Give
Search

Center for Air and Space Law

WHAT WE DO

As the trusted source of advice for national and global decision-makers on air and space law matters, the Center for Air and Space Law enjoys a long tradition of excellence in global legal scholarship and practice in the fields of air law, drone law and space law. The Center is committed to nurturing the sustainable development and implementation of pioneering and practical legal solutions to present and future issues facing humanity on Earth, in the air and in space. Keep scrolling below to find information about programs, admissions, media placements, journals, and more.

  1. Home
  2. Departmental Directory
  3. Center for Air and Space Law

Earn Your Executive Intensive Certificate

In just 10 hours over five days, gain a practical understanding of the legal frameworks governing commercial space or drone activities, no law background required.

Learn more about our Space Law Executive Intensive

Pathways to Possibility: Discovering New Directions

An in-depth look at one of the nation's premier institutions dedicated to advancing legal scholarship and education in aviation, space, and remote sensing law.

GRAD

Air and Space Law LL.M.

A degree designed for both U.S. and foreign-trained law school graduates interested in a rigorous legal curriculum in U.S., international, and comparative air and space law.

  • Oxford
  • Online

GRADCERT

Air and Space Law Graduate Certificate

Our Graduate Certificate in Air and Space Law prepares graduates to navigate and influence the evolving global aerospace landscape with confidence and competence, providing the legal knowledge and practical skills to address emerging challenges and shape the future of the aerospace industry.

  • Oxford
  • Online

GRAD

Air and Space Law, M.S. (Online)

The program offers flexible, rigorous legal education tailored to the growing air and space industries, preparing a diverse workforce to support U.S. aerospace leadership.

  • Online

Prepared for Takeoff: Apply Now

Join a network of forward-thinking legal professionals, gain insight from world-renowned faculty, and engage with cutting-edge issues shaping the skies and beyond.

Air and Space Law LL.M.           Air and Space Law Certificate

Interested in J.D. Law?

J.D. Concentration in Air and Space Law

The J.D. Concentration Program in Air and Space Law is for students in the J.D. program interested in focusing coursework around air, space, cyber, and drone law. It consists of four aerospace law courses, an independent study in aerospace law and/or a possible externship or internship placement, and three elective courses, for a total of twenty-seven credit hours.

Check out the J.D. Concentration

Space Needs Lawyers

Our Annotated Outer Space Treaty makes this landmark agreement accessible by pairing the treaty text with clear annotations that explain key provisions, provide context, and reveal why these principles matter as humanity pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in space.

Law Beyond Borders

airplane flying

Air Law

The air transport industry has united the world and set a standard for international cooperation. Air law covers diverse areas, from product liability to safety, finance, and environmental regulation. The Center collaborates with airlines and regulatory bodies to advance air law with a dual focus: supporting industry growth and upholding top standards in safety, security, and environmental protection.

earth photo from space

Space Law

The Center works to develop international agreements that support a growing space economy and humanity’s shift to a spacefaring future. By studying past human migrations, we aim to shape laws and ethics for sustainable civilizations. Our goal is to create a progressive framework that keeps space open for exploration while ensuring stability for ongoing public and private investment.

Hubble Telescope in space

Cyber Law

Digital technologies have greatly improved air and space operations but also introduced new cybersecurity risks. Satellites and aviation systems, once considered secure, are now vulnerable to cyberattacks through multiple access points, including ground stations, networks, and user terminals. Such attacks could disrupt communications, compromise data, or cause system failures. As cybersecurity laws remain underdeveloped, the Center supports research and ongoing dialogue to promote best practices and enhance protection of these critical systems.

drone flying

Drone Law

The Center serves as a leading hub for advanced research, analysis, and the development of drone law and policy. We examine the ethical and legal implications of drone operations, technology, and industry, providing a collaborative environment where experts, scholars, and practitioners come together to address the complex and evolving landscape of drone regulation.

astronaut floating in space

Journal of Space Law

The Journal of Space Law is the oldest publication dedicated to legal issues in outer space. Published by the University of Mississippi’s Center for Air and Space Law, it covers international treaties, commercial space activities, and emerging legal challenges in space exploration.

Plane wing looking out into space

Air and Space Law on Demand

The official media hub of the Ole Miss Air and Space Law Program. Here, you’ll find a curated collection of news, expert interviews, podcasts, and videos covering the most pressing issues in aviation, space policy, and international aerospace law.

Our Experts

Our experts are leading professionals and scholars dedicated to advancing the frontiers of air, space, and cyber law through research, innovation, and global collaboration.
Michelle L.D. Hanlon

Michelle L.D. Hanlon

  • Executive Director of the Center for Air and Space Law and Assistant Professor of Practice
Charles Stotler

Charles Stotler

  • Assistant Professor of Practice
Allison Lewis

Allison Lewis

  • Program Director
Aaron Brynildson

Aaron Brynildson

  • Law Instructor
C.J. Robison

C.J. Robison

  • Adjunct Professor
Ruth Pritchard-Kelly

Ruth Pritchard-Kelly

  • Adjunct Professor of Law
Barry Benson

Barry Benson

  • Adjunct Professor of Center for Air and Space Law
Jeremy Grunert

Jeremy Grunert

  • Adjunct Professor of Law
Ronnie Gipson

Ronnie Gipson

  • Adjunct Professor of Law
Jack Shelton

Jack Shelton

  • Adjunct Professor of Center for Air and Space Law

Our Partners

  • mset logo

    The Mississippi Enterprise for Technology

    The Center for Air and Space Law is proud to be part of a thriving and growing aerospace community in our home state of Mississippi. Among other things, we are working with the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology to support and welcome even more aerospace companies to the state. Located at the John C. Stennis Space Center, MSET is a private, non-profit organization that fosters business opportunities among public and private entities in Mississippi.

    Get to know MSET
  • ASSURE Logo

    ASSURE

    Over thirty of the world’s leading research institutions and more than a hundred leading industry and government partners make up the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE). As an affiliate partner with ASSURE, the University of Mississippi is researching the regulations and policies surrounding drone use for disaster relief and emergency response. 

    Check out ASSURE
  • Raspet logo

    Raspet Flight Research Laboratory

    Raspet Flight Research Laboratory is a nationally recognized leader in the field of experimental aviation research. Raspet and the Center have collaborated on several projects, including organizing and executing two Mississippi UAS Symposiums and providing opportunities and internships for Ole Miss Law and MS State students.

    Find out more about Raspet

Support the Future of Air and Space Law