Second space and telecom law conference in Omaha Oct. 6

The University of Nebraska College of Law hosts the second annual Space and Telecommunications Law Seminar Oct. 6, with the theme "Rules of the Road in Space: Satellite Threats and Other Security Issues."

The seminar, from 2-5 p.m. at the Hilton Omaha Hotel, 1001 Cass St., Omaha, is in conjunction with the Strategic Space and Defense Conference. It involves national and international experts in the space sector, including defense, commercial space ventures, satellite and telecommunications in space.

"One of the topics of interest is how do we establish rules up there that protect satellites from various types of threats, intentional and unintentional?" said Matthew Schaefer, professor of law and director of the Space and Telecommunications Law program. "Not only is our Defense Department concerned with rules for space, but operators of hundreds of commercial satellites are too. Security of our satellites is essential to our national security and economic well-being."

How these assets are protected and who has jurisdiction over them and the galaxy are important emerging legal areas, Schaefer said.

The NU College of Law has the only program in the country in space and telecommunications law, and the only English-language program in the world. Frans Von Der Dunk, new faculty in the program and one of the world's experts in the discipline, will present at the seminar on international and European views.

Other presenters are Darren Huskisson, former chief, Cyber and Space Law, USSTRATCOM; Philip Meek, former associate general counsel for international affairs, Air Force General Counsel's Office; Eligar Sadeh, associate director, Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies, U.S. Air Force Academy; and commentary by Maj. Brandon Hart, chief, Space Law, USSTRATCOM. A 2 p.m. pre-session on "Government Contracting Law with Special Emphasis on the Space Sector" features presenter Matthew Ruane, advance programs manager for the Boeing Corp.

Free registration by is available by e-mail to spaceandtelecomlaw@unl.edu. More information is at http://spaceandtelecommlaw.unl.edu.