Center for Air and Space Law
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.
Law Beyond Borders
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Michelle L.D. Hanlon
- Executive Director of the Center for Air and Space Law and Assistant Professor of Practice
Charles Stotler
- Assistant Professor of Practice
Allison Lewis
- Program Director
C.J. Robison
- Adjunct Professor of Law
Ruth Pritchard-Kelly
- Adjunct Professor of Law
Barry Benson
- Adjunct Professor of Law
Jeremy Grunert
- Adjunct Professor of Law
Ronnie Gipson
- Adjunct Professor of Law
Jack Shelton
- Adjunct Professor of Center for Air and Space Law
Concentration in Air and Space Law
The Concentration Program in Air and Space Law 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.
Our Partners
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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.
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Federal Academic Alliance Scholarship
The Center for Air and Space Law is proud to participate in the Federal Academic Alliance through the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Under this program, we offer a 10% tuition scholarship to federal civil employees and their families. Federal employees shall include civil service employees only, not active duty service members. Complete the LL.M. or Graduate Certificate application as you would normally through LSAC. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The scholarship will be credited to your Bursar account after enrollment and once classes begin. Once you have applied through LSAC, please email llm@olemiss.edu to let us know you are a federal employee, and we will be in touch with next steps.
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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.
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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.
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