The Future of Space Policy Forum

Lunar Launchpad: A Race to Build a Base

Mark your calendars! Our 2025 forum will take place on October 14th, 2025, at the prestigious Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This year, we'll delve into the fascinating complexities of establishing a lunar base. Our distinguished panel of speakers will provide in-depth analysis of the legal frameworks, intricate logistical requirements, and significant geopolitical implications that will define this pivotal moment in human history.

Introducing our 2025 Speakers:

Angel Abbud-Madrid Director, Space Resources Program at the CO School of Mines

Angel Abbud-Madrid is the Director of the Center for Space Resources at the Colorado School of Mines, where he leads a research program focused on the human and robotic exploration of space and the utilization of its resources.

Christopher Johnson Senior Director of Legal Affairs and Space Law, Secure World Foundation

Christopher Johnson is the Senior Director of Legal Affairs and Space Law at the Secure World Foundation, and a Professor of Law (Adjunct) at the Georgetown University Law Center, where he co-teaches the Space Law Seminar.

Jason Hopkins Director of Exploration Business Development and Exploration at Lockheed Martin

Jason Hopkin is the Director of Exploration Business Development and Exploration, Products and Technology Mission Strategy, and Advanced Capabilities (MSAC) Deputy where he manages a multitude of space and ground systems development programs for for NASA, DoD, and the IC.

Learn more and register today!

Skip Smith Chair of the Space and Satellite Industry Group Greenberg Traurig

An Air Force Academy graduate with a doctorate in Space Law, Milton “Skip” Smith, has more than 40 years of experience advising clients on risk management and other issues related to the aerospace industry.

Moderator: Stephanie Burke Director, Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation Denver International Airport

Stephanie leads two of the key programs: Career Pathways, dedicated to fostering an aviation talent pipeline, and Research and Innovation initiatives aimed at conducting industry research and identifying best practices.

2025 Event Sponsors

2025 Event Partners

About the Forum

Introduction

Space exploration and policy have ramped up in the last few decades, and Colorado is poised to be at the center of the advancement. This forum seeks to provide a unique and accessible discussion for new and established space organizations, those interested in space policy, and young professionals. There will be two aspects: an expo for organizations to discuss their work and a forum with incisive speakers on different topics each year.

Innovation

The Denver Council on Foreign Relations envisions a unique approach to space policy, bridging the gap between this critical frontier and foreign policy, international affairs, and young professional communities. By making these high-level space policy discussions accessible to university students and the broader community, we’re fostering informed decision-making for the future. This initiative also offers an opportunity for students to engage directly with current space issues for free.

Simultaneously, we recognize the deep connections between space exploration and the geopolitical, military, research, and logistics considerations that our foreign policy and international affairs community has long addressed. This intersection presents a powerful opportunity for cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration, which is why we invite space professionals, institutes, and foundations to the event.

Growth

2024 was the first annual Future of Space Policy Forum and it was an amazing look at how Colorado fits into the broader space economy.

Our speakers were:

Robert Beletic: Aerospace and Defense Industry Manager at the OEDIT – Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
Col Agarwal: Commander, Space Delta 2, Space Force
James “Jim” Crocker: Retired Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.
Master of Ceremonies:Larisa Breton – Senior Cyber Security Consultant and DOD Lead for Projects with Ampyx Cyber

If you have an idea for a good topic please reach out to Casey Moher at [email protected].

Denver Council on Foreign Relations P.O. Box 101654 Denver, CO 80250-1654

[email protected]

For general questions or registration information

[email protected]

For questions about partnerships, memberships, or the young professionals committee

The easiest method of contacting DCFR is via email.