/JAO office provided students with an overview of the type of work they deal with on a daily basis. Hellen commented, "Walking through the Pentagon and meeting high-level Air Force JAGs was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"