About

Space Policy Symposium at Purdue University brings together government, military, industry, and academia. Drawing on their collective knowledge and experience, participants will help to identify knowledge gaps and set next steps in research, partnering, and policy development. 

Dates

Wednesday, October 30 –
Thursday, October 31, 2024

Location

Purdue Memorial Union, North Ballroom
101 Grant St, West Lafayette, IN 47906

During the neo-space race and in our current geo-political climate, it has never been more vital to establish sound policy. Establishing norms of behavior in space is essential for ensuring the continuity, safety, and success of our endeavors on earth and beyond. Space Policy Symposium @ Purdue, hosted by the Purdue Policy Research Institute (PPRI), brings together leaders across sectors to share the direction of space policy and press forward together in achieving a stable, prosperous, and secure future

Join us as military, industry, government, and academic leaders discuss policy priorities supporting space exploration. The two-day symposium includes: 

  • Engaging discussions on direction and trends informing space policy. 
  • Representation from our future workforce to participate in a student case study competition. 
  • Conference paper and issue briefs to make the discussions actionable

The Inaugural Space Policy Symposium @ Purdue will focus on the following topics identified by members of the US Space Force as priority areas:             

Strategic Messaging on Capabilities 

Strategic messaging regarding space capabilities is crucial for shaping future missions and policies. It shapes how nations and organizations are perceived in the international community, contributing to deterrence strategies. Additionally, effective communication engages the public, garnering support for space missions. 

Engaging with Allies 

Effective collaboration with allies is paramount, however, current mechanisms for information sharing, threat assessment, and capacity building in space could benefit from the support of thoughtful policy and best practices. 

Government-Industry Relationship 

Governments increasingly engage in public-private partnerships (PPPs) with industry players to leverage private sector innovation, resources, and expertise while retaining oversight and strategic control. This shift raises questions about the appropriate relationship between government entities and private industry in the pursuit of space exploration goals. 

Whitepapers

Better Engagement With Allies

Right Relationship Between Government and Industry

Strategic Messaging on Capabilities

Steering Committee

Dr. Barrett Caldwell

Purdue University – Industrial Engineering

Dr. Stacey L. Connaughton

Purdue Policy Research Institute

Dr. Kathleen Howell

Purdue University – Aeronautics and Astronautics

Ms. Krista O. Kelley

Purdue Policy Research Institute

Brig Gen Kristin Panzenhagen

Commander, Space Launch Delta 45, United States Space Force

Mr. Joel Rasmus

Purdue University – Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS)

Dr. Dan DeLaurentis ex-officio

Purdue University – Discovery Park District

Mr. Joe Krok ex-officio

Purdue University – Office of Industry Partnerships

Dr. Rod Miller

Lockheed Martin

Col Shannon DaSilva

US Space Force

Mr. Tim Browning

Lockheed Martin

Dr. Michael D. Sullivan

National Reconnaisance Office

Kate Mitsch

Purdue Policy Research Institute

Col Joseph McKenna

U.S. Air Force


PPRI Space Policy Student Fellows

Jessica Collins

Graduate Student, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Om Guha

Undergraduate Student, Economics

Raymond Tan

Undergraduate Student, Economics and Political Science


PPRI Student Fellows

Subulola Jiboye

Graduate Student, Communication

Catherine Lopez Barajas

Undergraduate Visiting Scholar