#United States #Charles Town #Space Education #American Military University #SESA Conference

American Military University Hosts Seventh Annual Space Education and Strategic Applications Conference

The American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), under the American Public University System, are set to host their Seventh Annual Space Education and Strategic Applications (SESA) Conference on September 17-18, 2026. This year’s virtual conference invites researchers, educators, students, industry professionals, and space enthusiasts to engage with the latest developments and ideas in space exploration with a focus on navigating beyond low Earth orbit.


This complimentary two-day event is aimed at the public, allowing anyone interested in the future of space exploration to participate. Participants can easily register by visiting the SESA Conference website.

A Celebration of Milestones in Space Exploration

The upcoming SESA Conference will commemorate significant milestones in the realm of space exploration, notably the 65th anniversary of human space travel and the 50th anniversary of NASA's Viking 1 and Viking 2 Mars landers. These achievements have paved the way for future endeavors and discussions about the policies, science, and technological advancements required for exploring the solar system beyond Earth’s orbit.

Dr. Kristen Miller, a professor of space studies at AMU and APU, who is also serving as the conference organizer, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. “The future of space exploration depends on collaboration across disciplines,” she stated. “SESA brings together a variety of knowledge from scientists, engineers, educators, policymakers, and students to share ideas, advance research, and inspire the next generation of explorers.”

Keynote Speakers and Topics

Among the distinguished keynote speakers is Nathan Miles, a software engineer from the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder. His work on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center’s SWFO-L1 Development team highlights the intersection of technology and space exploration.

The conference will feature presentations and panels that cover an extensive range of topics including:

• - Policy frameworks for space exploration
• - Economics surrounding space industries
• - Commercial and military aspects of space operations
• - Astronomy and the search for extraterrestrial life

In addition, faculty and staff will host a free live virtual Star Party on September 17 at 9 PM Eastern. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to view imagery transmitted live from the university's research-grade telescope located in Charles Town, West Virginia. This event will allow participants to explore abstract celestial entities like nebulae and star clusters while engaging with students who will share insights regarding their historical and cultural significance.

A Commitment to Advancing Space Education

Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, the Provost at AMU and APU, stated, “The SESA Conference reflects our ongoing dedication to enhancing space education and fostering meaningful dialogues among the fields of academia, industry, government, and military.” The institution is proud to contribute its expertise in space studies to this crucial conversation that is vital for shaping future technologies and policies regarding space exploration.

Final Thoughts

With nearly 90,000 active students and over 173,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, AMU and APU continue to provide affordable, high-quality education that empowers individuals for leadership roles. As they prepare for this notable conference, they invite everyone interested in the future of space exploration to celebrate, learn, and innovate together.

For more details about registration, conference agenda, and speaker updates, please refer to the SESA Conference website or reach out via email at [email protected]