CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Spring 2026
This spring, NPEC will offer a six-lecture, virtual certificate program on the fundamentals of civil and military space policy followed by a policy roundtable discussion and a space war game. The program will be taught by leading space policy practitioners and experts.
The course consists of six lectures:
- April 23: Course Kick-Off
- April 24: Why and How We Went Into Orbit (with Scott Pace)
- May 1: What Do You Do After You Go to the Moon? (with Scott Pace)
- May 8: America’s Military Space Force: What Is It and What It’s Up Against (with Doug Loverro & Pete Hays)
- May 15: How We All Might Get Rich: Alternative Civil and Commercial Space Futures (with Mark Mozena & Pete Worden)
- May 22: Statecraft and Spacecraft: The History and Future of Space Diplomacy (with Laura Montgomery, Henry Herzfeld, and Chris Johnson)
- May 29: China: Why Its Space Programs Matter (with Victoria Samson)
- June 8th, 9th, & 11th: “Trump Card: Space-Based Interceptors,” A Three-Move War Game
The certificate program is designed for full-time legislative staff (including fellows detailed to the Hill); executive-branch officials working on space policy; military personnel; embassy staff from allied space-faring nations; and journalists covering national security and space issues.
NPEC also invites advanced undergraduate and graduate students to apply for its Student Certificate Program. This is a unique opportunity to engage space policy at a professional level alongside practitioners currently working in the field. The Student Certificate is distinct from the Professional Certificate. While the lectures are rigorous, the Student Certificate does not confer academic credit.
Applicants should submit a current resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages. The cover letter should explain the applicant’s interest in the seminars and how participation would support their professional responsibilities or studies. Applications for the Spring 2026 session of the NPEC Space Policy Certificate Program must be submitted by February 27th, 2026 (early decision) and by April 3rd, 2026 (regular decision). Only complete applications will be considered. If you have any questions, please reach out to Hannah Shearer (hannah@npolicy.org). Click here to apply.