184: Beyond the Atmosphere: Understanding Space Governance with Michelle Hanlon

Sophie Alcorn Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Hanlon, the Executive Director of the Air and Space Law Program at the University of Mississippi and co-founder of For All Moonkind, to discuss the burgeoning field of space law. Michelle offers a unique glimpse into the legal landscape governing our cosmic ambitions.

Learn about the challenges and implications of the current space treaties, the absence of immigration laws for space, and what this means for the future of space travel and asteroid mining. Michelle delves into the stringent Planetary Protection Protocols outlined in the Outer Space Treaty and their role in preventing contamination of celestial bodies. We also touch on the concept of space heritage, drawing parallels to Earth's conservation efforts, and examine the insufficient protection of lunar landmarks under current international law.

With government support helping startups thrive, Michelle predicts a normalized human presence on the moon by 2050 and discusses the broad spectrum of opportunities in the space economy. From specialized spacesuits to agriculture solutions, the possibilities are endless. We also explore how everyday skills on Earth, like cooking and teaching, have valuable applications in space.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The complexities and implications of current space treaties and the absence of immigration laws for space

• The stringent Planetary Protection Protocols and their role in preventing contamination of celestial bodies

• Legal challenges of innovations like bacteria that convert metal into soil on Mars

• The concept of space heritage and the insufficient protection of lunar landmarks under current international law

• Predictions for the future of the space industry, including a normalized human presence on the moon by 2050

• How everyday skills on Earth have valuable applications in space

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Website: forallmoonkind.org

Social Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-l-d-hanlon/

X: @hanlonesq

Instagram: @spacelawyerhanlon

Facebook: Michelle Slawecki Hanlon

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 171: Navigating Space Governance, Peace, and Inclusive Leadership

• Episode 173: In Orbit with Alice Carruth: Insights on Space Exploration, Communication, and Innovation

• Episode 176: Foreign Workers & Export Controls in the Space Industry: Insights from Jack Shelton

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.