We continue our Space series with Kiersten Fortson, Senior Counsel for Launch Operations at Relativity Space and former FAA counsel. Kiersten shares how an unexpected moot court competition on international space law sparked her passion for the field, setting her on a path from the Pentagon to the FAA, where she worked on the landmark Part 450 launch licensing framework. She reflects on translating complex engineering concepts into clear regulatory language, the similarities between government and in-house counsel roles, and the satisfaction of partnering with clients to advance spaceflight. Along the way, Kiersten highlights the evolving nature of space law, the value of community in this close-knit industry, and the sense of “hope” that drives her work in commercial launch operations.

Caryn Schenewerk works at the cutting edge of space law and policy -- from the highest levels of the federal government to the early days of SpaceX and now as an adjunct law professor, co-author of a leading space law handbook, and the leader of Relativity Space’s regulatory efforts and policy engagement with all branches and levels of government. In this episode, she sits down with MC Sungaila to share the lessons she learned from her evolving career, and the developing opportunities in the space industry. This episode is the second episode to feature women leaders in space law, and the first one featuring a guest who bridges academia and space law practice.