Why Space Needs Lawyers: Ole Miss Leads the Conversation
Free event features NASA's Charles Bolden and UM law faculty discussing legal landscape of the heavens
OXFORD, Miss. – The quickening pace of this generation's race to the moon provides a perfect opportunity to learn why space needs lawyers, and the University of Mississippi is opening the door on this frontier.
The UM School of Law and the Center for Air and Space Law will host a panel discussion exploring the legal issues of space exploration and commercialization at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 27 in the Robert C. Khayat Law Center's Weems Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
The panel discussion will be launched by astronaut, former NASA administrator and retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden.
"I am happy to offer some of my thoughts on the business of space today, as it is ever evolving, and my belief that space law will be the fastest growing area of the law in coming years," Bolden said.
Michelle Hanlon, executive director of the air and space law center, agrees that the field is one of the fastest growing areas of law and affects almost every aspect of life. In fact, space is projected to become a $1.8 trillion industry by 2035.
"The rules of space are already influencing life on Earth, shaping how we communicate, navigate, forecast weather and respond to disasters," Hanlon said. "This session will introduce the fundamentals of space law while exploring the gaps in today's legal framework and the tensions emerging from the rapid growth of commercial space."
The panel will also feature the expertise of other members of the Ole Miss law faculty. Charles Stotler, the center's director of academic research; Antonia Eliason, the school's academic dean; and Aaron Brynildson, law instructor and retired Air Force JAG, will provide insights.
"Space is more than moon rocks," Hanlon said. "It's a dynamic environment where science, business and international relations collide.
"Understanding the legal framework today means being prepared to help shape the policies and agreements that will guide exploration and commerce for decades to come."
Top: More than 50 years after the last Apollo mission to the moon, space has become one of the fastest growing areas for both commerce and law. The UM School of Law will host a discussion exploring legal issues of space exploration and commercialization on Aug. 27 in Weems Auditorium. Photo courtesy NASA
By
Marisa C. Atkinson
Campus
Office, Department or Center
Published
August 14, 2025