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

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

Captain Andrew Ermitano is the Ventures Deputy Chief at SpaceWERX, where he manages the Space Force’s ~$470 million SBIR/STTR investment portfolio supporting innovative space technologies. He previously served as Chief of Business Operations for Space Systems Command’s Chief Information Office (S6) and as a Contracting Officer with the Air Force Test Center. 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

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

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

Lisa is the Vice President of Supply Chain at Virgin Galactic. Full bio is forthcoming. 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

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

Ali Torabi is CEO and Co-Owner of Lawrence Semiconductor, a U.S.-based advanced materials manufacturer that plays a critical enabling role in the global semiconductor supply chain. Since acquiring the company in 2022, he has led its transformation into an innovation-driven enterprise specializing in Group IV semiconductor materials and devices, supporting customers across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Founded in 1992, Lawrence Semiconductor has a long-standing track record of bridging early-stage research and high-reliability production for commercial and government partners. Under Ali’s leadership, the company has successfully leveraged federal research programs, including multiple SBIR awards, to transition advanced materials and device technologies from laboratory development into scalable manufacturing platforms supporting defense, aerospace, and emerging commercial applications.

Ali brings more than two decades of experience in deep-tech commercialization, with prior roles at IBM Corporation and Array Photonics, where he led international partnerships and helped expand capabilities in space power systems and infrared photonics. In addition to his industry leadership, he serves on nonprofit boards focused on education and community development and is active in regional economic growth initiatives. Ali holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Boston College and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. 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

Worth Wray is the Chief Strategy Officer of Phantom Space Corporation, bringing a wealth of expertise in global macroeconomic analysis, geopolitical strategy, and capital allocation to propel the company into its next era of innovation and expansion. With over 16 years of experience in public and private markets, Worth is tasked with guiding Phantom’s Space’s strategic initiatives, including capital-efficient scaling, forging key partnerships, and driving long-term value creation. 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