PR Newswire
“Moving Beyond Low Earth Orbit – A New Era of Space Exploration” Highlights Accomplishments and Future Challenges of Exploring the Solar System
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU) part of American Public University System will host researchers, educators, students, industry professionals, and space enthusiasts at its seventh annual Space Education & Strategic Applications (SESA) Conference, taking place virtually on September 17-18, 2026.
This free, two-day event is open to the public and attendees can register here: Space Education & Strategic Applications Conference (SESA)
This event commemorates major milestones in space exploration, including 65 years since humans first entered space and the 50th anniversary of the Viking 1 and Viking 2 Mars landers. The conference will explore the policies, science, and technologies that are driving the next era of Solar System exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.
“The future of space exploration depends on collaboration across disciplines,” said Dr. Kristen Miller, AMU & APU Professor of Space Studies and conference organizer. “SESA brings together a depth and breadth of knowledge from scientists, engineers, educators, policymakers, and students to share ideas, advance research, and inspire the next generation of explorers.”
Among the keynote speakers are Nathan Miles, software engineer at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder and a member of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center SWFO-L1 Development Team.
Other presentations and panel discussions will cover a broad range of out-of-this-world topics across policy, space economics, commercial and military space, astronomy, and exobiology.
Faculty and staff will also host a free live virtual Star Party to be livestreamed on YouTube at 9 p.m. Eastern on September 17 https://youtube.com/live/XuBGr3wofdc?feature=share. Students will broadcast images from the University’s research-grade telescope located in Charles Town, WV, in real time, giving attendees an up-close look inside the observatory and chance to see images of nebulae, open star clusters, globular clusters, and galaxies. Students will also share information about the objects and their historical and cultural significance.
“The SESA Conference reflects our continued commitment to advancing space education and fostering meaningful dialogue among academia, industry, government, and the military,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Provost of American Military University and American Public University. “We’re proud to bring the depth and breadth of our space studies expertise to this important conversation.”
For more information, including registration, the conference agenda, and speaker updates, visit the SESA Conference website or email [email protected].
About American Military University and American Public University
American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU) part of American Public University System provide high-quality, affordable higher education that helps transform lives and advance careers. AMU & APU’s workforce-relevant education is preparing nearly 90,000 active students for service and leadership worldwide. AMU and APU have a rich history and vibrant community of over 173,000 alumni from more than 80 countries.
About American Public University System
With approximately 109,000 students and over 250,0001 alumni worldwide, American Public University System (the System) includes four academic units: American Military University (AMU), American Public University (APU), Rasmussen University (RU), and Hondros College of Nursing (HCN). The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The System is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI).
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As of March 31, 2026.
The System, including AMU, APU, RU, and HCN, is not affiliated with the U.S. Military.
CONTACT
Meg Sheeley
Manager, Public Relations, APUS
[email protected]
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SOURCE American Military University & American Public University
