American Military University & American Public University to Host Seventh Annual Space Education and Strategic Applications (SESA) Virtual Conference on September 17-18

APEI’s AMU and APU will host a free virtual SESA space conference and live Star Party for the public on September 17-18, 2026.

Rhea-AI Summary

American Public University System (APEI) will host the seventh annual Space Education & Strategic Applications (SESA) Conference virtually on September 17-18, 2026.

The free, public event, themed “Moving Beyond Low Earth Orbit – A New Era of Space Exploration,” will feature keynote talks, panels on policy, space economics, commercial and military space, astronomy, and exobiology, plus a live virtual Star Party streamed on YouTube.

Key Terms

low earth orbit, exobiology

2 terms

low earth orbit technical

"Moving Beyond Low Earth Orbit - A New Era of Space Exploration"

Low Earth orbit (LEO) is the region of space close to Earth, roughly from about 160 to 2,000 kilometers above the surface, where satellites and spacecraft circle the planet quickly—think of it as a busy highway just overhead. It matters to investors because many communications, imaging and data services rely on satellites in LEO; their shorter lifespans, lower launch costs, crowded lanes and debris risks directly affect the cost, revenue potential and operational risks of companies that build, launch or use these satellites.

exobiology technical

"policy, space economics, commercial and military space, astronomy, and exobiology"

Exobiology is the scientific study of life beyond Earth, covering the search for extraterrestrial organisms, the environmental conditions that could support them, and the chemical or physical signs they would produce. It matters to investors because the field drives demand for spacecraft, sensors, laboratory tools, data analysis and related technologies—like how deep‑sea research creates markets for ships and instruments—creating potential commercial and research opportunities in aerospace and biotech supply chains.

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"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 sesajournal@apus.edu.

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).

¹ 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
MSheeley@apus.edu 

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SOURCE American Military University & American Public University

FAQ

How can attendees register for the 2026 SESA Conference?

Registration is free and open to the public. Attendees can sign up through the Space Education & Strategic Applications Conference (SESA) website, which provides registration links, the agenda, and speaker updates.

What milestones in space exploration does the 2026 SESA Conference commemorate?

The conference commemorates 65 years since humans first entered space and the 50th anniversary of the Viking 1 and Viking 2 Mars landers, framing discussions on the next era of Solar System exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.

Who is one of the keynote speakers at the 2026 SESA Conference?

One keynote speaker is Nathan Miles, a 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.

What is the SESA virtual Star Party and when will it take place?

Faculty and staff will host a free live virtual Star Party at 9 p.m. Eastern on September 17, livestreamed on YouTube. Students will share real-time images from the university’s research-grade telescope in Charles Town, WV, and discuss nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and their historical and cultural significance.

What topics will the 2026 SESA Conference sessions cover?

Presentations and panels will address policy, space economics, commercial and military space, astronomy, and exobiology, focusing on the science, technologies, and policies driving Solar System exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.

Where can interested participants find more information about SESA?

More information, including registration details, the conference agenda, and speaker updates, is available on the SESA Conference website, or by emailing sesajournal@apus.edu.