2026 Future Space Leaders Grant Program

2026 Future Space Leaders Grant Program is sponsored by Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF). Provides grants for U.S. graduate students and young professionals pursuing space- and satellite-related careers to participate in the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya, Türkiye, October 5–9, 2026.

The Future Space Leaders Foundation (“FSLF”) is a tax exempt 501 c 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the career development of young space and satellite industry professionals. The Foundation organizes events and raises funds for grants to deserving graduate students and young professionals. FSLF works in cooperation with other non-profits, companies and government agencies on space-related educational events.

FSLF is also actively promoting the professional development of young Americans targeting careers in the academic fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (“STEAM”). Through its annual Future Space event, FSLF advances learning and fosters interaction among current space and satellite industry leaders with graduate students and young professionals.

The Foundation made eight grant awards in 2013-2014 to outstanding American graduate students and young professionals enabling them to attend and present papers at major space-related symposia and conferences including the IAF International Astronautical Congress, SGAC Space Congress, AAS Goddard Memorial Symposium, NSC Goddard Dinner, Satellite 2014, SSPI Gala, AIAA Spotlight Awards and ISPCS.

To advance learning and professional enrichment of young space professionals and future leaders pursuing careers in the fields of space and satellites. To stimulate the professional growth and enhancement of future space professionals and to foster cooperation and interaction among current leaders in the space field with graduate students and young professionals seeking to pursue careers in the fields of space and satellites.

To assist graduate students and young professionals in attending space and satellite industry conferences and events through grants covering legitimate travel and registration related expenses.

Bradley Cheetham , Advanced Space Brett Silcox , Astroscale U.S. Jacki Cortese , Blue Origin Sirisha Bandla , Virgin Galactic Patricia Cooper , Constellation Advisory, LLC Debra Facktor , AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Aaron Lewis , Arianespace Eric Stallmer , Voyager Space Holdings Yasmine Almond , Advanced Space American Astronautical Society Clayton Mowry , American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Carissa Bryce Christensen , BryceTech Lori Garver , Founder of The Brooke Owens Fellowship William A.

Klanke , Space Intel Report On July 9, 2025, the Future Space Leaders Foundation will host a two-part event for its 14th annual Future Space event at the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill.

The event will start at 1 pm and will feature a full afternoon of congressional and government officials’ keynotes as well as panel discussions addressing the latest technologies in space, trends in the market in the civil, commercial and DOD sectors. The conference will continue at Hogan Lovells, 555 13th St NW, for a networking and keynote reception at 5:30 pm.

Future Space 2025 aims to advance learning and fosters interaction among current space and satellite industry leaders. The panel discussions will explore cutting edge technologies and new applications poised to transform the space and satellite industry.

Sponsoring organizations supporting Future Space 2025 part 2 will enable fundraising for the organization’s goal to provide educational programs and networking opportunities for graduate students and young professionals pursuing careers in the space and satellite industry, by providing grants.

By funding outstanding American graduate students and young professionals, the organization is enabling it’s Fellows to attend and present papers at major space-related symposia and conferences including the IAF’s International Astronautical Congress, SGAC Space Congress, AAS’ Goddard Memorial Symposium, National Space Club’s Goddard Dinner, SATELLITE, and more.

July 9, 2025 - Russell Senate Office Building 1:00PM: Welcome Remarks from our Chair, Brad Cheetham 1:15PM: Keynote - Clay Mowry, CEO, AIAA 1:30PM: Lunar Panel - Jump-Starting the Lunar Economy Moderator: Brett Alexander, Future Space Leaders Board Member Rachel (Ray) Allensworth, Firefly Aerospace Brad Cheetham, Advanced Space 2:20PM: Keynote - Brent Blevins, Subcommittee Staff Director at U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 3:00PM: Keynote - Air Marshal Paul Godfrey, Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships, United States Space Force followed by Fireside Chat with Debra Facktor 3:30PM: Policy Panel - From Transition to Transformation: Lessons from Past Inflection Points in U.S. Space Policy Moderator: Rich Dalbello, RDB Space David Cavossa, Commercial Space Federation Shawn Barnes, Space Force Association Jack Kiraly, Planetary Society Steve Jacques, Executive Director, NSSA 4:30PM: Jared Stout, Chief Global Policy Officer, Axiom Space 5:30PM: Hogan Lovells Reception July 10, 2024 - Hart Senate Office Building (Hart 902) 1:00PM: Welcome Remarks from our Chair 1:05PM: Lunar Camp Fireside Chat Brett Alexander, CRO, Firefly Jacki Cortese, Senior Director of Civil Space, Blue Origin 1:30PM: Camp Fireside Chat with NASA’s Jim Free, Associate Administrator, NASA and Brett Silcox, Vice President Government Relations, Astroscale U.S. Inc. 1:50PM: Keynote Speaker - Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL 2nd District) 2:10PM: Where’s My Next Job?

Moderator: Tiffany Russell Lockett, NASA and Patti Grace Smith Fellowship CoFounder Lauren Smith, Northrop Grumman & Former Fellow Rikhi Roy, Brooke Owens Fellowship 2:55PM: Congressional Speaker 3:35PM: National Security Camp Fireside Chat with Maj Gen Gregory Gagnon, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence and Debra Facktor, Head of U.S. Space Systems, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. 4:05PM: Space Sustainability Panel – Orbiting Tomorrow: A Sustainable Space Odyssey Moderator: Patricia Cooper Dr. Thomas (Tom) Colvin, NASA, Senior Policy Advisor, NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy Ashley VanderLey, National Science Foundation Merissa Velez, FCC, Satellite Programs & Policy Division, Division Chief Jennifer McClellan, Astroscale U.S. Program Manager 5:30PM: Reception at Hogan Lovells July 12, 2023 - Hart Senate Office Building 11:00am: Welcome Remarks from Future Space Leaders Chairman Bradley Cheetham 11:10am: Commercial Exploration Panel Moderator: Carissa Christensen, BryceTech Brad Cheetham, Advanced Space Joe Landon, Crescent Space Karina Drees, Commercial Spaceflight Federation 12:00pm: Civil Space Remarks - Bob Cabana, NASA 12:30pm: Lunch & Space Experience 1:50pm: Remarks from International Astronautical Federation - Clay Mowry, President 2:15pm: White House Remarks - Diane Howard, National Space Council 2:30pm: Congressional Remarks - Senator Kyrsten Sinema 2:45pm: Civil Space Panel: On Orbit Activities – The Public, Private Perspective Moderator: Eric Stallmer, Voyager Space Carolyn Belle, Astroscale US Patricia Cooper, Constellation Advisory, LLC Caryn Schenewerk, CS Consulting 3:30pm: National Security Fireside Chat 1 Travis Langster, Office of Under Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense Chris Beauregard, Future Space Leaders Fellow 2018 4:00pm: National Security Fireside Chat 2 Col.

Eric Felt, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, Department of Defense Debra Facktor, U.S. Space Systems at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. 4:30pm: Congressional Remarks - Senator John Hickenlooper 4:45pm: Concluding Remarks - Chairman Bradley Cheetham 5:30-8:00pm: Reception at Downtown Location Congressional Speaker - Representative Doug Lamborn 10:45am: Commercial Panel: SPACilicious: Investment in Space Moderator: Carissa Christensen, CEO, Bryce Tech Tess Hatch, Bessemer Venture Partners Phil Ingle, Morgan Stanley Investment Banking Rob Meyerson, Delalune Space Randy Segal, Hogan Lovells 11:40am: NASA Speaker on the James Webb Space Telescope: Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, NASA 12:00pm: Lunch and Networking at SH-902 1:00pm: Civil Space Panel: Commercial Space Stations: Plans and Progress on NASA Commercial LEO Destination Program Moderator: Eric Stallmer, Executive Vice President, Voyager Space David Marsh, Head of Strategy, Nanoracks Andrei Mitran, Director, Strategy and Business Development, Northrop Grumman Civil and Commercial Space Tommy Sanford, New Shepard Payload Sales Director, Blue Origin 2:00pm: Fireside Chat: Lt.

Gen. John E. Shaw, Deputy Commander, U.S. Space Command and Bradley Cheetham, Chair, Future Space Leaders Foundation 2:30pm: National Security Panel: Innovation in National Security Moderator: Debra Facktor, Head of U.S. Space Systems, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Steve J. "Bucky" Butow, Director, Space Portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Col.

Stephen Landry, Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation, Space Force Derek M.

Tournear, Director of the Space Development Agency (SDA) 3:15pm: Keynote Speaker: Chirag Parikh, Executive Secretary, National Space Council (NSC) 3:35pm: Concluding Remarks by Chair Proceedings Resume at 5:30pm for Rooftop Reception at Voyager Space July 28, 2021 – Virtual Event 9:03am: Rangers of the New Republic Moderator: Travis Langster, COMSPOC Corp Dr. Jonathan Cirtain, BWX Technologies, Vice president and Chief Technology Officer Chirag Parikh, Microsoft, formerly White House and NGA Audrey Schaffer, National Security Council, Director for Space Policy 9:35am: Keynote: Representative Young Oak Kim (CA) 9:45am: Keynote: Dylan Taylor, Voyager Space 9:55am: Wicked Cool Technology: The Constellation Guild Moderator: Carissa Christensen Patricia Cooper, former Vice President, Satellite Government Affairs, SpaceX, former President, Satellite Industry Association Gerald Jannson, Director, Telesat Government Services Chris McLaughlin, Chief of Government, Regulation & Engagement, OneWeb 10:35am: Foundations: Building a Sustainable Presence in Space John Couluris, Vice President, Advanced Development Program Dr. Cameron Meek, Advanced Space Eleanor Morgan, Lockheed Martin July 8, 2020 – Virtual Event Clay Mowry, Chairman & Founder of the Future Space Leaders Foundation & Vice President, Blue Origin 10:40am: National Security Session Sirisha Bandla, Director, Virgin Orbit 11:00am: Civil Space Session NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine Carissa Christensen, CEO, Bryce Space & Technology 11:30am: Congressional Space Session Rep.

Xochitl Torres Small Eric Stallmer, President, Commercial Spaceflight Federation Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room: SD-G50 (Senate Dirksen on the Ground Floor), Luncheon at the Reserve Officer Association, 1 Constitution Ave NE 07:55 Welcome: Clay Mowry, Chairman & Founder of the Future Space Leaders Foundation & Vice President, Blue Origin 08:00-08:15 Opening Keynote: Maj. Gen. Nina M.

Armagno, Director, Space Programs, SAF/AQS 08:15-09:15 Civil Space Panel: Human Spaceflight – The Rise of the Skywalkers Opening Panel Keynote: Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator Moderator: Eric Stallmer, President, Commercial Spaceflight Federation Dan Nelson, Associate Technical Fellow, Spacecraft Flight Control Design and Analysis, Modeling and Simulation, Boeing Nicholas Patrick, Senior Director, Human Integration, Blue Origin 09:15-09:30 Rep.

Mike Waltz, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 09:30-10:30 Commercial Panel: Wicked Cool Space Technology – The Right Stuff Moderator: Carissa Christensen Don Brown, General Manager, Government Services, Telesat Dr. Jonathan Cirtain, Vice President, Advanced Technology, BWXT Shayn Hawthorne, GM, AWS Ground Station Marshall Smith, Director, Human Lunar Exploration Programs, NASA 10:30-10:45 Rep. Neal Dunn, M. D.

(FL-02) 10:45-11:00 Spotlight: Michael Beavin, Director of Commercial Space Policy, National Space Council, The White House 11:00-12:00 National Security Panel: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol.

2 Moderator: Brad Cheetham, CEO & President, Advanced Space Andrew Bunker, Director, Washington Operations, United launch Alliance Jeremy Kalina, Senior Manager, Raytheon Space Systems Travis Langster, Vice President, DoD and Intel Space Business Development Col Tony Meeks, Chief Architect, Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Damon Wells, Director, Office of Policy and Strategy, National Reconnaissance Office 12:30-14:00 Luncheon at Reserve Officer Association “Top of the Hill” Luncheon Keynote: Sen.

Maria Cantwell (WA) Russell Senate Office Building, Room: SR-325 (Kennedy Caucus Room), Breakfast and Luncheon at the Reserve Officer Association, 1 Constitution Ave NE 07:30 – 08:30 Breakfast at the Reserve Officer Association’s Atrium 8:15 Secretary Wilbur Ross, Department of Commerce Main Program (Russell Senate Office Building – SR-325, Kennedy Caucus Room) 08:45 – 09:35 Panel 1: The Rogues Won: Civil Space Innovations and Future Plans Moderator: Suzanne Gillen, Senior Director of Government Relations, Maxar Technologies Sirisha Bandla, Business Development & Government Affairs Manager, Virgin Orbit Abby Dickes, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Special Projects, NanoRacks Ben Roberts, VP Government Affairs, Moon Express 09:35 – 09:45 Keynote: Sen.

Patty Murray 09:45 – 10:00 Keynote: Lt Gen DT Thompson, USAF Space Command 10:00 – 11:00 Panel 2: Guardians of the Galaxy – Keeping National Security Space at the Cutting Edge Moderator: Bradley Cheetham, CEO & President, Advanced Space Brett Alexander, VP, Government Sales & Strategy, Blue Origin Michael Dickey, Chief of the Space Enterprise Vision at Air Force Space Command Headquarters, USAF Space Command John W.

Giles, Col, USAF, Senior Policy Advisor, National Space Council Travis Langster, VP DoD & Intel Space, AGI 11:00 – 11:10 Keynote: Dr. Ellen Stofan, Director of National Air and Space Museum 11:10 – 12:00 Panel 3: The Real Business of Space Business Kick-off Keynote: Paul “Rusty” Thomas, DARPA TTO Moderator: Carissa Christensen Mike López-Alegría, Principal, Business Development, Axiom Space Debra Facktor, Vice President & General Manager Strategic Operations, Ball Aerospace Rich Leshner, Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs & Policy, Planet Labs Inc 12:00 – 12:15 Walk to Reserve Officer Association 12:15 – 14:00 Luncheon at Reserve Officer Association “Top of the Hill” 12:30 – 14:00 Luncheon Keynote: Dr. Karen St.

Germain, Director, Office of Systems Architecture and Advanced Planning NOAA/NESDIS Hart Senate Office Building, Room: SH-216, Luncheon at Capitol View at 400, 444 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001 07:30 – 08:00 Registration 08:00 – 08:15 Opening Keynote: Congressman Brian Babin 08:15 – 08:30 Keynote: Congressman Derek Kilmer 08:30 – 09:15 Session 1: National Security: Shifting Paradigms in Government-Industry Partnerships Over the past decade, the traditional roles of government and industry have been changing as private sector investment in space technology has increased, commercial applications have proliferated, and the pace of technology innovation has greatly accelerated.

Both new and traditional space companies have struggled with a government acquisition system that is slow and cumbersome and unable to match the pace of change. This panel will discuss how companies large and small and government entities are collaborating to build new relationships that can take full advantage of the changes taking place in the aerospace industry. Moderator: Ray O.

Johnson, Executive in Residence, Bessemer Venture Partners Colonel Shahnaz M.

Punjani, USAF, Director, Operationally Responsive Space Office, Space and Missile Systems Center Russ Matijevich, Hawkeye360 Wallis Laughrey, Vice President of Space Systems, Raytheon Kay Sears, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for Space Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company Debra Facktor Lepore, VP/GM, Strategic Operations and Commercial Aerospace Business Unit, Ball Aerospace 09:15 – 9:30 Morning Keynote: Congressman Jim Banks 09:30 – 9:45 Break and Networking 09:45 – 10:45 Session 2: Making Stuff Up!

(Building Things in Space) Earth has supplied everything we have used in space, but space manufacturing can change that. NASA and industry have begun bringing manufacturing to space, with 3D printing on the International Space Station, innovative pharmaceutical and other research, and advanced robotics capabilities. Where is this technology taking us and how does it change our future in space?

This session brings together experts and thought leaders on space manufacturing who are literally making stuff up (in space).

Moderator: Carissa Christensen, CEO, Bryce Space and Technology Andrew Rush, CEO, Made In Space Dr. Corky Clinton, Associate Director, Technical Science and Technology Office, NASA MSFC Pam Melroy, NASA/DARPA, retired 10:45 – 11:00 Closing Keynote: Congresswoman Barbara Comstock 11:00 – 12:00 Session 3: Space Market Awakens New commercial markets in space are emerging and the fundamental drivers for these markets are new commercial opportunities.

This panel will focus on these commercial opportunities and detail the relevant and serious commercial drivers supporting the industry beyond communications and remote sensing. This unique panel will cover exciting details on technical developments in suborbital spaceflight, orbital crew transportation, orbital space habitats, satellite servicing, and space resources.

Moderator: Lori Garver, Air Line Pilots Association and Brooke Owens Fellowship Program Brad Cheetham, CEO/President, Advanced Space Mike Gold, Vice President, Washington, D. C. Operations, SSL Dr. Erika Wagner, Business Development Manager, Blue Origin Michael López-Alegría, Axiom Space 12:30 – 13:30 Luncheon at The Capitol View at 400 – sponsored by Ball Aerospace Lunch Keynote: Dr. David A.

Hardy, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force (Space), Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, D. C. Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106; Luncheon at Reserve Officer Association building, at the Top of The Hill, 1 Constitution Ave NE 07:30 – 08:00 Registration and Welcome Breakfast – sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation 08:00 – 08:15 Kick-Off: Rep.

Jim Bridenstine, (OK) 08:15 – 09:15 Session 1: Traffic Cops in Space Moderator: Richard DalBello, Vice President, Virgin Galactic Benjamin Roberts, Assistant Director, Civil and Commercial Space, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Travis Langster, Vice President, Analytical Graphics David Cavossa, President, Space 2.

0 Consulting (for Orbital ATK) Brian Weeden, Senior Technical Advisor, Secure World Foundation 09:15 – 9:30 Morning Keynote: Rep.

Bill Posey (FL) 09:30 – 9:45 Coffee Break and Networking – sponsored by Orbital ATK 09:45 – 10:45 Session 2: Wicked Cool Space Technology – A New Hope Moderator: Carissa Christensen, Managing Partner, The Tauri Group Dr. Alberto Conti, Astrophysicist and Innovation Manager, Northrop Grumman Dr. Jay Falker, Program Executive, NIAC & CIF, NASA Headquarters Philippe Moreels, Head of Strategy and Business Development, Astroscale PTE.

LTD 10:45 – 11:45 Session 3: Almost Space – UAVs, Balloons and Virtual Reality Moderator: Bradley Cheetham, CEO/President of Advanced Space, LLC Jack Elston, CEO, Black Swift Technologies Bradley Farquhar, Space Entrepreneur and Former Director of Business Development at SpaceVR Dylan Taylor, Super Angel & Founding Partner, Space Angels 11:45 – 12:00 Highlight Presentation: Brett Alexander, Director, Business Development and Strategy, Blue Origin 12:30 – 13:30 Luncheon at the Reserve Officer Association Building, Top of the Hill – sponsored by Ball Aerospace Lunch Keynote: Lt.

General Jay Raymond, United States Air Force Introduction: Debra Facktor Lepore, Ball Aerospace Reserve Officer Association building, at the Top of The Hill, 1 Constitution Ave NE 07:30 – 08:00 Registration and Coffee – Sponsored by Raytheon 08:00 – 08:30 Keynote, Rep. Mo Brooks, (AL) 08:30 – 08:45 Keynote: Rep. Donna Edwards, (MD) 08:45 – 09:45 Panel 1: Big Smart Data Having a lot of data is good, having the right data is better.

The challenge of synthesizing mountains of data into actionable information presents an incredible opportunity. This panel will include companies that focus on collecting data from platforms in the air, space, and cyberspace as well as companies that are working to translate this data into useful information. A specific emphasis will be placed on the evolution from big data to smart data.

Andy Hock, Acting Head of Products and Applications, GOOGLE + Skybox Imaging Dr. Peter Wegner, CTO, Black Sky Michael Brett, CEO, QxBranch Cathy Rodenbeck Reese, Big Data and Analytics, IBM 09:45 – 10:00 Keynote, Senator Cory Gardner (CO) 10:00 – 10:15 Coffee Break – Sponsored by ULA and Lockheed Martin 10:15 – 10:25 Keynote: Rep.

Steve Knight, (CA) 10:25 – 11:15 Panel 2: Wicked Cool Space Technology – Sponsored by Northrop Grumman Which cutting edge technologies and brave new applications are poised to transform the space and satellite industry? Industry experts will discuss recent leaps forward in exciting areas of the space and satellite industry.

Key decision makers from industry and government entities will highlight far-reaching future concepts being pursued that will redefine the space industry of the future ranging from flat panel phased array antennas to rocket planes to Airships on Venus.

Moderator: Carissa Christensen, Managing Partner, The Tauri Group Chuck Beames, President, Vulcan Aerospace Greg Lee, VAMP Program Manager, Northrop Grumman Antoine de Chassy, VP, Business Development, Spire Global, Inc. Nathan Kundtz, PhD, President and CEO, Kymeta 11:15 – 11:25 Keynote Speaker: Pam Melroy, Deputy Director, Tactical Technology Office, DARPA 11:25 – 11:30 Coffee Break – Sponsored by OrbitalATK 11:30 – 12:30 Panel 3: Transformers, Leading Industry Titans Evolve The competitive landscape for the space and satellite industry is undergoing dramatic shifts as technology billionaires and scrappy start-ups enter the field.

With these new ideas and financial resources comes opportunities as well as risks for established space and satellite companies. This panel will address how aerospace industry titans are evolving in the context of new players, new technologies, new opportunities, and existing high expectations. Moderator: Warren Ferster, Editor of SpaceNews Marc C.

Johansen, Vice President, Satellites & Intelligence Programs, National Security and Space Government Operations, Boeing Charlie Precourt, Vice President and General Manager, Space Launch Systems, OrbitalATK Neal Anderson, Vice President, Technology Development, DigtialGlobe Robert L.

Curbeam, Jr., Vice President and Deputy, Space Systems, Space and Airborne Systems, Raytheon 1:00 – 14:30 Lunch Keynote: Susan (Sue) Gordon, Deputy Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) – Sponsored by Ball Aerospace Luncheon table sponsorships by: Ball Aerospace, AGI, the Tauri Group, Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, SpaceNews, Avascent, Intelsat General, Boeing, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Rostrum, and Arianespace 07:30 – 08:00 Registration and Coffee 08:00 – 08:30 Opening Keynote: Rep.

Steven Palazzo, Chairman of the House Science Committee’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics , US House of Representatives 08:30 – 09:30 Panel 1: Space Start-Ups That Actually Have Funding Investment in space is growing; venture capital funds, angels, private equity groups, self-made billionaires, and banks are funding the business of space. This panel of space CEOs who have raised tens of millions will answer your questions.

How did they do it? Who are their investors? What were their best strategies?

And where do they see new money coming from for future space entrepreneurs? Moderator: Carissa Christensen, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, The Tauri Group Eric Gundersen, CEO, Mapbox Jeffrey Manber, Managing Director, NanoRacks Robbie Schingler, President and COO, Planet Labs 09:30 – 09:45 Coffee Break 09:45 – 10:00 View From Pennsylvania Avenue 10:00 – 10:15 Keynote Speaker: Rep. James R.

“Jim” Langevin, House Armed Services Committee, US House of Representatives 10:15 – 11:15 Panel 2: Return of Wicked Cool Space Technology Which cutting edge technologies and brave new applications are poised to transform the space and satellite industry? Industry experts will discuss recent leaps forward in exciting areas of the space and satellite industry from re-usable launch vehicles to in-space manufacturing.

Key decision makers from industry and government entities will highlight far-reaching future concepts being pursued that will redefine the space industry of the future.

Moderator: Dr. Gordon Roesler, Program Manager, Robotic On-orbit Servicing, DARPA Tactical Technology Office, DARPA Bretton Alexander, Director, Business Development and Strategy, Blue Origin Jason Dunn, Co-Founder and Chief Technologist, Made in Space Thierry Guillemin, Chief Technology Officer, Intelsat David Lackner, Vice President Business Development, SSL Dorothy Rasco, Deputy Associate Administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA 11:15 – 11:30 Keynote Speaker: Rep.

Jim Bridenstine, Congressman, Oklahoma 1st District 11:30 – 12:30 Panel 3: Space and the Pacific Rim This panel will explore specific opportunities and issues related to space in the Pacific theater. Panelists will touch on why space is critical to commercial, civil and military success as well as key risks to space assets. They will encourage interaction from the audience.

Moderator: Vice Admiral Lyle G. Bien, USN (Retired) Colonel Alan Rebholz “Rebel”, Chief, Space Operations Division AF/A3SO, 1E935, US Air Force Jessica Powers, Director for Space Policy Engagement, Under Secretary of Defense (Policy) Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation 12:30 – 14:00 Lunch Keynote: Sen.

Martin Heinrich(NM) Location: Reserve Officers Association of the United States 1 Constitution Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 7:30 – 8:00 AM Registration and Coffee Dirksen Senate Office Building – Room G50 8:00 – 8:15 AM Featured Speaker: U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher (CA), Vice Chairman, House Science Committee Introduction by Brendan Curry from Space Foundation 8:15 – 8:25 AM Question & Answer with Dana Rohrabacher 8:30 – 9:45 AM Panel 1: Well Positioned – Space-Based Navigation and New Applications Navigation from space has become integral to our everyday lives to the point where we can’t imagine our smart phones without GPS.

The panel will discuss the latest ideas for GPS augmentation, the internationalization of space-based navigation systems and cutting edge applications harnessing the power of navsats. The advent of enhanced services, the potential for jamming or interference, and mind boggling new applications creating virtual worlds will be covered on this intriguing panel.

Moderator: Frank Backes, Chief Executive Officer, Braxton Technologies Colonel Christopher Warack, Air Force Space Command Dr. Dana K.

Jackson, Vice President, Navigation Systems, Space SystemsCompany, Lockheed Martin Kenneth Hodgkins, Director, Office of Space & Advanced Technology, U.S. Department of State Asif Khan, Founder & President, Location Based Marking Association 9:45 – 10:00 AM Coffee Break – Sponsored by ASTRIUM 10:15 – 10:30 AM Featured Speaker: Douglas Loverro, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, U.S. Department of Defense Introduction by Patrick Rayermann, Astrium Services 10:30 – 10:45 AM Featured Speaker: U.S. Senator Mark E.

Udall (CO), Chairman, Strategic Forces Subcommittee Introduction by Eric Stallmer, Analytical Graphics 10:45 – 11:45 PM Panel: Wicked Cool Space Technology – The Future Is Here Now Which cutting edge technologies and brave new applications are poised to transform the space and satellite industry?

Industry experts will discuss recent leaps forward in long-anticipated satellite business applications: all electric propulsion satellites and on-orbit servicing and emerging game changers like green propellant. Government researchers will highlight far-reaching future concepts being pursued by NASA and DARPA, including innovative spaceflight and nanotechnology. Moderator: Carissa Christensen, Managing Partner, The Tauri Group James B.

Armor, Major General, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) , Vice President, ATK Spacecraft Systems & Engineering Services Michael L.

Raftery, Director, International Space Station Utilization & Exploration, The Boeing Company Dr. Makenzie Lystrup, Business Development Manager for Space Sciences & Technologies, Ball Aerospace Dr. John (“Jay”) Falker, Program Executive, NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Program Dave Barnhart, Program Manager, Tactical Technology Office, DARPA (Space Projects) 11:15 AM – 11:25 PM Featured Speaker: U.S. Representative Trent Franks (AZ) Introduction by Patrick Shannon, Orbital Sciences Walk to the Reserve Officers Association – 1 Constitution Avenue, NE, Washington, D.

C. (Across the Street from the Dirksen Building) 11:50 – 12:35 PM Panel 3: Destined For Exploration – Where To Boldly Go? The space community wants to visit asteroids, the Moon and Mars.

New ventures are seeking billions to fly around Mars or to mine Near Earth Objects. Which destination holds the most promise for NASA, the science community and commercial exploitation? Where can we send explorers and safely return them to home here on Earth?

Moderator: Warren Ferster, Editor, Space News Lori Garver, Deputy Administrator, NASA Rep. Robert S. Walker (Ret.)

, Executive Chairman, Wexler & Walker 12:35 – 1:30 PM Future Space Leaders Grant Program Luncheon Keynote Address: Senator Bill Nelson, Florida Introduction by Erin Hatch Neal, ATK 7:30 – 8:00 AM Registration and Coffee 8:00 – 8:30 AM Morning Keynote Address: U.S. Representative Howard “Buck” McKeon, Chairman, House Armed Services Committee 8:30 – 9:30 AM Panel 1: Space Situational Awareness and the Orbital Environment Space has become and increasingly congested and contested place in which to operate.

The panel will discuss the challenges and obstacles facing government agencies and commercial satellite companies operating in a crowded orbital environment.

The discussion will explore ways to improve space situational awareness – from radars to sensors to software – and look at how the public and private sectors can work together to reduce the potential for collisions, improve decision making and promote operational efficiencies in shared space. Moderator: Warren Ferster, Editor, Space News Major General Jay G.

Santee, Principal Director, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Space Policy); Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Global Strategic Affairs); Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Washington Todd Stiefler, Legislative Director, Senator Richard C. Shelby Robert F.

Minehart, Jr. Professional Staff, U.S. House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Tobias Nassif, Vice President, Satellite Operations & Engineering, Intelsat & Director, Space Data Association Kathleen Kelly, Director of Satellite Operations, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration 9:30 – 10:00 AM Cyber Keynote Address: U.S. Representative Ken Calvert, Member House Appropriations Committee 10:00 – 11:15 PM Panel 2: CyberSpace and CyberSecurity Today’s United States runs on cyber capabilities.

National security relies on cybersecurity. Agencies across the government struggle to meet critical cyber challenges. In an era of shrinking federal budgets, cybersecurity and cyberspace expenditures are growing.

Our panelists will chart the future of federal cyberspace and cybersecurity — government needs, industry capabilities, policy challenges, and budget directions. The panel blends views from the White House, the intelligence community, the Department of Defense, and industry to deliver the full cyber picture. Moderator: Carissa Christensen, Principal, The Tauri Group Brigadier General Ian R.

Dickinson (ret.)

former Director, Communications and Information, Air Force Space Command Paul Graziani, CEO, Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) Jim Kohlenberger, President, JK Strategies, former White House advisor to two Presidents, former chief of staff of Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) 11:15 – 11:30 AM Coffee Break – Sponsored by Arianespace 11:30 – 12:45 PM Panel 3: Leveraging Hosted Payloads and Next Generation Satellite Systems Tight budgets are clashing with ever increasing government requirements for data and bandwidth.

In response to these trends commercial satellite operators are offering the capability of hosted payloads and new broadband solutions to meet government demands with low cost systems and rapid deployment schedules. Can hosted payloads, mobile broadband satellites and next generation systems help fill the gaps and provide urgent capabilities to the warfighter? Moderator: Brian Berger, Deputy Editor, Space News Dr. Robie I.

Samanta Roy, Professional Staff Member, Senate Armed Services Committee Don Brown, Vice President of Hosted Payloads, Intelsat General Corporation Donald L.

Thoma, President, Aireon by Iridium Dave Anhalt, Vice President, U.S. Government Solutions, Space Systems/Loral 12:45 – 1:00 PM Walk to the Reserve Officers Association for Lunch 1:00 – 2:30 PM Future Space Leaders Scholarship Luncheon Keynote Address: Senator David Vitter, Member, Senate Armed Services Committee U.S. Representative Jim Bridenstine U.S. Representative Ken Calvert U.S. Representative Trent Franks (AZ) Lori Garver, Former Deputy Administrator, NASA U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (NM) U.S. Representative James R.

“Jim” Langevin Douglas Loverro, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Representative Howard “Buck” McKeon U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (FL) U.S. Representative Steven Palazzo U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher U.S. Senator Mark E. Udall (CO) U.S. Senator David Vitter The Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF) is pleased to announce the 2026 Future Space Leaders Grant Program.

Intended for U.S. graduate students and young professionals who are pursuing space- and satellite-related careers, the program will provide grants for participation in the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, October 5th to October 9. 2026. In addition to attending the IAC, Grant Recipients will also be involved in supplementary career development activities in Antalya.

These IAC-associated events include the Cross-Cultural Presentation Workshop, the United Nations/International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Workshop and the Young Professionals Workshop. These additional activities will necessitate Grantees’ presence in Antalya, Türkiye, beginning on September 30th.

Carson Coursey is a flight mechanics project engineer at The Aerospace Corporation, a federally funded research and development center that provides technical guidance and advice on space activities to military, civil, and commercial customers. Carson primarily supports efforts