Welcome to
ARIZONA SPACE Congress™

ARIZONA SPACE Congress™ mobilizes leaders from across Arizona and beyond to shape the state’s space strategy.

We align leaders across industry, government, academia, entrepreneurship, and investment to create a shared vision and actionable strategy for Arizona’s space future.

Mobilization to Execution Method

1. Information: Context for global-to-local alignment
2. Investigation: Deep dives into priority focus solutions
3. Ideation: Rapid development and prioritized tactics
4. Implementation: Accountable action plans for execution

This method culminates in the creation of the Space Action Blueprint™ — the acceleration framework for Arizona’s space leadership across:

– space technology
– infrastructure
– power systems
– human frontiers

Location:
Hyatt Regency Downtown Phoenix
2nd Floor Atrium
122 N 2nd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Map

WELCOME REMARKS

Brett Mecum, Chairman, Arizona Space Commission

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Charlie McGillis, CEO, 2 Polaris & Beyond, LLC

BUILDING ARIZONA’S RISE AS A GLOBAL SPACE POWERHOUSE

Global leaders explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the space economy.

MODERATOR
• David Ariosto: Founder, Open Space Report, The Space Agency

PANELISTS
• Greg Autry: Space Czar, University of Central Florida
• Howard Chang: Executive Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia
• Namrata Goswami: Professor, Johns Hopkins University
• Bryce Kennedy: Executive Director, SpaceValley Foundation, International Telecommunication Union

SPACE EXPO // NETWORKING BREAK

BUILDING THE ARIZONA SPACE ECOSYSTEM

Local leaders share what’s needed to strengthen Arizona’s space ecosystem, from workforce and technology to infrastructure and energy resilience.

MODERATOR
• Colleen McLead Garner:Marketing & BD Capture Manager, Paragon Space Development Corporation

PANELISTS
• Jim Cantrell:CEO and Co-Founder, Phantom Space
• Dr. Tomas Diaz de la Rubia: Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships, University of Arizona
• Mark Greeley: President, CEO, Paragon Space Development Corporation
• Shruti Gurudanti: Partner & Director of Corporate Transactions & Space law, Rose Law Group
• Shawn Linam: CEO, Qwaltec

LUNCH // SPACE EXPO

ARIZONA SPACE 2030 I DEEP DIVES

Choose from four focused strategy sessions tailored to your interests, where participants collaborate on the key challenges and opportunities defining Arizona’s future in space.
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1.

TECHNOLOGY → Driving Space Innovation in Arizona and Beyond
Location: Phoenix Ballroom

MODERATOR
• Charles Adelman, CEO/Co-Founder, XRDNA

PANELISTS
• Zaheer Ali: Director and Professor of Space Commercialization and Strategy, Space Paladin and Partner, Space Outcomes
• Jeremiah Pate: Founder, CTO, Lunasonde
• Ali Torabi: CEO, Lawrence Semiconductor
• Worth Wray: CSO, Phantom Space
• Jason Yocum: Senior Director, Space Infrastructure, Viasat Inc.

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2.

POWER SYSTEMS → Powering the Future Frontier, from Arizona for the Nation
Location: Hanson Ballroom

MODERATOR
• Lisa Godzich: Founder and CEO, ASTRO Strategy Group

PANELISTS
• Elliott Bryner: Associate Professor and Chair, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Ubaldo Ciminieri: Chief of Staff, CisLunar Industries
• Troy Howe: President, Howe Industries, LLC
• Lee Steinke: Chief Operating Officer, CisLunar Industries

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3.

INFRASTRUCTURE → Building Arizona’s Space Backbone
Location: Cowboy Artists Ballroom

MODERATOR
• David Beck: Principal, Space Technologies Limited

PANELISTS
• Andrew Ermitano: SpaceWERX Ventures Deputy, United States Space Force
• Lisa Morris: Vice President, Supply Chain, Virgin Galactic
• Douglas Nicholls: Mayor, City of Yuma

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4.

HUMAN FRONTIERS → Shaping Arizona’s Space Talent and Advancing Scientific Discovery
Location: Ellis Ballroom

MODERATOR
• Michael Vargas: Strategic Partnerships Lead Air and Space STEM Outreach, Griffiss Institute

PANELISTS
• Omar Alam, RF Communication Engineer, Blue Origin
• Erika Hamden: Professor & Director, UA Space Institute, University of Arizona
• Amanda Hendrix: Director & CEO, Planetary Science Institute
• Laurie Leshin: University Professor of Space Futures, Arizona State University
• Michelle Lucas: Founder & CEO, Higher Orbits

SPACE EXPO // NETWORKING BREAK

ARIZONA SPACE 2030 I SOLUTIONS

An interactive solutions sprint to define Arizona’s priorities for the next four years in the space economy. Participants will collaborate, generate ideas, and vote on the most critical actions to drive statewide success.

FACILITATED BY ARIZONA SPACE SCHOLARS
Led by Imron Bouley, ASU

Nina Medanic, Aerospace Engineering, ASU
Chloe Billet, Astronomy, U of A
Mae Carrington, Aerospace Engineering, ASU
Madison Rix, Aerospace Engineering / SESE, ASU
Ulugbek Tillaev, Astronomy, U of A
Nick Woo, Political Science, ASU
Zach Booth, Mechanical Engineering, ASU
Hailey Osborne, Electrical Engineering, Embry-Riddle
Sadie Cullings, Aerospace Engineering, ASU
Alex Jacapraro, Aerospace Engineering, ASU
Mason Davis, Aerospace Engineering, ASU
Dhruv Rebba, Political Science, ASU
Gabriel Garcia, Aerospace Engineering, ASU
Ysabella McAuliffe, Aerospace Engineering, ASU
Priscilla Munoz, Aerospace Engineering, ASU
Sophia Skiba, Astronomical/Planetary Sciences, ASU/CGCC
Mia Ruiz, Aerospace Engineering, ASU
Sydney Waschler, High School Student


LOCATIONS

Technology I Phoenix Ballroom

Power Systems I Hanson Ballroom

Infrastructure I Cowboy Artists Ballroom

Human Frontiers I Ellis Ballroom

National space innovation program launches statewide call for founders, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate Arizona’s growing space economy

World Innovation Network (WIN) announced its flagship Space Tank™ innovation competition will debut in Arizona as the closing program of Arizona Space Congress™, taking place April 29, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Phoenix.

Developed by World Innovation Network, Space Tank™ is an international collaboration competition designed to accelerate commercialization of emerging space technologies and dual-use innovations. The program brings together founders, investors, government leaders, universities, and aerospace companies in a statewide effort to advance Arizona’s position as a leading U.S. space innovation hub.

Pinnacle of the Congress - Space Tank™: Arizona Edition

Arizona Space Congress™ culminates in Space Tank™: Arizona Edition, the live, on-stage ASTROpreneurial collaboration-competition created and produced by Robert S. Katz, CEO & Executive Director of World Innovation Network (WIN). As the only non-profit, international non-governmental organization (NGO) space think tank, WIN assembles architects and advocates to activate space innovation ecosystems. With over 360 global collaborators, including the United States Space Force and the NASA International Space Apps Challenge, WIN spearheads the SOLUTIONneering™ of game-changing breakthroughs addressing the most critical Earth imperatives.

Space Tank™ - Where Ambition Meets Activation

Renowned as “Shark Tank at Ludicrous Light-Speed,” this rocket-fueled super-session propels an elite crew of ASTROpreneurs into the space spotlight. These visionary founders go head-to-head, unveiling disruptive, dual-use breakthroughs to a "Launch Control" panel of industry titans, orbital experts, and strategic investors. Inside this high-stakes gauntlet, bold solutions fuse with the coaching, community, collaboration, capital, and creativity needed for the safety and security of our final frontier. 

Featured Tech-Targets include:

Satellites & Sensing

Propulsion & Power

Robotics & Autonomy

Space & Terrestrial Infrastructure

Join the Mission: Call for ASTROpreneurs

Universities, corporations, investors, incubators/accelerators, and all other Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) are invited to partner by nominating their entrepreneurial teams with “The Right Stuff” to represent them within the arena.

To spark broad participation, Robert S. Katz will host a series of optional Space Tank™: Mission Readiness Pre-Briefings for prospective partners and presenters, including potential mentors, advisors, coaches, and judges.

Please find details and registration at win.ngo/az or select a session directly:

• March 1 I 7:00 pm MT I 9:00 pm ET

• March 3 I 12:00 pm MT  I 2:00 pm ET

Space Tank™ Applications Now Open - Apply by April 8, 2026

Eligible founders and partners are encouraged to apply: win.ngo/az. Selected teams and judges will be notified April 10, 2026, and will present live at Arizona Space Congress™ on April 29, 2026, with complimentary full-access registration.

State Awards & National Advancement

Founders compete for the inaugural Arizona Space Congress™ Innovation Impact Medal, a hallmark of excellence and recognition, which will be awarded at the Supernova Gala. Space Rising prides itself on accelerating access to priceless support across Arizona’s rich statewide ecosystem, ensuring every innovator continues to soar well beyond the stage. The top ASTROpreneurial Team advances to the Space Tank™: National Final Championship on December 4 - 6, 2026, at EarthLight Foundation’s New Worlds Faire in Houston, featuring planned programming with NASA Johnson Space Center.

Location:
2nd Floor Atrium Stage

CHAMPAGNE WELCOME

Supernova Gala brings together leaders across the space ecosystem for an inspiring evening dedicated to the future of space. As a signature fundraising event, it supports multiple space-focused STEM/STEAM nonprofits, investing in the next generation of space-ready talent.

Benefiting Nonprofits:

Higher Orbits
Additional programs forthcoming

Location
Hyatt Regency Downtown Phoenix
2nd Floor Atrium
Map

Black Tie or Cocktail Attire
Come Dressed for the Future!

DINNER SERVED

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Robert S. Katz
CEO & Executive Director
World Innovation Network (WIN)

Building global innovation ecosystems for critical technologies.

AWARD PRESENTATIONS

Space Tank Awards
Arizona Space Commission Awards

SILENT AUCTION

Elevate our future workforce with every bid. Every dollar raised fuels space STEM/STEAM initiatives.

CLOSING SOCIAL HOUR