Space Conference Speaker

Michelle L.D. Hanlon is a leading American space lawyer and advocate for responsible space exploration. Dubbed “Godmother of Space Law,” she serves as Executive Director of the Center for Air and Space Law at Ole Miss. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Space Law. Hanlon is co-founder, President, and CEO of For All Moonkind, the only nonprofit dedicated to protecting humanity’s cultural heritage in outer space. Under her leadership, For All Moonkind gained Permanent Observer status at the UN COPUOS. She played a key role in the U.S. One Small Step Act. Her work focuses on due regard principles, orbital debris, sustainable space use and the intersection of commerce and public international space law. She frequently testifies before the UN and U.S. Congress. Prior to space law, Hanlon practiced international business law for over 25 years. She holds a B.A. from Yale, a J.D. from Georgetown and an LL.M. from McGill.