SPACE SYMPOSIUM AGENDA

Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), in partnership with Space Foundation and The Aerospace Corporation, are hosting a Talent Acquisition Roundtable for SWFT partner organizations. This high-impact roundtable is designed to tackle the most pressing workforce challenges in the space industry.

Talent Acquisition Leaders will gather to discuss and validate critical workforce needs across our industry, identify critical space workforce gaps, refine talent development strategies, validate and enhance SWFT’s internship, apprenticeship, and hiring solutions to bridge the education and employment gap, and drive actionable outcomes that strengthen recruitment pipelines and workforce readiness.

By Invitation Only

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Co-Sponsor

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International Astronautical Federation (IAF) – Connecting @ll Space People for a Sustainable Future

• Moderator: Dr. Christian Feichtinger, Executive Director, IAF
• Speakers:
  • Dr. Josef Aschbacher, Director General, ESA
  • Steve Eisenhart, Senior Vice President, Strategic & International Affairs, Space Foundation and Past IAF Vice President
  • Clay Mowry, President, IAF
  • Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency and Vice President, IAF

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Dr. Josef Aschbacher

Steve Eisenhart

Dr. Christian Feichtinger

Clay Mowry

Enrico Palermo

Co-Sponsor

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

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Speaker

Yvette Cesario

Maj. Gen. Clinton E. Crosier, USAF (Ret.)

Dr. Seth Harvey

Co-Sponsor

Oklahoma’s Space Investment Breakfast hosted by Jim Bridenstine

Oklahoma’s workforce, aerospace heritage, and aggressive incentives for the space industry have resulted in millions of dollars invested across the state in the last year. Join former NASA Administrator and Oklahoma Congressman Jim Bridenstine for a panel discussion on how Oklahoma is quickly becoming the next great space state. Panelists will include Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell and multiple industry CEOs.

• Moderator:
  • Bailey Siegfried, Owner & Officer, NORDAM
• Panelists:
  • Hon. Jim Bridenstine, Former NASA Administrator and Oklahoma Congressman
  • Chris Pearson, CEO, Agile Space Industries
  • Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, State of Oklahoma
  • Dr. Brenda Rolls, President & CEO, Frontier Electric Systems

This event is presented by:

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Hon. Jim Bridenstine

Chris Pearson

Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell

Dr. Brenda Rolls

Bailey Siegfried

Co-Sponsor

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Launching the New Workforce: Solving the Human Challenge of the 21st Century Space Market

• Moderator: Randy Lycans, SVP and General Manager, Amentum
• Panelists:
  • Jules Clayton, Director – Civil, Commercial & Defense Space Programs, Insight Global 
  • Tracie Crane, Director of Space Systems, MSFC, Amentum
  • Brad McCain, Vice President and Deputy Program Manager – Space Operations Division, Amentum
  • Jared Stout, Chief Government Relations & Communications Officer, Axiom Space
  • Tyson Tucker, Operations Manager, MRI Technologies

This panel will include representatives from spaceflight hardware manufacturers, technical solutions providers, Small Business leaders, U.S. Govt agencies, and technical staffing and recruiting specialists to discuss the challenges and potential alternatives for addressing the current/near-future space sector workforce needs.

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Jules Clayton

Tracie Crane

Randy Lycans

Brad McCain

Jared Stout

Tyson Tucker

Co-Sponsor

Above and Beyond: Exploring New Opportunities For Growth in the Space Industry

New technologies and evolving US Government priorities are changing space exploration, communication, and commerce. Combined with a new US administration committed to space initiatives, the stars are aligning for exciting growth and opportunity in the space industry. A dynamic panel featuring experts from ARKA Group, Bank of America, Hogan Lovells, Madison Dearborn Partners, and The Aerospace Corporation will share insights on how new opportunities will shape future investments and technologies in space.

• Moderator: Andrew Chassin, Managing Director, Bank of America 
• Panelists:
  • Ron Epstein, Managing Director, Bank of America
  • Steve Isakowitz, President and CEO, The Aerospace Corporation
  • Matt Norton, Partner, Madison Dearborn Partners
  • Alexis Sáinz, Partner, Hogan Lovells
  • Deirdre Walsh, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Government Affairs, ARKA Group

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Andrew Chassin

Ronald Epstein

Steven Isakowitz

Matt Norton

Alexis Sáinz

Deidre Walsh

Co-Sponsor

Modernizing for Mission Success

• Panelists:
  • Col. Raj Agrawal, Commander, Mission Delta 2, Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force
  • Kevin Coggins, Deputy Associate Administrator and Program Manager, Space Communications and Navigation Program (SCaN), NASA
  • Col. Bryon McClain, Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power, Space Systems Command
  • Bob Ritchie, Chief Technology Officer, SAIC

Space stakeholders are rich in legacy systems that still have a job to do but are woefully dated. Replacement is not a viable option, time is critical, and the missions being performed are only moving faster. How to modernize on the fly?

This panel will examine this critical challenge through several lenses: civilian space, defense space and intelligence space. Though the missions range from human space flight to command and control on the edge, each stakeholder will examine the need for common ground and common approaches to introducing technology advancements while continuing operations.  Joining these voices and moderating the conversation, SAIC’s CTO Bob Ritchie will represent the viewpoint of an industry partner currently conducting these types of programs as a mission integrator.

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Col. Raj Agrawal

Col. Bryon McClain, USSF

Kevin Coggins

Bob Ritchie

Co-Sponsor

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 Improving the long-range kill chain with space-based assets

• Speakers:
  • Erich Hernandez-Baquero, Vice President of Space Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance, Raytheon
  • Douglas Loverro, President, Loverro Consulting, LLC
  • Col. Jonathan F. McCall, Deputy Director for Space, Advanced Battle Management Cross Functional Team
  • Dr. Sanjay Parthasarathy, Director, Custody and Emerging Capabilities Cell, Space Development Agency

Closing the long-range kill chain (LRKC) is essential to defending against evolving threats. From sensors to effectors, LRKC space layer capability is key to maintaining strategic and tactical advantage and enhancing situational awareness, thus enabling custody and rapid responses to threats.

Join experts from the DoD, the Intelligence Community (IC), and industry as they discuss LRKC challenges and advancements, including High Capacity Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage and Assess (HCF), the integration of enabling capabilities across the DoD and IC, and achieving custody of targets at scale. 

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Erich Hernandez-Baquero

Douglas Loverro

Col. Jonathan F. McCall

Dr. Sanjay Parthasarathy

Co-Sponsor

Leveraging Commercial Space-Based Assets to Illuminate Chinese Military Activity in the Indo-Pacific Region

• Moderator: Kari Bingen, Director, Aerospace Security Project, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)
• Panelists:
  • Corey Johnston, Executive Vice President, Strider Technologies
  • Kimberly Lehn, Senior Director, Pacific Forum
  • Ray Powell, Founder & Director, SeaLight
  • Rear Admiral Mike Studeman, USN (Ret.), Former Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence

Objective: To explore advanced strategic responses to China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on utilizing intelligence gathered from space-based assets and remote sensing and addressing the challenges in policy and budget.

Key Talking Points:

1. Advantages of Commercial Space-Derived Intelligence for Military Operations and to Support Regional Partners:

• Explore the integration of commercial space-derived intelligence in defense planning and broader maritime domain awareness, detailing how these insights enhance the ability of the US and regional partner nations to monitor and counteract Chinese military activities.

2. Policy and Budgetary Constraints Affecting Commercial Space Assets Utilization:

• Discuss the fiscal and regulatory hurdles that impact the deployment and effective use of space-based technologies in operational contexts. What are the essential policy reforms needed to facilitate better integration and maximize the effectiveness of these technologies?

3. Balancing Strategic Composition with Commercial Space Assets to Gain Regional Situational Awareness:

• Analyze the strategic deployment of diverse space-based assets versus concentrating on specific strategic advantages to enhance military effectiveness and readiness in confronting regional threats.

4. Enhancing Coalition Efforts through Shared Commercial Space-Based Intelligence:

• Examine the role of international partnerships in maintaining regional security and how sharing intelligence derived from commercial space assets can strengthen these alliances, particularly in scenarios involving efforts to bolster partner ability to track, monitor and respond to Chinese threat activities.

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Kari Bingen

Corey Johnston

Kimberly Lehn

Ray Powell

RADM Mike Studeman, USN (Ret.)

Co-Sponsor

Commercial Partnerships in the Space Domain: Enhancing Mission Capabilities, Resilience, and Information Advantage

• Panelists:
  • Kevin Coggins, Deputy Associate Administrator and Program Manager, Space Communications and Navigation Program (SCaN), NASA
  • Ricky L. Freeman, President, Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions
  • Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Mastalir, Commander, United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific
  • Maj. Gen. Stephen G. Purdy, Jr., USSF, Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Kevin Coggins

Ricky L. Freeman

Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, USSF

Maj. Gen. Stephen G. Purdy, Jr., USSF

Co-Sponsor

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Co-Sponsor

Introducing the Texas Space Commission

Special keynote address from the Secretary of the State of Texas, Jane Nelson 

This event is co-sponsored by:

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Secretary Jane Nelson

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Scott Jacobs

Christian Keil

Co-Sponsor

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

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Co-Sponsor

Pioneering Collaboration for a New Era of Defense

The Golden Dome initiative is a bold missile-defense project designed to shield the U.S. from evolving threats such as ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles through a sophisticated, multi-layered defense system. Achieving this vision will require a monumental, coordinated effort, akin to the scale of the Manhattan Project, involving unprecedented collaboration across the defense, intelligence, space and beyond.

This panel will bring together experts from across industries to solve the hardest problems of turning Golden Dome into a reality. Discussions will focus on the integration of space-based sensors, advanced missile interceptors, and cutting-edge tracking technologies. We will delve into the key challenges of breaking down organizational silos, achieving coordination across agencies, and addressing policy barriers. Additionally, panelists will explore the need for expanded testing capabilities and the critical role the private sector plays in driving innovation to deliver this next-generation defense system.

Speakers:

• • Barbara Golf, Executive Agent for Space Domain Awareness (SDA), Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Directorate, Space Systems Command
  • Dan Laubach, Senior Director of Programs, Raft
  • Mike Trumpfheller, Senior Advisor to the Chief of Space Operations, United States Air Force
  • Brandon Whitworth, Former Technical Director, SSC Battlespace Integration
  • Col. Matthew Wroten, Division Chief, Global Warfare Requirements, U.S. Space Force

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Barbara Golf

Dan Laubach

Mike Trumpfheller

Brandon Whitworth

Col. Matthew Wroten

Co-Sponsor

For the second year, startups have a dedicated stage – Space Symposium Innovate.  Space Foundation’s Space Commerce Institute, in partnership with Starburst Aerospace, is hosting a pitch competition designed to showcase emerging space companies with proven technologies and provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with key stakeholders.  Top applicants of this invitation-only event will pitch their companies to a distinguished panel comprised of innovation leaders from the United States government, industry, and venture capital.

Master of Ceremonies: Kelli Kedis Ogborn

Speakers & Judges: 

• Maj. Gen. Clinton Crosier (Ret.), Director, Aerospace and Satellite Solutions, Amazon Web Services 
• Richard DalBello, Former Director, Office of Space Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce
• Lon Levin, President, SkySevenVentures
• Robert Long, President & Chief Executive Officer, Space Florida 
• Christopher Pimentel, Partner, SpaceWERX Ventures
• Michelle Thissell, Senior Vice President, Bank of America 
•  Benjamin Zeitoun, Investing Partner, Starburst Ventures

Pitching Companies:

• Mikhail Asavkin, CEO, ANT61
• Jason Cerundolo, CEO and Co-Founder, Colossus
• Clive Cook, CEO, precursor SPC
• Alessandro Fabbri, CEO, Novac
• Negar Feher, CEO, Orbital Outpost X
• Philip Johnston, CEO, Lumen Orbit
• Bosco Lai, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Little Place Labs

2024 Winner Presenter:

• Alex Haro, Co-Founder & CEO, Hubble Network

Applications are now closed. For additional information, please visit: https://www.spacesymposium.org/innovate-pitch-competition/.

By Invitation Only 

Speaker

Mikhail Asavkin

Jason Cerundolo

Clive Cook

Maj. Gen. Clinton E. Crosier, USAF (Ret.)

Richard DalBello

Alessandro Fabbri

Negar Feher

Alex Haro

Philip Johnston

Bosco Lai

Lon Levin

Robert Long

Kelli Kedis Ogborn

Christopher Pimentel

Michelle Thissell

Benjamin Zeitoun

Co-Sponsor

By Invitation Only