Charles Adelman is the CEO of XRDNA, where he leads the development of mission-critical technologies that connect people, places, and things through a secure semantic mesh. With a background spanning defense, space, and emerging tech ecosystems, Charles focuses on translating complex systems into operational advantage—bridging innovation, trust, and real-world impact across government and commercial missions. Learn more

Omar Alam is a Radio Frequency Communication Systems Engineer at Blue Origin, notably serving as the RF lead for the Blue Ring Pathfinder spacecraft that flew on New Glenn’s inaugural NG-1 mission. Prior to his tenure at Blue, Omar worked for Viasat in Tempe, designing 60 GHz phased array antenna systems. He holds a B.S. in Applied/Engineering Physics from Cornell University. A well-known STEM advocate in Arizona, Omar has served the community for the past decade, largely in building scalable and impactful K-12 RF/space engineering outreach programs with the SciTech Institute and Arizona Technology Council. Learn more

Zaheer Ali is a respected expert in space technology, policy, and commercialization. He is Program Director and Professor of Space Commercialization and Strategy at University of Central Florida, and a partner with Space Outcomes LLC, co-founder of Positon Inc., and partner at New Space Finance. A trained physicist with multiple years in fundamental and applied research as well as 40+ publications, he brings senior leadership experience across NASA, DOE, and industry. He holds a BA in Physics from University of California at Berkeley and an Executive Master’s in Global Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Learn more

David Ariosto works at the intersection of journalism, strategy, and space, bringing a rare blend of editorial rigor, operational experience, and long-range vision to some of the most complex challenges shaping the space economy.

A two-time published author and podcast host, Ariosto is the author of the upcoming book, Open Space: From Earth to Eternity—The Global Race to Explore and Conquer the Cosmos. He is also the founder of Open Space Report and co-founder of The Space Agency. His writing and analysis appear regularly in SpaceNews, Aerospace America, and Noema, where he covers the geopolitical, economic, and technological forces reshaping space. He is also host of the Open Space Report podcast, and co-host of the Space Minds podcast on SpaceNews.

In addition to his journalism, Ariosto advises space companies and institutions on digital communications, narrative strategy, and high-impact events, helping translate complex technical realities into compelling, actionable insight. Learn more

Dr. Greg Autry is Space Czar at the University of Central Florida. Autry was NASA’s White House Liaison and served on NASA’s Agency Review Team and has twice been nominated to serve as the agency’s CFO. He is the author of Red Moon Rising: How America Will Beat China on the Final Frontier, Death by China, and A New Entrepreneurial Dynamic. Autry holds an MBA and PhD from UC Irvine. Learn more

Toni Balzano is the Vice President of Strategy and Communications at Q Station, a space innovation hub located in Albuquerque, New Mexico—at the heart of Space Valley. In this role, she leads a dynamic team dedicated to accelerating space and tech innovation into the Air Force Research Laboratory and U.S. Space Force, while cultivating the growth of emerging and established space companies to strengthen America’s space superiority.

With more than 15 years of experience supporting AFRL’s tech engagement and STEM initiatives—previously as co-owner of ImPRonta Public Relations—Toni brings a rare blend of strategic insight, creative execution, and deep-rooted expertise in media, government, and innovation ecosystems. Her career began in television news, where she earned honors from the New Mexico Broadcasters Association and led an Emmy-winning team. She later directed media and corporate relations for Technology Ventures Corporation, a Lockheed Martin affiliate, advancing tech commercialization from national labs.

Toni also served as New Mexico’s Deputy Cabinet Secretary for both the Economic Development and Tourism Departments under two governors, spearheading landmark initiatives such as the completion of Spaceport America and launching the state’s journey into commercial space enterprise.

At Q Station, Toni leverages her decades of experience in media relations, tech transfer, and economic development to forge strategic partnerships and unlock opportunities across the space sector and its adjacent industries—driving innovation, collaboration, and impact at every turn. Learn more

Mr. Beck serves as the Principal of Space Technologies LTD; a space ecosystem consultancy strongly focused on creating, building, and innovating deep technology and sustainable systems into the growing space areas for defense and commercialization (dual use) in Southern California and beyond. Mr. Beck serves as founding Director of the first Defense Incubator Defence Works LTD strategically focused on building the Canadian supply chain and strengthening North American Security efforts. Along with serving as Director of Board of Directors for Space Innovation Canada (non-profit) focusing on building resiliency for space in Western Canada. He also serves as an Advisor for Deep Tech 1 premier investment fund located in the Washington DC area, raising capital to tackle the areas of funding for Deep Technology across consumer and governmental areas.

In addition, Mr. Beck is the founding Senior Principal Scientist for Autonomous Directive Ventures, an artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning technology start-up in the Washington, D.C, Metropolitan area, bridging the gap between using AI in transportation. Mr. Beck founded the Cole Chamberlain Holdings consultancy firm he has run for the past 15 years, also HUB Venture Partners, a small, privately owned venture capital firm created to encourage and facilitate a need to help engage start-ups in the underserved and underutilized communities. Along the journey to his present position, Mr. Beck has founded/co-founded or served as a board member to help shape over 35 start-up companies in education, science and technology, retail, film, and non-profit areas since 1997. Also, Mr. Beck served in several Branch Chief positions at USSF Space Systems Command, serving for almost 3 years creating the space industrial base emphasis needed to boost the space supply chain, accessibility to space, mobility onorbit/in-orbit, and logistical ways to support sustainability and national security efforts in space.

Before joining DoD, Mr. Beck worked at the U.S. Department of Transportation in various leadership positions. Afterwards, I served as a senior consultant working with a variety of start-up companies, including Marble, UJET, and Arrival, helping these companies plan their business in the U.S.’s sometimes challenging regulatory and compliance environment. His 30+ years of engineering and leadership experience span a range of areas, including electric vehicle design and wide-body aircraft auxiliary power systems. Mr. Beck holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as an MBA in Marketing. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo in Systems Engineering. Learn more

Dr. Elliott Bryner is Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus, where he leads academic and research initiatives in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia and has over 15 years of experience in propulsion and fluid dynamics, with experience from academia, government, and industry.

His expertise includes experimental and computational fluid mechanics, combustion diagnostics, thermal systems design, and engine testing.

Dr. Bryner has played key roles in aerodynamic and thermal systems testing at organizations including GE Aerospace and Southwest Research Institute. At Embry-Riddle, he teaches courses in propulsion and thermal fluid sciences, mentors student research, and is the Director of the Propulsion Laboratory and Rocket Test Complex.

In addition to his academic duties, Dr. Bryner serves as Associate Director of the NASA Arizona Space Grant Consortium, fostering research and educational opportunities in aerospace and engineering. Learn more

Jim Cantrell is a dynamic entrepreneur, a renowned engineer, and a thought leader. He is the CEO of Phantom Space and has extensive experience in space travel and satellite missions. Jim has contributed to over 46 satellite flight missions and is widely known as ‘Elon Musk’s mentor,’ as well as an appointed member of the Arizona Space Commission. Jim has founded or co-founded twelve space and automotive companies and was a founding team member of SpaceX. Jim is the Author of Breaking All the Rules: The Inside Story Of The New Space Race and Two Hours Until Dawn: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Auto Racing.  He is recognized worldwide for his technical innovation and has received numerous professional awards. In addition, Jim's passion for road racing and fluency in five languages further amplify his rich resume of experience. Learn more

Howard Chang is the Executive Assistant United States Attorney, the number three official, in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Previously, he served as an assistant chief counsel at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where he was the lead attorney for the Wallops Flight Facility. He holds a B.S. in neuroscience from Baylor University and a J.D. from Georgetown Law. Howard speaks extensively on space law and policy, including at the International Astronautical Congress, Georgetown University, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Bertelsmann Foundation, and Harvard Law School. For his work in the space industry, he was commended by NASA and named a “20 Under 35” recipient by Space and Satellite Professionals International. Learn more

Ubaldo “The Space Ace” Ciminieri is a cosmic connector, podcast producer and host, and visionary space entrepreneur on a mission to unite the galaxy’s brightest minds and pave the way for a sustainable human future among the stars.

Ubaldo is Chief of Staff at CisLunar Industries, where he assembles top talent and voices to drive humanity’s next giant leap into the cosmos.

Ubaldo is rallying a new generation of cosmic collaborators. His mission: to spark creativity, foster radical collaboration, and ensure that humanity’s next giant leap is powered by all of us—together. Learn more

Dr. Tomás Díaz de la Rubia is a science and technology leader, strategist, and administrator with extensive experience in national laboratories, academia, and the private sector. He has served as the Deputy Director for Science and Technology and Chief Research Officer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Director in the Strategy and Operations Energy practice at Deloitte Consulting, Senior Vice President, and Chief Scientific Officer at Purdue University, and most recently, Vice President of Research and Partnerships at the University of Oklahoma. Tomas is a full professor of physics and of chemical, biological, and materials engineering. Learn more

Damon Feltman is the Chief Executive Officer of the Space Force Association, a 501c3 nonprofit and recognized national military association supporting the U.S. Space Force. In this capacity, he is responsible for the leadership and growth of the Association and championing the support its 4,500 members give to the Space Force, Guardians, and public advocacy of U.S.-led space security. He is also the founder of OXR Consulting, LLC, specializing in defense and commercial space advisement, strategic planning and change, and leadership development. Learn more

I bring a cross-sector leadership perspective that bridges government relations, critical infrastructure, healthcare, and emerging space technologies. Through my work with ASTRO Strategy Group, EPCOR, and executive-level healthcare systems, I specialize in translating complex policy, regulatory, and human-performance challenges into executable strategies that align public agencies, industry, and mission-driven innovation. My experience moderating and leading high-stakes, multi-stakeholder discussions allows me to deliver content that is both strategically rigorous and engaging—connecting human resilience, power systems, and governance to the future of space and Earth-based infrastructure. Learn more

Dr. Namrata Goswami is an author and educator specializing in space policy, international relations, and ethnic identity. Currently, Dr. Goswami teaches at the Schriever and West Space Scholar Programs, the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, and at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University. She is a guest lecturer at Emory University for seminars on Technology, Society & Governance, and India today. She worked as a Research Fellow at MP-Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi; a Visiting Fellow at Peace Research Institute, Oslo, Norway; La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; University of Heidelberg, Germany; Jennings-Randolph Senior Fellow, United States Institute of Peace; and was a Fulbright Senior Fellowship Awardee. She was awarded the Minerva grant by the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense to study great power competition in outer space. In April 2019, Dr. Goswami testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on China’s space program. Her co-authored book, Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space was published in 2020 by Lexington Press; Rowman, and Littlefield. Her book on The Naga Ethnic Movement for a Separate Homeland was published in 2020 by Oxford University Press. She has published widely including in The Diplomat, the Economic Times, The Washington Post, Ad Astra, Asia Policy, Live Encounters Magazine, Cairo Review. She was invited in November 2019 to share about her life and her work at a Tedx event held at the Rosa Parks Museum, in Montgomery, Alabama. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WPNdnahLaY. Learn more

Mark Greeley is President and Chief Executive Officer of Paragon Space Development Corporation, a leader in life-support and thermal control systems for space and extreme environments. With more than 36 years of aerospace and astronautical experience, he is recognized for disciplined execution, trusted leadership, and a steadfast commitment to operational excellence across complex, mission-critical programs.

Greeley has directed technically demanding efforts that have advanced human spaceflight, including the development of crewed space stations, next-generation spacesuits, and integrated life-support systems. His leadership spans program management, systems integration, corporate operations, and large-scale infrastructure, guiding organizations through transformation while maintaining precision, purpose, and accountability.

He began his career in the U.S. Air Force supporting high-altitude reconnaissance programs and later held senior leadership roles advancing the nation’s human spaceflight programs, including Artemis, the International Space Station, the Constellation Program, and the Space Shuttle Program.

Greeley leads with integrity, clarity, and a steady focus on building trusted teams that deliver. His approach reflects the values that define Paragon’s legacy of excellence, innovation, and reliability in enabling human exploration and survival in the most demanding environments. Learn more

Shruti Gurudanti is a corporate and space law attorney who advises space, aerospace, and dual-use technology companies on transactions, commercialization, and regulatory strategy. Her practice spans venture financings, M&A, licensing, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on helping clients navigate complex compliance issues across emerging space markets. She combines deep deal experience with a pragmatic approach to risk, supporting founders and operators from early growth through scale and exit. Learn more

Dr. Erika Hamden is a professor of astrophysics at the University of Arizona, Director of the University of Arizona Space Institute, and a Commissioner on the State of Arizona Space Commission. She specializes in building telescopes and developing technology to make telescopes better. Dr. Hamden graduated from Harvard College in 2006, earned a PhD from Columbia University in 2014, and spent 4 years as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the California Institute of Technology. Prof. Hamden is a TED Fellow, a AAAS IF/Then Ambassador, and has won numerous awards from NASA for her work in ultraviolet astronomy. She is an author, with her first book, "Weird Universe", published in 2025. She hosts a TV show on AZPM and is a social media science influencer. Learn more

Dr. Amanda Hendrix is the Director and CEO of the Tucson-based Planetary Science Institute. She is a leader in the planetary science community and has been a member of numerous research, community and advisory groups, including the NASA Advisory Council, the NASA Roadmaps to Ocean Worlds, the National Academies Committee on Planetary Protection, the James Webb Space Telescope Users Group, the NASA Outer Planets Assessment Group, Chair of the American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Sciences, and the National Academies NASA Mission Critical Workforce Infrastructure and Technology study. Learn more

Dr. Howe is President of Howe Industries LLC, where he and his team develop novel technologies for power and space propulsion. He has received over $10M in research grants over the last decade to develop nuclear thermal rockets, advanced thermoelectric generators, small modular reactors, space robots, and thermonuclear plasma rockets. By developing these technologies, Troy hopes to push humanity to the next level and enable exploration and expansion into new regions of Earth and space. Learn more

Robert S. Katz is celebrated as a holistic astro-physicist trailblazer of community ecosystems…for Earth ecosystems. He enjoys crafting collaboration ‘cross industry, government, academia, labs, and allies thru his 501(c)(3) NGO, World Innovation Network (WIN), and its LaunchWERX and Strategic Earthshot Initiatives. Conceiver of the SOLUTIONneering™ construct and Space Tank™ competition, he sparks ASTROpreneurship and innovation instigation by permeating every societal sister-sector. As a systems-of-systems architect, he pioneered global email, wireless internet, GPS tracking, GEOINT for earthquake rescue, IoT, and SDI innovation. When not saving the planet with space, he saves her people as a tactical HAZMAT firefighter, paramedic, dive-rescuer, and swiftwater- specialist instructor. Ultimately, by synchronizing and cementing sustainable systems, sectors, societies, and states into our singular synergy of space, he shapes the spirited soul and bridging belief of his mission-motto: “There’s a Place… In Space… For Every Face.” Learn more

Bryce Kennedy is Executive Director of SpaceValley Foundation, leading a statewide space-driven economic development strategy that connects infrastructure, talent, and culture to build a globally competitive innovation ecosystem. He is a Senior Officer at the International Telecommunication Union advancing satellite connectivity policy worldwide. Trained as a space attorney, he advises global space initiatives and is a graduate of Thunderbird School of Global Management. Learn more

Dr. Laurie Leshin a space scientist with extensive leadership experience in academia and government. She is currently the University Professor of Space Futures at Arizona State University. Leshin was director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory from 2022 to 2025 where she oversaw the successful development and launch of major NASA missions including Psyche, Europa Clipper, and SPHEREx. She was President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts from 2014 to 2022, and she earlier served in senior leadership roles in NASA’s science and human spaceflight programs. The International Astronomical Union named asteroid 4922 Leshin to honor her contributions to planetary science. Learn more

Shawn Linam, founder and CEO of Qwaltec, is a leader in mission control and space operations. She began her career at NASA, training astronauts and flight controllers for the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. Passionate about STEM education, she mentors young girls and supports programs that build future engineers and scientists. Shawn also hosts In Her Orbit, a podcast celebrating the stories and accomplishments of women shaping the space industry. Learn more

Michelle Lucas has been inspired by space her entire life. She began her career at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, serving on the Payload Safety Review Panel, working in Mission Control for the International Space Station, and later becoming a technical instructor for astronauts, instructors, and flight controllers worldwide. Driven by a passion for inspiring the next generation, she left NASA to found Higher Orbits, a nonprofit that uses space to engage students in STEM. Learn more

Karyn MacVean currently serves as Senior Real Estate Coordinator at the Arizona Commerce Authority, supporting complex site selection, due diligence, and location strategy for advanced industry projects across Arizona’s urban and rural markets. With over a decade of experience in Commercial Real Estate, she has led complex transactions and development initiatives, helping businesses—from local enterprises to global corporations—secure optimal sites for growth. Previously the founding principal of North Star Commercial Real Estate Advisors, Karyn brings deep expertise in market analysis, end-user representation, and project management. Karyn is also the Co-Founder of Arizona Spaceport Alliance, a non-profit initiative dedicated to creating a premier spaceport in Arizona. The initiative aims to position Arizona as a central hub for global space commerce, innovative STEM education, and advanced space exploration. The Alliance focuses on establishing a world-class facility that will drive economic growth, foster technological innovation, and serve as an international nexus for commercial space research and development. Recognized among AZRE Magazine’s “50 Most Influential Women in Arizona,” she continues to shape Arizona’s economic landscape through real estate leadership and community engagement. Learn more

Charlie is a seasoned executive and veteran driving strategy, operations, and business development in national security space, supply chain, and cross-sector engagement. She serves on the boards of Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation and Zendir, and advises Little Place Labs, American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation Group, TraCSS Independent Review Board for the Department of Commerce, Irregular Warfare Initiative's Project Air & Space Power, and Creative Destruction Lab Space Sector. She was recently inducted as a member of the International Academy of Astronautics.  She is a STEM advocate and avid golfer. Learn more

Normalcy in the Extraordinary anchors Colleen McLeod Garner’s work as a speaker, author, and space industry professional at Paragon Space Development Corporation, where she focuses on the commercialization of space and human-centered business strategy. She holds an MBA and an Executive Master’s in Space Leadership and is pursuing a PhD in Human Factors in Space. Colleen is a founding member of the Space Sensory Lab and an Arizona Space Marshal. Learn more

Brett Mecum is Chairman of the Arizona Space Commission, President of Cadmus Public Affairs, and Principal at Intrepid Global Strategies. A veteran government relations professional, public servant, and space policy expert, he is advancing Arizona as a national leader in commercial space.

Appointed to the Arizona Space Commission by the Speaker of the House in 2024 and elected its inaugural Chairman, Mecum focuses on developing a comprehensive statewide strategic plan to promote commercial space industry growth, strengthen aerospace and aviation infrastructure, foster workforce development in emerging space technologies, and enhance Arizona’s national and global competitiveness.

He serves on the Advisory Boards of Phantom Space Corporation—a Tucson-based innovator in responsive space transportation, small-satellite launch systems, and orbital infrastructure—and XRDNA, a pioneer in semantic spatial intelligence and mission-critical spatial computing.

Mecum founded Cadmus Public Affairs, a Phoenix-based lobbying firm with a national footprint. Through Intrepid Global Strategies, he provides strategic political consulting. His public service includes senior roles with the Arizona Speaker of the House, Attorney General, and Arizona Republican Party.

Mecum has contributed to state, federal, and international space policy and is a 2025 Bertelsmann Foundation Fellow focused on space geopolitics.

He holds an Executive Master of Global Management (with distinction) in Space Leadership, Business, and Policy from Thunderbird School of Global Management, a Graduate Certificate in Air and Space Law from the University of Mississippi, a B.A. in Political Science from SUNY Albany, and is completing his MS in Space Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Honored as one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s Forty Under 40, Mecum is commissioned an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska—Nebraska’s highest civic honor—and a Kentucky Colonel, the Commonwealth’s highest title of honor for outstanding service. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Arizona Chapter of the Aerospace States Association. Learn more

Douglas J. Nicholls is the 27th Mayor of Yuma, serving his third term. He is a civil engineer, a business owner, husband, father, and is fully committed to serving the people of Yuma. Mayor Nicholls founded 4FrontED, is on the Executive Committee of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns (having recently served as President), serves on the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Council, recently appointed to the Arizona Space Commission and serves on many state and local boards. He believes in the potential for space industry opportunities and their economic development impacts to Arizonans and has championed for private and public sector collaboration to bring future space industry projects to fruition. Learn more

Jeremiah Pate is a scientist and entrepreneur with an enduring interest in utilizing space to ensure a more sustainable and healthy future for our planet. He began his career at the Planetary Science Institute using the HiRISE instrument on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Pate later conducted biophysics research at the University of Arizona and University of Pennsylvania on the molecular origins of Parkinson’s disease. For his work on Parkinson’s he was honored with the Dudley R. Herschbach award and represented the United States at the 2017 Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm. He founded the technology startup Lunasonde in 2018 to pioneer subsurface imaging technology and now serves as an advisor to companies with a regional focus on the Southwest. His subsurface imaging technology has flown on two satellite missions and been featured on History Channel and Forbes magazine. For the latter he was selected as a Forbes 30 under 30 innovator in the category of manufacturing and industry. In 2023, he was selected as a World Economic Forum Global Shaper in recognition for his sustainability and water conservation work with Lunasonde. In 2025, he was elected a member of the Explorers Club for his contributions to the fields of geology and speleology. Asteroid 34104 Jeremiahpate is named in honor of his research. Learn more

Seema Phull is the Founder & CEO of ForeOptics. She is a veteran supply chain leader with 25+ years of experience driving transformation across aerospace, high-tech manufacturing, and renewable energy. She has held CTO, COO, CSO, and board roles, including VP of Supply Chain Strategy at Honeywell Aerospace. Known for delivering measurable operational and financial gains, she specializes in planning, forecasting, and network design, and serves as a trusted advisor to enterprise leaders and investors. Learn more

Jack Roosa is a highly experienced defense and aerospace executive with over 40 years of leadership in advanced technologies, business execution, and innovative company growth strategies. He currently holds roles as the CEO of CM Laser Technologies and President of General Hypersonics – advancing next-generation hypersonic and laser capabilities for space and national defense. A former Raytheon Director overseeing major weapons programs, he is also a decorated U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and combat veteran, bringing deep operational and executive expertise to high-stakes innovation. Jack is an active angel investor and a member of Arizona Tech Investors. Learn more

Angelica Sirotin is CEO of Sirotin Ventures, an award-winning AI-augmented strategic communications firm, and founder of Sirotin Intelligence, LinkedIn’s fastest-growing private space intelligence community. She authored Strategic Communications for Space 101, endorsed by leaders across USSF, DoD, and ESA. She is Executive Producer at Angelic Pictures, a Universal Studios Vendor Affiliate producing the Space Samurai Trilogy, the next Hollywood space franchise akin to Star Trek. She helps organizations communicate value to win funding and clients. Learn more

Bart Slowik is the CEO of SylLab Systems, a space cybersecurity company specializing in satellite security, post-quantum cryptography, and secure software updates for space assets. He leads STAR (Space Test & Adversarial Readiness), SylLab's digital-twin adversarial testbed that helps satellite operators and defense programs validate cybersecurity posture before on-orbit operations. SylLab works across government, commercial, and academic sectors — holding active SBIR/STTR contracts with the U.S. Space Force while collaborating with industry partners including Lockheed Martin Space, RTX, and The Aerospace Corporation, as well as university research programs advancing next-generation space security. A Catalyst Accelerator alumnus,

Bart holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, the highest-level cybersecurity credential recognized under the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework. Bart is a frequent speaker on space cybersecurity, quantum resilience, and the imperative of securing the space supply chain against evolving nation-state threats. He is actively advancing SylLab's post-quantum cryptography solutions and secure software update capabilities to address the growing attack surface across military and commercial satellite constellations. Learn more

Lee Steinke is the Chief Operating Officer at CisLunar Industries, a Partner at Elara Nova Space Consultancy, and former Interim COO of Orbit Fab. She has performed in executive roles on contracts for NASA, DARPA, Space Force, AFRL, DIU, ISS National Lab, and multiple commercial customers. As a partner to Space Force and NewSpace Nexus, she led the Space Futures Workshop with Industry to explore commercial views on the future of space and document the implications of those views for US national security. She is a proud alumna of the National Security Seminar at the U.S. Army War College and has returned to the campus for subsequent appearances as a lecturer and panelist. Prior to working in aerospace and defense, she was an executive and licensed professional scientist in the energy industry, drilling and producing thousands of oil and natural gas wells during the Shale Revolution. Steinke serves on various boards, is well published on technical topics, and is a sought-after speaker and who has been featured on the TEDx stage. She holds an MBA from Wharton, an MS from Yale, and a BA with distinction from UNC- Chapel Hill. Learn more

Rick Tumlinson is Chairman and CEO of SpaceFund and a leading architect of the modern commercial space movement. A six-time congressional witness, he championed early commercialization of low Earth orbit, helped enable the first private astronaut mission, and co-founded key organizations like the Space Frontier Foundation. Through SpaceFund and the EarthLight Foundation, he continues to advance innovation, investment, and humanity’s expansion beyond Earth. Learn more

Michael Vargas is the Strategic Partnerships & Special Projects Lead for the Department of the Air Force Air & Space STEM Outreach Office through the Griffiss Institute. He previously served as Convergence Leader and Co–Principal Investigator for the Arizona STEM Acceleration Project at Arizona State University and is currently a Scholar in Residence with the ASU Center for Science and the Imagination. With more than 20 years of experience as a physics educator, Michael has led state and national initiatives to strengthen STEM ecosystems, elevate teacher leadership, and advance workforce pathways aligned to DOD critical technology areas. He is a Ph.D. candidate in STEM Education at Texas Tech University and now serves on the Arizona Space Commission. Learn more

Tina is Director of Government Affairs & Strategic Partnerships Lawrence Semiconductor, where she leads the company’s federal engagement and industry partnership strategy to advance mission-driven growth and strengthen national security through advanced semiconductor manufacturing. After launching her international relations career as an intern in the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Tina has become a central figure within Arizona’s international trade and diplomatic landscape.

She previously spent four years as Executive Director of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, transforming the organization into the state's premier foreign policy forum. Through her leadership, Tina advances foreign direct investment and strengthens Arizona’s position in global markets.

Tina’s commitment to the region is reflected in her extensive board service and community leadership. She chairs the Development Committee of the Arizona District Export Council and co-chairs the Ambassadors Ball committee, where she has helped guide the organization’s vision for the last five years. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Arizona Theatre Company, among others. Her contributions have been recognized with the 2022 City of Phoenix Global Citizen Award and her induction as an Honorary Commander for the Luke Air Force Base 56th Wing.

Born in Kosovo, Tina immigrated to the U.S. as a refugee following the Kosovo War. This lived experience informs her academic background, including a BA in Political Science from the University of Arizona and an MA in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University. Tina and her husband, Jonathan, recently welcomed a baby boy, growing their family alongside their border collie, Flynn. Learn more

Worth Wray is Chief Strategy Officer at Phantom Space Corporation, where he works closely with Co-Founders Jim Cantrell, Mike D’Angelo, and Chris Thompson to shape the company’s long-term strategic vision and guide its next phase of accelerated, capital-efficient growth. A seasoned global macro strategist and frontier technology investor with over 16 years of experience across public and private markets, Worth joined Phantom Space full-time in July 2025. He brings deep expertise in macroeconomic analysis, geopolitical strategy, and capital allocation through business and market cycles. A firm believer in the power of technology to open new frontiers — and in new frontiers to drive creative destruction — Worth sees the commercialization of space as the greatest market opportunity of the 21st century and the key to sustaining human freedom and prosperity for future generations. As Phantom Space works to expand commercial space access through vertical integration, mass production, and high launch cadence, Worth is focused on creating enduring shareholder value by initiating a flywheel of network effects in low Earth orbit with Phantom Cloud (the company’s proprietary data backhaul and computing infrastructure) and Phantom’s patent-pending Space App Store. To advance this vision, Worth champions Phantom’s capable team and innovative roadmap, forges critical strategic partnerships, and works relentlessly to position the company for capital-efficient development and scaling. Learn more

I am the Senior Director, Space Infrastructure for Viasat Engineering and find significant passion in leading highly powerful engineering teams. As a Director I am a global leader in our Space Infrastructure organization. I have been focused on helping Viasat achieve a significant offer in our Space business effectively aligning businesses with our cutting-edge engineering solutions and capabilities. Arizona has been focused since my 6-year tenure here on developing VS-3 and from that several other space flight programs from chip to systems have been developed. I previously completed a turnover as co- founder and CEO of STAX3D, Inc., a technology company that providing advanced 3D and 4IR technology solutions to clients K-Business.

My primary role in life is as a husband of 28 years to my wife Alisa and father to two beautiful daughters, Lauren 27, and Kayden 25. Watching as they learn and develop into the world is the driving force behind my motivations in my career and now, we have a tremendous opportunity to watch our grandsons Ethan and Cade similarly, age 3 and 7 months. What a joy!!! Learn more

Nick Nguyen is a senior Computer Systems Engineering student at ASU and co-founder of Orbitscape. He interned at Blue Origin last summer, where he developed and optimized avionics software for the New Glenn rocket's power module. Throughout his undergraduate studies, he gained his experience from his time at the Luminosity Lab as a Software Developer, where he drove system design, embedded software, and web development across robotics and defense security projects. He also served as Avionics Lead at ASU's Sun Devil Rocketry, building avionics systems for active-control rockets and liquid propulsion sequencing software. Passionate about space exploration, Nick is driven by a vision of making space travel more accessible and cost-effective. Learn more

Orbitscape
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Hello, my name is Oluwaseun Samuel Apesin, lead Advanced Technology Engineer & Founder of Torres Orbital Mining Inc (TOM). I was born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in Houston, Texas. I graduated from Lamar University on May 2022 with a bachelor degree focusing on Mechanical Engineering, also minoring in Business. I have a huge passion for technology and engineering with a desire to keep acquiring as much knowledge, skill and experience possible. I really enjoy learning new programming languages and softwares such as Python, SAP, AWS and Google which will help further my career in the engineering and tech industry. Learn more

Torres Orbital Mining Inc (TOM)
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Karla C. Dembik is the Founder & CEO of AEON Space U.S., a next frontier space-cybersecurity company focused on protecting space infrastructure and non-terrestrial networks. With over 20 years of experience in military intelligence and cybersecurity, she is shaping the strategy and global positioning of non-decrypt threat detection technologies adapted for satellite and AI-enabled systems. Her work is focused on advancing resilient security architectures ahead of emerging space-based vulnerabilities. Learn more

AEON Space
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Devyansh Shrivastava is Founder and CEO of KĀLIX Systems and its venture Taranis, developing autonomous navigation systems for GPS-denied environments. An Aerospace Engineering undergraduate at Arizona State University, he is a Research Assistant for the NASA Psyche Mission, previously working with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera. His current focus, Project ARGUS, uses LIDAR SLAM and sensor fusion for reliable navigation in lunar lava tubes, underground mines, and hostile terrain. Learn more

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Robert S. Katz is celebrated as a holistic astro-physicist trailblazer of community ecosystems…for Earth ecosystems. He enjoys crafting collaboration ‘cross industry, government, academia, labs, and allies thru his 501(c)(3) NGO, World Innovation Network (WIN), and its LaunchWERX and Strategic Earthshot Initiatives. Conceiver of the SOLUTIONneering™ construct and Space Tank™ competition, he sparks ASTROpreneurship and innovation instigation by permeating every societal sister-sector. As a systems-of-systems architect, he pioneered global email, wireless internet, GPS tracking, GEOINT for earthquake rescue, IoT, and SDI innovation. When not saving the planet with space, he saves her people as a tactical HAZMAT firefighter, paramedic, dive-rescuer, and swiftwater- specialist instructor. Ultimately, by synchronizing and cementing sustainable systems, sectors, societies, and states into our singular synergy of space, he shapes the spirited soul and bridging belief of his mission-motto: “There’s a Place… In Space… For Every Face.” Learn more

A former teacher, Nancy has become a recognized leader in transformative education and named one of the top 100 leaders in STEM education, serving as a featured speaker at national and international conferences. Her presentations include TED, MIT, and, the Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She also presented at the Global Diversity Leadership Conference at Harvard University and the National Modeling and Simulation Coalition conference in Washington, D.C. Nancy has also testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology detailing how the Conrad Foundation exemplifies the use of partnership to improve STEM education. She is the wife of late astronaut Pete Conrad, who during the Apollo 12 mission became the third man to walk on the Moon. Learn more

Rick Tumlinson is Chairman and CEO of SpaceFund and a leading architect of the modern commercial space movement. A six-time congressional witness, he championed early commercialization of low Earth orbit, helped enable the first private astronaut mission, and co-founded key organizations like the Space Frontier Foundation. Through SpaceFund and the EarthLight Foundation, he continues to advance innovation, investment, and humanity’s expansion beyond Earth. Learn more

Stephen spent 15 years in operations roles in telecom companies and has 25 years of experience as a technology-focused venture capitalist and angel investor. He recently retired from the NSF-funded Center for Quantum Networks at the University of Arizona. He is the founder and chair of the Arizona Space Business Roundtable. Learn more

Devin M. Patterson is the Director of Strategic Engagement at the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center, aligned with the Defense Innovation Unit. He works at the intersection of government and industry to transition dual-use technologies into operational environments. With a background in defense, intelligence, and aviation, Devin brings an execution-focused perspective to emerging aerospace systems, emphasizing real-world application, scalability, and alignment with mission needs. Learn more

Jack Roosa is a highly experienced defense and aerospace executive with over 40 years of leadership in advanced technologies, business execution, and innovative company growth strategies. He currently holds roles as the CEO of CM Laser Technologies and President of General Hypersonics – advancing next-generation hypersonic and laser capabilities for space and national defense. A former Raytheon Director overseeing major weapons programs, he is also a decorated U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and combat veteran, bringing deep operational and executive expertise to high-stakes innovation. Jack is an active angel investor and a member of Arizona Tech Investors. Learn more

Mr. Beck serves as the Principal of Space Technologies LTD; a space ecosystem consultancy strongly focused on creating, building, and innovating deep technology and sustainable systems into the growing space areas for defense and commercialization (dual use) in Southern California and beyond. Mr. Beck serves as founding Director of the first Defense Incubator Defence Works LTD strategically focused on building the Canadian supply chain and strengthening North American Security efforts. Along with serving as Director of Board of Directors for Space Innovation Canada (non-profit) focusing on building resiliency for space in Western Canada. He also serves as an Advisor for Deep Tech 1 premier investment fund located in the Washington DC area, raising capital to tackle the areas of funding for Deep Technology across consumer and governmental areas.

In addition, Mr. Beck is the founding Senior Principal Scientist for Autonomous Directive Ventures, an artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning technology start-up in the Washington, D.C, Metropolitan area, bridging the gap between using AI in transportation. Mr. Beck founded the Cole Chamberlain Holdings consultancy firm he has run for the past 15 years, also HUB Venture Partners, a small, privately owned venture capital firm created to encourage and facilitate a need to help engage start-ups in the underserved and underutilized communities. Along the journey to his present position, Mr. Beck has founded/co-founded or served as a board member to help shape over 35 start-up companies in education, science and technology, retail, film, and non-profit areas since 1997. Also, Mr. Beck served in several Branch Chief positions at USSF Space Systems Command, serving for almost 3 years creating the space industrial base emphasis needed to boost the space supply chain, accessibility to space, mobility onorbit/in-orbit, and logistical ways to support sustainability and national security efforts in space.

Before joining DoD, Mr. Beck worked at the U.S. Department of Transportation in various leadership positions. Afterwards, I served as a senior consultant working with a variety of start-up companies, including Marble, UJET, and Arrival, helping these companies plan their business in the U.S.’s sometimes challenging regulatory and compliance environment. His 30+ years of engineering and leadership experience span a range of areas, including electric vehicle design and wide-body aircraft auxiliary power systems. Mr. Beck holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as an MBA in Marketing. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo in Systems Engineering. Learn more

I work at the intersection of AI, quantum-resilient security, space systems, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, helping organizations move advanced technologies from concept to deployment—responsibly and at scale. My background spans secure communications, edge AI, post-quantum cryptography, and space-enabled infrastructure, with a consistent focus on solving hard problems where national security, public trust, and commercial viability overlap. I’m particularly interested in designing systems that are resilient to emerging threats like “harvest now, decrypt later,” while remaining operationally practical. Learn more

Dr. Elena Rocchi Clinical Professor at ASU, The Design School; Head of Space Architecture & Extreme Environments (SAEE); Faculty Affiliate at The Biomimicry Center; Former Fellow at Taliesin the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. She has been Senior Architect and Office Director of Miralles Tagliabue Associated Architects (1995/2008). She was awarded the AIA 2020 Educator of the Year Award, Arizona Chapter. Learn more