The Beyond Earth Institute proudly presents "Sacred Skies: Integrating Diverse Spiritual Perspectives in Space Policy," The fact is that a diverse spectrum of private space ventures are pursuing a range of activities on the Moon's surface. And they are doing so as companies exercise their constitutionally protected prerogatives. This webinar seeks to bridge the gap between the technical advancements in space exploration and the rich mosaic of human spiritual and cultural traditions. Featuring discussions with leaders in theology, anthropology, space industry and space law, we will delve into how the diverse spiritual views of humanity, including those of indigenous and minority groups, can be best respected by these upcoming space missions without limiting the progress of the space industry.
Join us on Wednesday March 13, from 12:00-1:30pm (ET) for a transformative conversation on the importance of developing inclusive space policies that reverence our shared cosmic heritage.
Deana L. Weibel, Professor of Anthropology, Grand Valley State University
Deana L. Weibel, Ph.D. is a Professor of Anthropology at Grand Valley State University with a joint appointment in GVSU’s Brooks College Religious Studies program. She has held a lifelong interest in voyages, studying pilgrimage, tourism, and scientific expeditions and the cultural, religious, and spiritual meanings they, and the places visited, hold for those who travel. A member of the American Anthropological Association and a Fellow of the Explorers Club (and current chair of the Chicago/Great Lakes Chapter of the latter), Weibel has conducted ethnographic field research in a number of settings, including the Black Madonna shrine of Rocamadour, France; Spaceport America; and the Vatican Observatory. Her website is http://www.deanaweibel.space.
Michelle Hanlon, President, For All Moonkind & Executive Director, Center for Air and Space Law
Michelle Hanlon is Co-Director of the Air and Space Law Program at the University of Mississippi School of Law and its Center for Air and Space Law. She is also a Co-Founder and President of For All Moonkind, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that is the only organization in the world focused on protecting human cultural heritage in outer space. For All Moonkind has been recognized by the United Nations as a Permanent Observer to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Michelle Chairs the International Committee of the National Space Society and is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Space Law, the world’s oldest law journal dedicated to the legal problems arising out of human activities in outer space.
Charlie Chafer, Chairman & CEO, Celestis
Charlie provides overall leadership and direction for Celestis. He is an internationally recognized pioneer of the commercial space age. In the early 1980s, he served as Vice President of Government Relations for Space Services, Inc. of America – the team, under the direction of Mercury 7 astronaut Deke Slayton, that launched the first privately funded rocket into space, the Conestoga 1. In 1994 he co-founded Celestis, Inc. and led the team that launched the first memorial spaceflight – the Founders Flight in 1997. Under Charlie’s leadership, the company has accomplished 17 memorial spaceflights to date, including – at NASA’s request – honoring the late Dr. Eugene Shoemaker by placing his remains at the Lunar South Pole. He has been honored by the National Space Society, the Space Frontier Foundation, and Space News described him as “a pioneer on the cutting edge of commercial space.” Charlie attended Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and served as a faculty member of the Georgetown Graduate School, where he co-authored the NASA-funded book, Social Sciences and Space Exploration, nominated for the prestigious Blue Pencil award. He is regularly profiled in global media, has testified before Congress on numerous occasions, and was a member of President Reagan’s White House Working Group on Space Commercialization.
Justin C. Ahasteen, Executive Director, Navajo Nation Washington Office
Justin Ahasteen is Bilagáana (white) born for Tótsohnii (Big Water). His maternal grandfather is Bilagáana and his paternal grandfather is Kiisʼáanii (Hopi). Justin is from White Cone Arizona and is a proud graduate of Holbrook High School.
Justin graduated from Holbrook High School in May of 2014 and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After months of training, Justin was selected for a special duty assignment with the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs at the Pentagon in Washington DC. Justin served as an Administrative & Congressional Affairs Specialist participating in a wide variety of issues to include military policy and military/veteran constituent affairs.
In 2021 Justin transitioned to the Navajo Nation Washington Office serving as a Government and Legislative Affairs Associate leading the Navajo Nation’s Infrastructure, Veteran Affairs, Social Services, Health, and Public Safety portfolios. In January of 2023, Justin was appointed by President Buu Nygren of the Navajo Nation to serve as the Executive Director for NNWO. Justin is a graduate of Rio Salado Community College with an Associates of Applied Science in Public Administration, a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s in Justice Studies Minoring in Public Administration, and is currently a candidate for a Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Law with the University of Oklahoma.
