About CSF

Jackie Jester is the Senior Manager, Government Affairs at Relativity Space. In this role, Jackie leads Relativity’s Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C. and guides policy engagement with all branches and levels of government.

Prior to joining Relativity, Jackie served as a Policy Advisor at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, where she advised the Associate Administrator for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs on legislative and policy matters. She also served as a Policy Advisor at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, advising the Director on space policy issues and serving as co-chair of the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation interagency working group.

Jackie also served as a professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Her portfolio included aviation operations and safety policy, with a focus on unmanned aircraft systems, as well as civil space policy, and she played a lead role in the drafting and negotiating of numerous pieces of legislation. She has also spent time in state government as the Chief Legislative Aide to a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Jackie is a graduate of Boston College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and minored in economics and international studies.

Jackie Jester is the Senior Manager, Government Affairs at Relativity Space. In this role, Jackie leads Relativity’s Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C. and guides policy engagement with all branches and levels of government.

Prior to joining Relativity, Jackie served as a Policy Advisor at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, where she advised the Associate Administrator for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs on legislative and policy matters. She also served as a Policy Advisor at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, advising the Director on space policy issues and serving as co-chair of the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation interagency working group.

Jackie also served as a professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Her portfolio included aviation operations and safety policy, with a focus on unmanned aircraft systems, as well as civil space policy, and she played a lead role in the drafting and negotiating of numerous pieces of legislation. She has also spent time in state government as the Chief Legislative Aide to a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Jackie is a graduate of Boston College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and minored in economics and international studies.

Mark Mozena is the Senior Director of Government Affairs for Planet in Washington, D.C. where he leads Planet’s government relations and policy efforts with Congress and U.S. Government Agencies.  Before joining Planet, Mark worked for United Launch Alliance (ULA) where he handled the civil space portfolio and led government relations with NASA, NOAA, and the FAA. Prior to ULA, Mark worked for Representative Michael Honda (D-Silicon Valley, CA) in Washington, D.C. Mark initially joined the Congressman as an AAAS Congressional Science & Technology Policy Fellow before transitioning to permanent staff. As a Senior Policy Advisor, Mark managed the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee for Congressman Honda who served as the Subcommittee’s Ranking Member. Before working on Capitol Hill, Mark received his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of California, Santa Cruz where his research focused on galaxy evolution. As the son of a US diplomat, Mark spent much of his childhood living in South Asia and southern Africa before going to Rice University in Houston, Texas for his bachelor’s degree. Following Rice, Mark taught high school physics with Teach For America in St. Louis, Missouri before moving to California for graduate school.

Mark Mozena is the Senior Director of Government Affairs for Planet in Washington, D.C. where he leads Planet’s government relations and policy efforts with Congress and U.S. Government Agencies.  Before joining Planet, Mark worked for United Launch Alliance (ULA) where he handled the civil space portfolio and led government relations with NASA, NOAA, and the FAA. Prior to ULA, Mark worked for Representative Michael Honda (D-Silicon Valley, CA) in Washington, D.C. Mark initially joined the Congressman as an AAAS Congressional Science & Technology Policy Fellow before transitioning to permanent staff. As a Senior Policy Advisor, Mark managed the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee for Congressman Honda who served as the Subcommittee’s Ranking Member. Before working on Capitol Hill, Mark received his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of California, Santa Cruz where his research focused on galaxy evolution. As the son of a US diplomat, Mark spent much of his childhood living in South Asia and southern Africa before going to Rice University in Houston, Texas for his bachelor’s degree. Following Rice, Mark taught high school physics with Teach For America in St. Louis, Missouri before moving to California for graduate school.

Mike Gold is the Executive Vice President for Civil Space and External Affairs at Redwire Space. In this capacity Mr. Gold supports the company’s business development efforts as well as government and media relations. Prior to joining Redwire Space, Mr. Gold was NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Policy and Partnerships and also served as Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of International and Interagency Relations. Before joining NASA, Gold was Vice President of Civil Space at MAXAR Technologies and General Counsel for the company’s Radiant Solutions Business Unit. Gold also spent thirteen years at Bigelow Aerospace where he established the company’s Washington office, oversaw the launches of the Genesis 1 and 2 spacecraft, and was a recipient of a NASA Group Achievement award for his role in the development and deployment of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) on the International Space Station. In 2012, Gold was appointed Chair of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee, holding this position until joining NASA in 2019. In 2018, Mr. Gold was appointed to the NASA Advisory Council and served as Chair of its Regulatory and Policy Committee. In 2021, Gold was awarded NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal in recognition for his leadership of the Artemis Accords, the Gateway MOUs, and other interagency policy development and coordination efforts. Gold has authored three law review articles on the topic of commercial space and export control reform and has testified several times before the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate as a commercial space expert. Gold graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia and the State of New York.

Mike Gold is the Executive Vice President for Civil Space and External Affairs at Redwire Space. In this capacity Mr. Gold supports the company’s business development efforts as well as government and media relations. Prior to joining Redwire Space, Mr. Gold was NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Policy and Partnerships and also served as Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of International and Interagency Relations. Before joining NASA, Gold was Vice President of Civil Space at MAXAR Technologies and General Counsel for the company’s Radiant Solutions Business Unit. Gold also spent thirteen years at Bigelow Aerospace where he established the company’s Washington office, oversaw the launches of the Genesis 1 and 2 spacecraft, and was a recipient of a NASA Group Achievement award for his role in the development and deployment of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) on the International Space Station. In 2012, Gold was appointed Chair of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee, holding this position until joining NASA in 2019. In 2018, Mr. Gold was appointed to the NASA Advisory Council and served as Chair of its Regulatory and Policy Committee. In 2021, Gold was awarded NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal in recognition for his leadership of the Artemis Accords, the Gateway MOUs, and other interagency policy development and coordination efforts. Gold has authored three law review articles on the topic of commercial space and export control reform and has testified several times before the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate as a commercial space expert. Gold graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia and the State of New York.

Sirisha Bandla currently works as the Vice President of Government Affairs and Research
Operations for Virgin Galactic. In this role, Sirisha oversees legislative, regulatory, and
government business priorities for the company, as well as work with research customers to fly science and technology experiments on VG’s SpaceShip class of vehicles.

Previously, Sirisha served as the Associate Director for the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, an industry association of commercial spaceflight companies. At CSF, Sirisha worked on various policies with the aim to promote and enable the then emerging commercial space industry. Before CSF, she worked as an aerospace engineer designing components for advanced aircraft at L-3 Communications in Greenville, Texas.

Sirisha has a Bachelors of Science degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering from
Purdue and holds a Masters of Business Administration from the George Washington
University. Sirisha serves on the Board of American Society for Gravitational and Space
Research, American Astronautical Society, and the Future Space Leaders Foundation.
Sirisha also helps to organize the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program, an internship
and mentorship program that provides summer opportunities to current college juniors, seniors, and graduate students passionate about commercial spaceflight.

Sirisha Bandla currently works as the Vice President of Government Affairs and Research
Operations for Virgin Galactic. In this role, Sirisha oversees legislative, regulatory, and
government business priorities for the company, as well as work with research customers to fly science and technology experiments on VG’s SpaceShip class of vehicles.

Previously, Sirisha served as the Associate Director for the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, an industry association of commercial spaceflight companies. At CSF, Sirisha worked on various policies with the aim to promote and enable the then emerging commercial space industry. Before CSF, she worked as an aerospace engineer designing components for advanced aircraft at L-3 Communications in Greenville, Texas.

Sirisha has a Bachelors of Science degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering from
Purdue and holds a Masters of Business Administration from the George Washington
University. Sirisha serves on the Board of American Society for Gravitational and Space
Research, American Astronautical Society, and the Future Space Leaders Foundation.
Sirisha also helps to organize the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program, an internship
and mentorship program that provides summer opportunities to current college juniors, seniors, and graduate students passionate about commercial spaceflight.

Karen Yasumura Cox joined Maxar in 2014 and serves as Vice President of Government Relations & Public Policy. Ms. Cox oversees the company’s federal, state and local legislative and policy agendas.

Ms. Cox was previously Manager of Government Affairs at Intelsat, where she also chaired the company’s Political Action Committee. Prior to that she was a policy advisor in the U.S. Senate and a legislative analyst for the U.S. Air Force. She has been a company representative to the Satellite Industry Association, a Board Member of the Washington Space Business Roundtable and an officer for Women in Aerospace.

Ms. Cox holds a Masters of National Security Policy from the Naval War College and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Leadership from the University of Denver.

Karen Yasumura Cox joined Maxar in 2014 and serves as Vice President of Government Relations & Public Policy. Ms. Cox oversees the company’s federal, state and local legislative and policy agendas.

Ms. Cox was previously Manager of Government Affairs at Intelsat, where she also chaired the company’s Political Action Committee. Prior to that she was a policy advisor in the U.S. Senate and a legislative analyst for the U.S. Air Force. She has been a company representative to the Satellite Industry Association, a Board Member of the Washington Space Business Roundtable and an officer for Women in Aerospace.

Ms. Cox holds a Masters of National Security Policy from the Naval War College and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Leadership from the University of Denver.

Mat Dunn is the Senior Director, Global Government Affairs at SpaceX. In this position, Mat coordinates federal legislative and executive agency affairs for SpaceX’s Global Business and Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C., with a focus on defense policy, national security space launch, civil space, export issues, satellite and spectrum policy issues, coalitions, and policies to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. space industry. Mat also supports international market access and global government affairs for SpaceX’s Starlink program. Additionally, Mat manages state and local government relations for the company, and oversees political affairs for SpaceX. Mat previously served as the Chairman of the National Security Space Committee at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and is past Chairman of the Regulatory Committee at the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF).

Prior to joining SpaceX in January 2011, Mat was the Legislative Director for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), where he led the Washington Operations for the leading trade association for the $40 billion North American marine industry. Prior to this, Mat worked at the Center for Health Policy & Legislative Analysis (HPLA), an internal think tank at The MayaTech Corporation.

Mat is a graduate (cum laude) of The Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, where he was a nationally-ranked intercollegiate debater. He holds a Master of Arts in Irish Fiction from the Institute for Irish Studies, Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Mat Dunn is the Senior Director, Global Government Affairs at SpaceX. In this position, Mat coordinates federal legislative and executive agency affairs for SpaceX’s Global Business and Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C., with a focus on defense policy, national security space launch, civil space, export issues, satellite and spectrum policy issues, coalitions, and policies to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. space industry. Mat also supports international market access and global government affairs for SpaceX’s Starlink program. Additionally, Mat manages state and local government relations for the company, and oversees political affairs for SpaceX. Mat previously served as the Chairman of the National Security Space Committee at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and is past Chairman of the Regulatory Committee at the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF).

Prior to joining SpaceX in January 2011, Mat was the Legislative Director for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), where he led the Washington Operations for the leading trade association for the $40 billion North American marine industry. Prior to this, Mat worked at the Center for Health Policy & Legislative Analysis (HPLA), an internal think tank at The MayaTech Corporation.

Mat is a graduate (cum laude) of The Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, where he was a nationally-ranked intercollegiate debater. He holds a Master of Arts in Irish Fiction from the Institute for Irish Studies, Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Dr. Janet L. Kavandi serves as the President of SNC subsidiary Sierra Space in Louisville, Colorado. There, she is responsible for the company’s space programs, including the Dream Chaser® spaceplane, which is under contract to deliver supplies to the International Space Station beginning in 2021. Dream Chaser is a winged vehicle and the only resupply vehicle capable of landing on a commercial runway.

Prior to her current position, Dr. Kavandi served as Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s John H. Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. In this position, she was responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities required for cutting-edge research on aerospace and aeronautical propulsion, power, and communication technologies.

Prior to accepting the Director position, Dr. Kavandi served as Glenn’s Deputy Director. Before her time at Glenn, Dr. Kavandi worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where she served as the Director of Flight Crew Operations. In this role, she was responsible for the Astronaut Corps and Aircraft Operations at Ellington Field. Dr. Kavandi also served as the Deputy Director of the Health and Human Performance Directorate, where she was responsible for the NASA flight surgeons and human research investigations on the International Space Station (ISS).

Dr. Kavandi was selected as a NASA astronaut in December 1994 as a member of the fifteenth class of U.S. astronauts. During her time in the Astronaut Office, she supported International Space Station payload integration, capsule communications, robotics and served as Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. She is a veteran of three space flights, serving as a mission specialist on STS-91 in 1998, STS-99 in 2000 and STS-104 in 2001. Dr. Kavandi has logged more than 33 days in space, traveling more than 13.1 million miles in 535 Earth orbits.

Born in Springfield, Missouri, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, a Master of Science degree in chemistry from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, and her Doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Kavandi has been recognized with two Presidential Rank Awards, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, two Exceptional Service Medals, three NASA Space Flight Medals, and NASA’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal. She was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2019. Dr. Kavandi and her husband, John, have two adult children.

Dr. Janet L. Kavandi serves as the President of SNC subsidiary Sierra Space in Louisville, Colorado. There, she is responsible for the company’s space programs, including the Dream Chaser® spaceplane, which is under contract to deliver supplies to the International Space Station beginning in 2021. Dream Chaser is a winged vehicle and the only resupply vehicle capable of landing on a commercial runway.

Prior to her current position, Dr. Kavandi served as Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s John H. Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. In this position, she was responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities required for cutting-edge research on aerospace and aeronautical propulsion, power, and communication technologies.

Prior to accepting the Director position, Dr. Kavandi served as Glenn’s Deputy Director. Before her time at Glenn, Dr. Kavandi worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where she served as the Director of Flight Crew Operations. In this role, she was responsible for the Astronaut Corps and Aircraft Operations at Ellington Field. Dr. Kavandi also served as the Deputy Director of the Health and Human Performance Directorate, where she was responsible for the NASA flight surgeons and human research investigations on the International Space Station (ISS).

Dr. Kavandi was selected as a NASA astronaut in December 1994 as a member of the fifteenth class of U.S. astronauts. During her time in the Astronaut Office, she supported International Space Station payload integration, capsule communications, robotics and served as Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. She is a veteran of three space flights, serving as a mission specialist on STS-91 in 1998, STS-99 in 2000 and STS-104 in 2001. Dr. Kavandi has logged more than 33 days in space, traveling more than 13.1 million miles in 535 Earth orbits.

Born in Springfield, Missouri, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, a Master of Science degree in chemistry from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, and her Doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Kavandi has been recognized with two Presidential Rank Awards, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, two Exceptional Service Medals, three NASA Space Flight Medals, and NASA’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal. She was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2019. Dr. Kavandi and her husband, John, have two adult children.

Jim Cooper, as the Lead for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Solutions at COMSPOC
Corp, supports strategy and business development and execution, as well as marketing and sales, to deliver commercial SSA solutions to government, military, and commercial organizations worldwide, including the strategic pursuit and development of large, long-term program opportunities and enterprise accounts. Jim has over 30 years of professional experience in SSA policy, operations, international engagement, and funding support, spanning active duty military, military contractor, and commercial enterprises.

Prior to the establishment of COMSPOC Corp. as a separate entity in 2020, Jim conducted similar duties for Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI), an Ansys Company, for four years.
COMSPOC Corp is a global leader in SSA, as well as Space Domain Awareness and Space Traffic Coordination and Management. Through the first-of-its-kind commercial SSA center, COMSPOC delivers accurate, precise, and timely SSA to address current and emerging challenges in today’s space environment. COMSPOC Corp. operates the Commercial Space Operations Center, the Space Data Center, and the free space safety service CelesTrak, and provides staffing and
resources for the Center for Space Standards and Innovation, its research arm, and the Space Safety Coalition.

Prior to joining AGI, Jim provided SETA support for 16 years to HQ USAF/A3 and for 3 years to HQ AFSPC/A3 in the SSA mission area. In this capacity, he advocated for SSA in the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process, supported SSA operational concerns and policy development, and conducted international engagement in SSA for the AF/A3.

After graduating with a B.S from the US Air Force Academy in 1985, Jim served in the USAF for 8 years as an Orbital Analyst in the Space Surveillance Center at Cheyenne Mountain AFB, CO, and a Master Instructor for Undergraduate Space Training at Lowry AFB, CO. Upon separating from the USAF, he worked as a commercial diver for 4 years in
marine oilfield support and inland marine facility inspection.

Jim Cooper, as the Lead for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Solutions at COMSPOC
Corp, supports strategy and business development and execution, as well as marketing and sales, to deliver commercial SSA solutions to government, military, and commercial organizations worldwide, including the strategic pursuit and development of large, long-term program opportunities and enterprise accounts. Jim has over 30 years of professional experience in SSA policy, operations, international engagement, and funding support, spanning active duty military, military contractor, and commercial enterprises.

Prior to the establishment of COMSPOC Corp. as a separate entity in 2020, Jim conducted similar duties for Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI), an Ansys Company, for four years.
COMSPOC Corp is a global leader in SSA, as well as Space Domain Awareness and Space Traffic Coordination and Management. Through the first-of-its-kind commercial SSA center, COMSPOC delivers accurate, precise, and timely SSA to address current and emerging challenges in today’s space environment. COMSPOC Corp. operates the Commercial Space Operations Center, the Space Data Center, and the free space safety service CelesTrak, and provides staffing and
resources for the Center for Space Standards and Innovation, its research arm, and the Space Safety Coalition.

Prior to joining AGI, Jim provided SETA support for 16 years to HQ USAF/A3 and for 3 years to HQ AFSPC/A3 in the SSA mission area. In this capacity, he advocated for SSA in the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process, supported SSA operational concerns and policy development, and conducted international engagement in SSA for the AF/A3.

After graduating with a B.S from the US Air Force Academy in 1985, Jim served in the USAF for 8 years as an Orbital Analyst in the Space Surveillance Center at Cheyenne Mountain AFB, CO, and a Master Instructor for Undergraduate Space Training at Lowry AFB, CO. Upon separating from the USAF, he worked as a commercial diver for 4 years in
marine oilfield support and inland marine facility inspection.

Megan Mitchell is the Vice President of Government Relations for Blue Origin, a private space company developing vehicles and technologies that dramatically improve access to space for people and payloads.

Megan leads the company’s engagement with Congress and the executive branch in the interest of Blue Origin’s public policy priorities, including civil, national security and commercial space transportation.

Prior to joining Blue in 2015, Megan worked for the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation for six years. She concurrently served as the Space & Aeronautics Fellow to the Chairman of the Space Subcommittee in the House of Representatives from 2012-2013, before joining the Chairman’s permanent staff in 2014.

Megan studied at the International Space University (ISU) Summer Studies Program in Strasburg, France in 2010 and worked with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office in Anchorage,
Alaska, in 2007. Previous to that Megan was a Project Engineer for Lockheed Martin in Anchorage, Alaska, where she was responsible for the Weather Camera Program and working with the FAA NextGen and ADS-B technology programs.

Megan holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the
University of California, Los Angeles and Utah State University, respectively, and a Certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University.

Megan Mitchell is the Vice President of Government Relations for Blue Origin, a private space company developing vehicles and technologies that dramatically improve access to space for people and payloads.

Megan leads the company’s engagement with Congress and the executive branch in the interest of Blue Origin’s public policy priorities, including civil, national security and commercial space transportation.

Prior to joining Blue in 2015, Megan worked for the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation for six years. She concurrently served as the Space & Aeronautics Fellow to the Chairman of the Space Subcommittee in the House of Representatives from 2012-2013, before joining the Chairman’s permanent staff in 2014.

Megan studied at the International Space University (ISU) Summer Studies Program in Strasburg, France in 2010 and worked with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office in Anchorage,
Alaska, in 2007. Previous to that Megan was a Project Engineer for Lockheed Martin in Anchorage, Alaska, where she was responsible for the Weather Camera Program and working with the FAA NextGen and ADS-B technology programs.

Megan holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the
University of California, Los Angeles and Utah State University, respectively, and a Certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University.

Dan serves as the Chief Financial Officer of ABL Space Systems, which he co-founded in 2017 to develop low-cost space launch systems. In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Piemont directs ABL’s corporate strategy, business development, government relations, mission management, and business operations. Mr. Piemont previously held several positions in the venture capital and investment banking industries.

Dan serves as the Chief Financial Officer of ABL Space Systems, which he co-founded in 2017 to develop low-cost space launch systems. In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Piemont directs ABL’s corporate strategy, business development, government relations, mission management, and business operations. Mr. Piemont previously held several positions in the venture capital and investment banking industries.

Jim Bell is a professor in the School of Earth & Space Exploration at Arizona State University, and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Astronomy at Cornell University, and a Distinguished Visiting Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He is an active astronomer and planetary scientist who has been involved in a number of robotic solar system exploration missions and investigations using the Hubble Space Telescope, Mars rovers, the Voyager missions, and orbiters sent to Mars, the Moon, and several asteroids. His research focuses on the use of remote sensing imaging and spectroscopy to assess the geology, composition, and mineralogy of the surfaces of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Jim is the President of the Board of Directors of The Planetary Society, and is also an author of popular science books related to space exploration, including  Postcards from Mars, The Space Book, The Interstellar Age, and The Ultimate Interplanetary Travel Guide.

Bell has a dual B.S. from Caltech in Aeronautics and Geological & Planetary Sciences, and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii in Geology & Geophysics. When not studying the solar system through the eyes of robotic avatars, he is an avid baseball fan and player, and an occasional Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddler.

Jim Bell is a professor in the School of Earth & Space Exploration at Arizona State University, and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Astronomy at Cornell University, and a Distinguished Visiting Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He is an active astronomer and planetary scientist who has been involved in a number of robotic solar system exploration missions and investigations using the Hubble Space Telescope, Mars rovers, the Voyager missions, and orbiters sent to Mars, the Moon, and several asteroids. His research focuses on the use of remote sensing imaging and spectroscopy to assess the geology, composition, and mineralogy of the surfaces of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Jim is the President of the Board of Directors of The Planetary Society, and is also an author of popular science books related to space exploration, including  Postcards from Mars, The Space Book, The Interstellar Age, and The Ultimate Interplanetary Travel Guide.

Bell has a dual B.S. from Caltech in Aeronautics and Geological & Planetary Sciences, and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii in Geology & Geophysics. When not studying the solar system through the eyes of robotic avatars, he is an avid baseball fan and player, and an occasional Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddler.

A national influence in space policy and programs for more than two decades, Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar directs Axiom’s work with local, state, and federal government authorities as their Executive Vice President for Government Affairs. As Axiom is a key partner in NASA’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Commercialization strategy, enabling not only economic development of LEO but also the exploration of deep space, she liaises directly as a thought leader with the U.S. government’s executive and legislative branches.

Dr. Dittmar founded and was most recently President & CEO of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration, an industry trade group of more than 60 companies supporting NASA’s programs in human exploration and science and promoting space commerce and the development of space technology. Her previous experience includes roles as Senior Policy Advisor for the ISS National Laboratory, Member of the Board of Directors at the American Astronautical Society, and managing the Flight Operations Group and serving as the Chief Scientist for Commercial Payloads on the ISS Program at Boeing.

The most consequential committees in the space industry count Dr. Dittmar as a member: the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group, the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC), and the Executive Committee for the Space Studies Board of the National Academies of Science (6-year term ends May, 2021). A holder of B.A. and M.A. degrees in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Human Factors from the University of Cincinnati, she is also Fellow of the National Research Society and an Associate Fellow of AIAA and previously served on the National Research Council’s Committee on Human Spaceflight.

A national influence in space policy and programs for more than two decades, Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar directs Axiom’s work with local, state, and federal government authorities as their Executive Vice President for Government Affairs. As Axiom is a key partner in NASA’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Commercialization strategy, enabling not only economic development of LEO but also the exploration of deep space, she liaises directly as a thought leader with the U.S. government’s executive and legislative branches.

Dr. Dittmar founded and was most recently President & CEO of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration, an industry trade group of more than 60 companies supporting NASA’s programs in human exploration and science and promoting space commerce and the development of space technology. Her previous experience includes roles as Senior Policy Advisor for the ISS National Laboratory, Member of the Board of Directors at the American Astronautical Society, and managing the Flight Operations Group and serving as the Chief Scientist for Commercial Payloads on the ISS Program at Boeing.

The most consequential committees in the space industry count Dr. Dittmar as a member: the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group, the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC), and the Executive Committee for the Space Studies Board of the National Academies of Science (6-year term ends May, 2021). A holder of B.A. and M.A. degrees in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Human Factors from the University of Cincinnati, she is also Fellow of the National Research Society and an Associate Fellow of AIAA and previously served on the National Research Council’s Committee on Human Spaceflight.

Matt Bocchino is the Managing Director of Cecil Spaceport. Matt’s 15-year aviation and aerospace career spans the spectrum of airport management, from small general aviation to commercial service airports. Prior to his promotion to the Managing Director of Cecil Spaceport, Matt’s most recent position was in the Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s Business Development Department, where he negotiated leases and operating permits with potential spaceport launch operators.

Matt previously worked at Cecil Air and Spaceport as a Marketing & Development Specialist. He helped create Cecil Spaceport’s Strategic Business Plan as well as Cecil Air and Spaceport’s Marketing Plan. Matt also held positions at Herlong Recreational Airport, Jacksonville International Airport, and Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport.

In 2020, Matt was recognized by Airport Business as one of its “Top 40 Under 40.” He is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and a certificated private pilot. Matt earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Jacksonville University. His proudest accomplishment was marrying his wife, Sarah and raising their three children Emma, Charlie and Amelia.

Matt Bocchino is the Managing Director of Cecil Spaceport. Matt’s 15-year aviation and aerospace career spans the spectrum of airport management, from small general aviation to commercial service airports. Prior to his promotion to the Managing Director of Cecil Spaceport, Matt’s most recent position was in the Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s Business Development Department, where he negotiated leases and operating permits with potential spaceport launch operators.

Matt previously worked at Cecil Air and Spaceport as a Marketing & Development Specialist. He helped create Cecil Spaceport’s Strategic Business Plan as well as Cecil Air and Spaceport’s Marketing Plan. Matt also held positions at Herlong Recreational Airport, Jacksonville International Airport, and Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport.

In 2020, Matt was recognized by Airport Business as one of its “Top 40 Under 40.” He is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and a certificated private pilot. Matt earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Jacksonville University. His proudest accomplishment was marrying his wife, Sarah and raising their three children Emma, Charlie and Amelia.

Laurie Provin is the Partnership Services Manager at the Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), manager of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory (ISS NL). In her current position, she is responsible for working with the lab’s Implementation Partners and Commercial Service Providers to enable a broad range of scientific research and technology demonstrations using the unique microgravity environment of the ISS National Laboratory.

Prior to joining CASIS, Laurie worked at Teledyne Brown Engineering as the Manager for Commercial Imaging Partnerships. She was responsible for developing the company’s first commercial imaging partnership program, establishing relationships with NASA, NOAA, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to develop the Earth observation capabilities of Teledyne’s MUSES platform aboard the ISS.

As the Manager for Partner Programs at UAHuntsville’s Center for System Studies, Laurie was responsible for the Center’s communication and partnership development efforts with industry and academia. Before that, she worked as the Strategic Communications Team Lead for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center where she led a team of communication professionals responsible for the Center’s executive and strategic communications. While at NASA, Laurie was a recipient of the NASA Silver Snoopy Award, an award given for outstanding achievements related to human flight safety or mission success.

From 2000-2007, Laurie served as the Deputy Director of Sci-Quest, the North Alabama Science Center, Inc. She founded the Center’s educational program model, tripled program revenue, and successfully authored grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Laurie taught 6th grade students for 12 years and remains a teacher at heart.

Laurie Provin is the Partnership Services Manager at the Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), manager of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory (ISS NL). In her current position, she is responsible for working with the lab’s Implementation Partners and Commercial Service Providers to enable a broad range of scientific research and technology demonstrations using the unique microgravity environment of the ISS National Laboratory.

Prior to joining CASIS, Laurie worked at Teledyne Brown Engineering as the Manager for Commercial Imaging Partnerships. She was responsible for developing the company’s first commercial imaging partnership program, establishing relationships with NASA, NOAA, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to develop the Earth observation capabilities of Teledyne’s MUSES platform aboard the ISS.

As the Manager for Partner Programs at UAHuntsville’s Center for System Studies, Laurie was responsible for the Center’s communication and partnership development efforts with industry and academia. Before that, she worked as the Strategic Communications Team Lead for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center where she led a team of communication professionals responsible for the Center’s executive and strategic communications. While at NASA, Laurie was a recipient of the NASA Silver Snoopy Award, an award given for outstanding achievements related to human flight safety or mission success.

From 2000-2007, Laurie served as the Deputy Director of Sci-Quest, the North Alabama Science Center, Inc. She founded the Center’s educational program model, tripled program revenue, and successfully authored grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Laurie taught 6th grade students for 12 years and remains a teacher at heart.

Tim Reid is the CEO and General Manager of Mojave Air & Space Port at Rutan Field.  Prior to Mojave, Tim served as the Acting Deputy Director of Operations & Maintenance at Portland International Airport in Portland, ME where he also served as the Airport Operations Manager.  His previous experience includes airport management roles in both commercial service and general aviation airports, specializing in Safety Management Systems, policy development, planning, and emergency management.  Tim has served on boards including the Wyoming Airport Operator’s Association and on multiple committees with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).  He is also an active pilot and holds FAA certificates for Instrument, Commercial, Flight Instructor, and as a Drone Pilot.  Tim graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and earned a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide in 2015.  He is also a Certified Member with the American Association of Airport Executives and is currently in the process of obtaining his accreditation with the organization.

Tim Reid is the CEO and General Manager of Mojave Air & Space Port at Rutan Field.  Prior to Mojave, Tim served as the Acting Deputy Director of Operations & Maintenance at Portland International Airport in Portland, ME where he also served as the Airport Operations Manager.  His previous experience includes airport management roles in both commercial service and general aviation airports, specializing in Safety Management Systems, policy development, planning, and emergency management.  Tim has served on boards including the Wyoming Airport Operator’s Association and on multiple committees with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).  He is also an active pilot and holds FAA certificates for Instrument, Commercial, Flight Instructor, and as a Drone Pilot.  Tim graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and earned a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide in 2015.  He is also a Certified Member with the American Association of Airport Executives and is currently in the process of obtaining his accreditation with the organization.

As Vice President of Government Operations and Business Strategy, Andrew Bunker is primarily responsible for the development and execution of Rocket Lab’s federal, state, and local government strategy. Mr. Bunker also plays a leading role in strengthening Rocket Lab’s engagement with industry associations. Mr. Bunker brings more than a decade of experience in legislative affairs and space regulation to the Rocket Lab team. Prior to joining Rocket Lab in November 2021, Mr. Bunker held the role of Director of Government Operations at United Launch Alliance (ULA). In this role, he was responsible for representing ULA before Congress on matters of importance to the company, including national security, civil, and commercial space. He also supported ULA’s engagement on regulatory matters before various federal agencies. Prior to working at ULA, Mr. Bunker worked for House Speaker John A. Boehner, where he served in a variety of positions supporting legislative efforts and operations on the House Floor. Mr. Bunker serves as the Programming Chair of the Washington Space Business Roundtable and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wake Forest University.

As Vice President of Government Operations and Business Strategy, Andrew Bunker is primarily responsible for the development and execution of Rocket Lab’s federal, state, and local government strategy. Mr. Bunker also plays a leading role in strengthening Rocket Lab’s engagement with industry associations. Mr. Bunker brings more than a decade of experience in legislative affairs and space regulation to the Rocket Lab team. Prior to joining Rocket Lab in November 2021, Mr. Bunker held the role of Director of Government Operations at United Launch Alliance (ULA). In this role, he was responsible for representing ULA before Congress on matters of importance to the company, including national security, civil, and commercial space. He also supported ULA’s engagement on regulatory matters before various federal agencies. Prior to working at ULA, Mr. Bunker worked for House Speaker John A. Boehner, where he served in a variety of positions supporting legislative efforts and operations on the House Floor. Mr. Bunker serves as the Programming Chair of the Washington Space Business Roundtable and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wake Forest University.

Alan Stern is Associate Vice President of the Southwest Research Institute’s Space Science and Engineering Division in Boulder, Colorado, and chair of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s Suborbital Applications Researchers Group (SARG). Stern previously served as NASA’s Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate. As chief executive of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Stern directed a wide variety of research and scientific exploration programs for Earth studies, space weather, the solar system, and the universe beyond. Stern is a planetary scientist and an author who has published more than 175 technical papers and 40 popular articles. Stern has a long association with NASA, serving as the principal investigator on a number of planetary and lunar missions, including the New Horizons Pluto-Kuiper Belt mission. He was the principal investigator of the Southwest Ultraviolet Imaging System, which flew on two space shuttle missions, STS-85 in 1997 and STS-93 in 1999.

Stern holds a doctorate in astrophysics and planetary science from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering and planetary atmospheres and bachelor’s degrees in physics and astronomy from the University of Texas, Austin. He is an instrument-rated commercial pilot and flight instructor, with both powered and sailplane ratings.

Alan Stern is Associate Vice President of the Southwest Research Institute’s Space Science and Engineering Division in Boulder, Colorado, and chair of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s Suborbital Applications Researchers Group (SARG). Stern previously served as NASA’s Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate. As chief executive of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Stern directed a wide variety of research and scientific exploration programs for Earth studies, space weather, the solar system, and the universe beyond. Stern is a planetary scientist and an author who has published more than 175 technical papers and 40 popular articles. Stern has a long association with NASA, serving as the principal investigator on a number of planetary and lunar missions, including the New Horizons Pluto-Kuiper Belt mission. He was the principal investigator of the Southwest Ultraviolet Imaging System, which flew on two space shuttle missions, STS-85 in 1997 and STS-93 in 1999.

Stern holds a doctorate in astrophysics and planetary science from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering and planetary atmospheres and bachelor’s degrees in physics and astronomy from the University of Texas, Austin. He is an instrument-rated commercial pilot and flight instructor, with both powered and sailplane ratings.

Dale Ketcham is the Vice President for Government and Community Relations for Space Florida. He has been an advocate of Florida in the space marketplace for decades. In his present role, Ketcham utilizes existing and developing networks to advantage the State of Florida as the recognized leader in the civil, commercial and military space marketplace through innovation, collaboration and influence.

Dale spent 40+ years at the Cape working with major contractors, 8(a)’s, the U.S. Congress, Enterprise Florida and the University of Central Florida.

After receiving a degree in Philosophy from the University of Florida, Dale returned to Cocoa Beach. There he worked for Rockwell International in the Shuttle Program for 10 years, then spent four years as District Director for Congressman Jim Bacchus, representing the Space Coast on the Space Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Dale then returned to the private sector, becoming Director of Business Development for AJT & Associates, a private 8(a) engineering firm working with NASA as well as the U.S. Navy, the Air Force and airports around the country.

Immediately prior to Space Florida, Dale worked at UCF as Director of the Spaceport Research & Technology Institute (SRTI) at KSC and before that as the Director of Space and Defense Programs with Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development agency.

Over the last few decades, Dale has managed political campaigns for City Commission, Port Authority, local bond referendums, and two Congressional races. Since 2007 he has often served as the primary point of contact for those seeking the Presidency of both parties by demonstrating their support for the space program in Florida.

Bringing this experience and network to the transformation of Florida as a dominant player in the new era of commercial space enterprise is the culmination of a career.

Dale Ketcham is the Vice President for Government and Community Relations for Space Florida. He has been an advocate of Florida in the space marketplace for decades. In his present role, Ketcham utilizes existing and developing networks to advantage the State of Florida as the recognized leader in the civil, commercial and military space marketplace through innovation, collaboration and influence.

Dale spent 40+ years at the Cape working with major contractors, 8(a)’s, the U.S. Congress, Enterprise Florida and the University of Central Florida.

After receiving a degree in Philosophy from the University of Florida, Dale returned to Cocoa Beach. There he worked for Rockwell International in the Shuttle Program for 10 years, then spent four years as District Director for Congressman Jim Bacchus, representing the Space Coast on the Space Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Dale then returned to the private sector, becoming Director of Business Development for AJT & Associates, a private 8(a) engineering firm working with NASA as well as the U.S. Navy, the Air Force and airports around the country.

Immediately prior to Space Florida, Dale worked at UCF as Director of the Spaceport Research & Technology Institute (SRTI) at KSC and before that as the Director of Space and Defense Programs with Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development agency.

Over the last few decades, Dale has managed political campaigns for City Commission, Port Authority, local bond referendums, and two Congressional races. Since 2007 he has often served as the primary point of contact for those seeking the Presidency of both parties by demonstrating their support for the space program in Florida.

Bringing this experience and network to the transformation of Florida as a dominant player in the new era of commercial space enterprise is the culmination of a career.

Mark Hitt leads the Government Affairs practice at Space Perspective, the world’s first luxury spaceflight experience. Mark has over 40 years of experience in the aerospace industry with almost 20 years of that with the Federal Aviation Administration and is well-versed in regulatory and policy development. During his time with the FAA, he served in various roles in Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) including Aviation Safety Inspector, Senior Technical Advisor in the Office of Innovation, liaison between Aircraft Certification Servive (AIR) and the Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST)  and also held several senior positions within the aviation safety division. The He joined Space Perspective as Head of Government Affairs and licensing in early 2021. Mark holds both a FAA aircraft mechanic (A&P) certificate and private pilot license.

Mark Hitt leads the Government Affairs practice at Space Perspective, the world’s first luxury spaceflight experience. Mark has over 40 years of experience in the aerospace industry with almost 20 years of that with the Federal Aviation Administration and is well-versed in regulatory and policy development. During his time with the FAA, he served in various roles in Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) including Aviation Safety Inspector, Senior Technical Advisor in the Office of Innovation, liaison between Aircraft Certification Servive (AIR) and the Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST)  and also held several senior positions within the aviation safety division. The He joined Space Perspective as Head of Government Affairs and licensing in early 2021. Mark holds both a FAA aircraft mechanic (A&P) certificate and private pilot license.

Before joining Stoke as COO, Kelly Hennig held both executive and engineering roles at Raytheon, as well as multiple engineering, program management and strategy roles at Northrop Grumman. Kelly’s rich experience leading development programs, including proposing, capturing and executing major contracts, has earned her a clear and respected reputation in aerospace. Kelly has been awarded 10 Patents and 5 Trade Secrets as well as multiple awards and distinctions for innovation and engineering. She holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers as well as a MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. As COO of Stoke, Kelly strategically guides the company creating efficiency and process while preparing to scale.

Before joining Stoke as COO, Kelly Hennig held both executive and engineering roles at Raytheon, as well as multiple engineering, program management and strategy roles at Northrop Grumman. Kelly’s rich experience leading development programs, including proposing, capturing and executing major contracts, has earned her a clear and respected reputation in aerospace. Kelly has been awarded 10 Patents and 5 Trade Secrets as well as multiple awards and distinctions for innovation and engineering. She holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers as well as a MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. As COO of Stoke, Kelly strategically guides the company creating efficiency and process while preparing to scale.

Ryan Hartman, Chief Executive Officer of World View

Prior to joining World View, Mr. Hartman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Insitu, a pioneer in the design, development and manufacturing of unmanned aircraft systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in military and commercial applications.  Mr. Hartman brings over 20 years of experience in unmanned flight systems and aerial remote sensing to World View.  In addition to his tenure at Insitu, Mr. Hartman previously led Raytheon’s Unmanned Systems Directorate of the Advance Programs Division.  He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, and a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Ryan Hartman, Chief Executive Officer of World View

Prior to joining World View, Mr. Hartman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Insitu, a pioneer in the design, development and manufacturing of unmanned aircraft systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in military and commercial applications.  Mr. Hartman brings over 20 years of experience in unmanned flight systems and aerial remote sensing to World View.  In addition to his tenure at Insitu, Mr. Hartman previously led Raytheon’s Unmanned Systems Directorate of the Advance Programs Division.  He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, and a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Esther Dyson(@edyson on twitter) is chairman of EDventure Holdings and executive founder of the Way to Wellville (@WaytoWellville), a 10-year nonprofit project to help five small US communities cultivate health among their residents and to develop new business models for doing so. Overall, Dyson works to leverage new business models, new technologies and new markets (both economic and political).

From October 2008 to March of 2009, she lived at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, training as a backup cosmonaut to two-time space tourist Charles Simonyi.  Apart from this brief sabbatical, she is an active board member for a variety of companies, including XCOR Aerospace, 23andMe, Luxoft, Meetup, Pressreader, Voxiva, and Yandex (Russia – YNDX).  Her past investments include Icon Aircraft (light sport aircraft), Nanoracks, and Space Adventures (which organizes programs such as hers for space tourists) in aerospace.

Dyson also sits on the boards of several nonprofits including Waypaver Labs, the Long Now Foundation, the Sunlight Foundation, and Open Humans Foundation and is a patron of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation.  She has a BA in economics from Harvard and started her serious career as a fact-checker/reporter for Forbes Magazine (1974-77).  From 1977 to 1982 she worked on Wall Street as a securities analyst, covering companies such as Federal Express, Apple Computer and Electronic Data Systems.  From 1983 to 2004 she wrote/edited Release 1.0, a monthly analysis of the PC/Internet business, and ran the yearly PC Forum, the industry’s leading executive conference (no sponsors), as head of her own company EDventure Holdings.  She sold EDventure to CNET in 2004 and worked there for two years before going completely independent.  Along the way, she served as founding (non-exec) chairman of ICANN from 1998 to 2000. In addition, she wrote the best-selling, widely translated book “Release 2.0: A design for living in the digital age,” published by Broadway Books, in 1997.  She posts photos at www.flickr.com/photos/edyson.

Esther Dyson(@edyson on twitter) is chairman of EDventure Holdings and executive founder of the Way to Wellville (@WaytoWellville), a 10-year nonprofit project to help five small US communities cultivate health among their residents and to develop new business models for doing so. Overall, Dyson works to leverage new business models, new technologies and new markets (both economic and political).

From October 2008 to March of 2009, she lived at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, training as a backup cosmonaut to two-time space tourist Charles Simonyi.  Apart from this brief sabbatical, she is an active board member for a variety of companies, including XCOR Aerospace, 23andMe, Luxoft, Meetup, Pressreader, Voxiva, and Yandex (Russia – YNDX).  Her past investments include Icon Aircraft (light sport aircraft), Nanoracks, and Space Adventures (which organizes programs such as hers for space tourists) in aerospace.

Dyson also sits on the boards of several nonprofits including Waypaver Labs, the Long Now Foundation, the Sunlight Foundation, and Open Humans Foundation and is a patron of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation.  She has a BA in economics from Harvard and started her serious career as a fact-checker/reporter for Forbes Magazine (1974-77).  From 1977 to 1982 she worked on Wall Street as a securities analyst, covering companies such as Federal Express, Apple Computer and Electronic Data Systems.  From 1983 to 2004 she wrote/edited Release 1.0, a monthly analysis of the PC/Internet business, and ran the yearly PC Forum, the industry’s leading executive conference (no sponsors), as head of her own company EDventure Holdings.  She sold EDventure to CNET in 2004 and worked there for two years before going completely independent.  Along the way, she served as founding (non-exec) chairman of ICANN from 1998 to 2000. In addition, she wrote the best-selling, widely translated book “Release 2.0: A design for living in the digital age,” published by Broadway Books, in 1997.  She posts photos at www.flickr.com/photos/edyson.

Dylan Taylor is a global business leader and philanthropist. He is an active pioneer in the space exploration industry as a CEO, investor, thought leader and futurist. Currently, Dylan serves as Chairman & CEO of Voyager Space Holdings, a multi-national space holding firm that acquires and integrates leading space exploration enterprises globally.

Dylan has been cited by Harvard University, SpaceNews, the BBC, Pitchbook, CNBC and others as having played a seminal role in the growth of the private space industry. As an early-stage investor in more than 50 emerging ventures, including Accion, Kepler, York, Vector Space, Astrobotic, Made in Space, Relativity, and Planet, Dylan is widely considered the most active private space investor in the world. 

Dylan’s technical background, global business experience and unbridled passion for space make him a unique figure within his industry. He regularly speaks and writes about the future of the space economy and is sought after by the media for his expertise in the financial aspects of space investing as well as industry dynamics. As a writer and columnist, he has written several widely read pieces on the future of the space industry for SpaceNews, ROOM and Apogeo Spatial. As a speaker, Dylan has keynoted many of the major space conferences around the world and has appeared regularly on Bloomberg, Fox Business, and CNBC.

Dylan is a leading advocate of space manufacturing and the utilization of in-space resources to further space exploration and settlement. In 2017 he became the first private citizen to manufacturer an item in space when the gravity meter he co-designed and commissioned was 3D printed on the International Space Station. The historic item is now housed in the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

Dylan has also had an extensive philanthropic impact on the space industry. In 2017, Dylan founded the nonprofit, Space for Humanity, which seeks to democratize space exploration and develop solutions to global issues through the scope of human awareness to help solve the world’s most intractable problems. Additionally, Dylan is the Co-Founding Patron of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, which seeks to promote the growth of commercial space activity. Additionally Dylan serves as a strategic advisor for both the Archmission and the Human Spaceflight Program. Dylan is also the founder of the popular space philosophy website 2211.world as well as the Ad Astra Dinners, a Jeffersonian styled dinner series featuring some of the world’s leading influencers discussing the future of humanity in space.

For his influence as a global leader and his commitment to creating a positive impact on the world, Dylan has been honored with numerous personal and professional accolades in recent years. The World Economic Forum recognized Dylan as a Young Global Leader in 2011 and he was named a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute in 2014. 

Dylan Taylor earned an MBA in Finance and Strategy from the Booth School of Business at University of Chicago and holds a BS in Engineering from the honors college at the University of Arizona, where he graduated Tau Beta Pi and in 2018 was named Alumnus of the year. In 2013, he attended the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century program at Harvard University.

In his spare time, Dylan enjoys hiking, competing in triathlons and spending time outdoors. He is married to author Gabrielle V. Taylor and has two teenage daughters.

Dylan Taylor is a global business leader and philanthropist. He is an active pioneer in the space exploration industry as a CEO, investor, thought leader and futurist. Currently, Dylan serves as Chairman & CEO of Voyager Space Holdings, a multi-national space holding firm that acquires and integrates leading space exploration enterprises globally.

Dylan has been cited by Harvard University, SpaceNews, the BBC, Pitchbook, CNBC and others as having played a seminal role in the growth of the private space industry. As an early-stage investor in more than 50 emerging ventures, including Accion, Kepler, York, Vector Space, Astrobotic, Made in Space, Relativity, and Planet, Dylan is widely considered the most active private space investor in the world. 

Dylan’s technical background, global business experience and unbridled passion for space make him a unique figure within his industry. He regularly speaks and writes about the future of the space economy and is sought after by the media for his expertise in the financial aspects of space investing as well as industry dynamics. As a writer and columnist, he has written several widely read pieces on the future of the space industry for SpaceNews, ROOM and Apogeo Spatial. As a speaker, Dylan has keynoted many of the major space conferences around the world and has appeared regularly on Bloomberg, Fox Business, and CNBC.

Dylan is a leading advocate of space manufacturing and the utilization of in-space resources to further space exploration and settlement. In 2017 he became the first private citizen to manufacturer an item in space when the gravity meter he co-designed and commissioned was 3D printed on the International Space Station. The historic item is now housed in the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

Dylan has also had an extensive philanthropic impact on the space industry. In 2017, Dylan founded the nonprofit, Space for Humanity, which seeks to democratize space exploration and develop solutions to global issues through the scope of human awareness to help solve the world’s most intractable problems. Additionally, Dylan is the Co-Founding Patron of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, which seeks to promote the growth of commercial space activity. Additionally Dylan serves as a strategic advisor for both the Archmission and the Human Spaceflight Program. Dylan is also the founder of the popular space philosophy website 2211.world as well as the Ad Astra Dinners, a Jeffersonian styled dinner series featuring some of the world’s leading influencers discussing the future of humanity in space.

For his influence as a global leader and his commitment to creating a positive impact on the world, Dylan has been honored with numerous personal and professional accolades in recent years. The World Economic Forum recognized Dylan as a Young Global Leader in 2011 and he was named a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute in 2014. 

Dylan Taylor earned an MBA in Finance and Strategy from the Booth School of Business at University of Chicago and holds a BS in Engineering from the honors college at the University of Arizona, where he graduated Tau Beta Pi and in 2018 was named Alumnus of the year. In 2013, he attended the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century program at Harvard University.

In his spare time, Dylan enjoys hiking, competing in triathlons and spending time outdoors. He is married to author Gabrielle V. Taylor and has two teenage daughters.

Ryan Frederic is an Entrepreneur and Senior Executive. Frederic was the CEO and Co-Founder of Applied Defense Solutions (ADS), which provides data analytics products and services throughout the satellite mission life cycle. ADS is a leader in aerospace engineering, software development, and space situational awareness. Frederic founded ADS in 2004 and recently sold the company to L3 Technologies. In addition to ADS, Frederic co-founded Water Management Solutions and Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness. Frederic is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering.

Ryan Frederic is an Entrepreneur and Senior Executive. Frederic was the CEO and Co-Founder of Applied Defense Solutions (ADS), which provides data analytics products and services throughout the satellite mission life cycle. ADS is a leader in aerospace engineering, software development, and space situational awareness. Frederic founded ADS in 2004 and recently sold the company to L3 Technologies. In addition to ADS, Frederic co-founded Water Management Solutions and Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness. Frederic is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering.

Michael López-Alegría has over 40 years of aviation and space experience with the U.S. Navy and NASA in a variety of roles including Naval Aviator, engineering test pilot and program manager, NASA astronaut, and International Space Station commander.

He is a four-time astronaut, having flown on Space Shuttle missions STS-73, STS-92, and STS- 113, and serving as Commander of ISS Expedition 14 (flying to and from the ISS aboard Soyuz TMA-9). He holds NASA records for most Extravehicular Activities (EVA) or “space walks” (10) and cumulative EVA time (67 hours 40 minutes).

López-Alegría is the former President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, where he was a spokesman, thought leader and advocate with the U.S. Congress and pertinent Executive Agencies for favorable public policy on behalf of the commercial spaceflight industry. He serves on several advisory boards and committees of public and private organizations, including the Human Exploration and Operations Committee of the NASA Advisory Council and the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee to the FAA.

López-Alegría is the Chairman of ASTM International’s Committee on Commercial Spaceflight as well as the President of the Association of Space Explorers USA, a professional and educational organization of current and former astronauts. He is based in Washington, DC.

Michael López-Alegría has over 40 years of aviation and space experience with the U.S. Navy and NASA in a variety of roles including Naval Aviator, engineering test pilot and program manager, NASA astronaut, and International Space Station commander.

He is a four-time astronaut, having flown on Space Shuttle missions STS-73, STS-92, and STS- 113, and serving as Commander of ISS Expedition 14 (flying to and from the ISS aboard Soyuz TMA-9). He holds NASA records for most Extravehicular Activities (EVA) or “space walks” (10) and cumulative EVA time (67 hours 40 minutes).

López-Alegría is the former President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, where he was a spokesman, thought leader and advocate with the U.S. Congress and pertinent Executive Agencies for favorable public policy on behalf of the commercial spaceflight industry. He serves on several advisory boards and committees of public and private organizations, including the Human Exploration and Operations Committee of the NASA Advisory Council and the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee to the FAA.

López-Alegría is the Chairman of ASTM International’s Committee on Commercial Spaceflight as well as the President of the Association of Space Explorers USA, a professional and educational organization of current and former astronauts. He is based in Washington, DC.

Sudhir Pai is Chairman, Board of Directors, Technology Collaboration Center, based in Houston, Texas. He recently completed an exciting career at Schlumberger, world’s largest energy and oilfield services company, as Managing Director, Robotics Services Business. He has strong interests in commercial aerospace, energy transition, health care, robotics, drones, Formula 1 and everything digital. He has held a variety of management, technology and business leadership positions within Schlumberger, including VP & GM of Completions business, GM of Schlumberger operations Mumbai India and more recently MD at Liquid Robotics Oil and Gas (LROG), a Schlumberger start-up JV. He has more than 30 years of worldwide experience including assignments in operations, corporate planning, supply chain, human resources, service quality, and health, safety & environment. He has worked in 9 countries including Middle East, India, UK and USA with focus on client relations, business & technology, service quality and personnel development. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from University of Bombay. He is an active member of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Space Tourism Society (STS), National Diversity Council (NDC), Marine Technology Society (MTS) and Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). He serves on the executive advisory boards of SpaceCom, Subsea Systems Institute (UH, RICE, NASA consortium), Energy Drone & Robotics Summit and SPE ENGenious. At Spacecom2020 he moderated a panel on Space Tourism. In April 2016, he was recognized by the United States National Diversity Council with the 2016 Texas Multicultural Leadership Award. In 2014 under his leadership Schlumberger-LROG won the World Oil New Horizons Idea Award. He is attributed with several patents. He is deeply committed to World Alliance Solar Impulse Foundation and on the advancement committee at his daughter’s school, The Kinkaid.

Sudhir Pai is Chairman, Board of Directors, Technology Collaboration Center, based in Houston, Texas. He recently completed an exciting career at Schlumberger, world’s largest energy and oilfield services company, as Managing Director, Robotics Services Business. He has strong interests in commercial aerospace, energy transition, health care, robotics, drones, Formula 1 and everything digital. He has held a variety of management, technology and business leadership positions within Schlumberger, including VP & GM of Completions business, GM of Schlumberger operations Mumbai India and more recently MD at Liquid Robotics Oil and Gas (LROG), a Schlumberger start-up JV. He has more than 30 years of worldwide experience including assignments in operations, corporate planning, supply chain, human resources, service quality, and health, safety & environment. He has worked in 9 countries including Middle East, India, UK and USA with focus on client relations, business & technology, service quality and personnel development. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from University of Bombay. He is an active member of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Space Tourism Society (STS), National Diversity Council (NDC), Marine Technology Society (MTS) and Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). He serves on the executive advisory boards of SpaceCom, Subsea Systems Institute (UH, RICE, NASA consortium), Energy Drone & Robotics Summit and SPE ENGenious. At Spacecom2020 he moderated a panel on Space Tourism. In April 2016, he was recognized by the United States National Diversity Council with the 2016 Texas Multicultural Leadership Award. In 2014 under his leadership Schlumberger-LROG won the World Oil New Horizons Idea Award. He is attributed with several patents. He is deeply committed to World Alliance Solar Impulse Foundation and on the advancement committee at his daughter’s school, The Kinkaid.

Stuart O. Witt is founder and owner of S.O. Witt & Associates LLC consulting, established in January 2016.

Stuart is a 42 year veteran of the aerospace industry and continues to be a forward-leaning force for aviation and commercial space.

He was born and raised on Scodie Ranch in Onyx and attended school K12 in Isabella, graduating in 1970. He is a 1974 graduate of California State University Northridge, Naval Aviation Schools Command 1976, Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) 1980, and 1996 Graduate of the University of Maryland’s Center for Creative Leadership.

His military career took him to sea on USS JFK as a carrier based F-14 Tomcat pilot, and as an FA-18A project pilot at the Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake, California. Between 1985 and 1993 he served as an Engineering Test Pilot on the B-1B, F-16C and F-23 with Westinghouse Electric Corp. From 1993-2002 he served as Executive Vice President of CTA Inc., where he directed engineering projects from Lower Manhattan to Oahu.

From 2002 until January 2016, he directed the expansion efforts at Mojave Air & Space Port as General Manager and CEO. In 2004 Mojave was designated the nation’s first inland spaceport, and played host to the world as Scaled Composites won the $10 Million Ansari X PRIZE, giving birth to the commercial manned spaceflight industry.

Stuart is Chairman Emeritus of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, where he was a founding executive member. He is also Chairman Emeritus of the Kern Community College Board of Trustees. 

Stuart is credited with crafting and seeing through to Governor Brown’s signature new Space Flight Participant Liability reform in California known as AB2243.

Stuart is married to the former Susan Etoch and resides in Ridgecrest, California. They have three grown sons.

Stuart O. Witt is founder and owner of S.O. Witt & Associates LLC consulting, established in January 2016.

Stuart is a 42 year veteran of the aerospace industry and continues to be a forward-leaning force for aviation and commercial space.

He was born and raised on Scodie Ranch in Onyx and attended school K12 in Isabella, graduating in 1970. He is a 1974 graduate of California State University Northridge, Naval Aviation Schools Command 1976, Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) 1980, and 1996 Graduate of the University of Maryland’s Center for Creative Leadership.

His military career took him to sea on USS JFK as a carrier based F-14 Tomcat pilot, and as an FA-18A project pilot at the Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake, California. Between 1985 and 1993 he served as an Engineering Test Pilot on the B-1B, F-16C and F-23 with Westinghouse Electric Corp. From 1993-2002 he served as Executive Vice President of CTA Inc., where he directed engineering projects from Lower Manhattan to Oahu.

From 2002 until January 2016, he directed the expansion efforts at Mojave Air & Space Port as General Manager and CEO. In 2004 Mojave was designated the nation’s first inland spaceport, and played host to the world as Scaled Composites won the $10 Million Ansari X PRIZE, giving birth to the commercial manned spaceflight industry.

Stuart is Chairman Emeritus of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, where he was a founding executive member. He is also Chairman Emeritus of the Kern Community College Board of Trustees. 

Stuart is credited with crafting and seeing through to Governor Brown’s signature new Space Flight Participant Liability reform in California known as AB2243.

Stuart is married to the former Susan Etoch and resides in Ridgecrest, California. They have three grown sons.

Karina Drees is President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, officially joining CSF on January 4, 2021.

As President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, Drees develops the strategic vision for the organization to support the growing commercial space industry. She manages the priorities of its more than 85 member companies and pursues key national policy priorities to help spur innovation and advance the Nation’s space capabilities.  

Prior to CSF, Drees was CEO and General Manager of Mojave Air & Space Port (MASP), a general aviation airport and licensed spaceport in California. As CEO, Drees was responsible for leading the implementation of strategic initiatives for the benefit of the companies operating at MASP as well as the broader industry. She oversaw all operations at the spaceport and managed procedures, business operations and regional partnership development. 

Drees previously held senior positions in strategy, business development and operations for growing technology companies. She was most recently a member of the strategy and positioning team at SRA International. Before joining SRA, Drees held leadership positions at two investor-backed high-tech startup companies in the Washington, DC, area. 

Drees has a BS from Arizona State University and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. She also completed the International Space University’s (ISU) Summer Session Program in Beijing, China. She currently serves as vice chair for the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC), an advisor to Voyager Space Holdings, and an advisor to the Lloyd Grief Center for Entrepreneurship at USC. Drees previously served as a board member for the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition, a panelist for the National Academies of Science, a judge for the MIT Global Challenge and an SBIR proposal reviewer and panelist for the National Science Foundation. 

Karina Drees is President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, officially joining CSF on January 4, 2021.

As President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, Drees develops the strategic vision for the organization to support the growing commercial space industry. She manages the priorities of its more than 85 member companies and pursues key national policy priorities to help spur innovation and advance the Nation’s space capabilities.  

Prior to CSF, Drees was CEO and General Manager of Mojave Air & Space Port (MASP), a general aviation airport and licensed spaceport in California. As CEO, Drees was responsible for leading the implementation of strategic initiatives for the benefit of the companies operating at MASP as well as the broader industry. She oversaw all operations at the spaceport and managed procedures, business operations and regional partnership development. 

Drees previously held senior positions in strategy, business development and operations for growing technology companies. She was most recently a member of the strategy and positioning team at SRA International. Before joining SRA, Drees held leadership positions at two investor-backed high-tech startup companies in the Washington, DC, area. 

Drees has a BS from Arizona State University and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. She also completed the International Space University’s (ISU) Summer Session Program in Beijing, China. She currently serves as vice chair for the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC), an advisor to Voyager Space Holdings, and an advisor to the Lloyd Grief Center for Entrepreneurship at USC. Drees previously served as a board member for the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition, a panelist for the National Academies of Science, a judge for the MIT Global Challenge and an SBIR proposal reviewer and panelist for the National Science Foundation. 

Isaiah Wonnenberg is the Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF). He supports CSF member companies in their shared mission of promoting the development of commercial human spaceflight and the commercial space industry, pursuing ever-greater levels of safety, and sharing best practices and expertise among the industry and policymakers.

Prior to CSF, Isaiah served as a Professional Staff Member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where he was responsible for developing legislation relating to aviation and space policy, managing congressional hearings on issues of concern to the aviation and space sectors, and performing oversight of relevant U.S. federal agencies. Isaiah contributed to the Senate passage of numerous bills enacted into law, including the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018, the Transportation Security Administration Modernization Act, the National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act, and the National Quantum Initiative Act.

Isaiah received a Master in Public Affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Dakota.

Isaiah Wonnenberg is the Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF). He supports CSF member companies in their shared mission of promoting the development of commercial human spaceflight and the commercial space industry, pursuing ever-greater levels of safety, and sharing best practices and expertise among the industry and policymakers.

Prior to CSF, Isaiah served as a Professional Staff Member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where he was responsible for developing legislation relating to aviation and space policy, managing congressional hearings on issues of concern to the aviation and space sectors, and performing oversight of relevant U.S. federal agencies. Isaiah contributed to the Senate passage of numerous bills enacted into law, including the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018, the Transportation Security Administration Modernization Act, the National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act, and the National Quantum Initiative Act.

Isaiah received a Master in Public Affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Dakota.

Leslie Wilson is the Manager of Meetings at the Commercial Spaceflight Federation.  Ms. Wilson has 15 years of experience in event management.

Leslie joins us from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. She was previously a contracted Meeting planner with the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, and Office for Victims of Crime. Prior to that position, she worked at the Embassy of Canada as the Relocation and Visits Coordinator. She managed the coordination of visits of Canadian diplomats, the prime minister, and other dignitaries.

Leslie is a Certified Government Meeting Professional and Certified Virtual Event, Professional. She was also the 2022 recipient of the Association Trends, Young & Aspiring Association Professional award and the Smart Women in Meetings Stellar Performer award.

Leslie Wilson is the Manager of Meetings at the Commercial Spaceflight Federation.  Ms. Wilson has 15 years of experience in event management.

Leslie joins us from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. She was previously a contracted Meeting planner with the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, and Office for Victims of Crime. Prior to that position, she worked at the Embassy of Canada as the Relocation and Visits Coordinator. She managed the coordination of visits of Canadian diplomats, the prime minister, and other dignitaries.

Leslie is a Certified Government Meeting Professional and Certified Virtual Event, Professional. She was also the 2022 recipient of the Association Trends, Young & Aspiring Association Professional award and the Smart Women in Meetings Stellar Performer award.

Erin Kelley is the Business Operations Manager for the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. Erin supports CSF and its members with legislative, regulatory, and business operations, media, and ultimately supports the internal and external ongoings of CSF’s mission. Erin is a former House of Representatives Staffer for a HPSCI Member working on both the legislative and constituent affairs sides. She also served as the district military liaison working directly with all US military branches, DoD, FAA, DOC, and many other federal agencies.

Erin received dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah in Middle Eastern and International Studies. While in university, she continued her studies at Cambridge University, Middle Eastern conflict zones, and Model Arab League Debate where she won regionals and runner-up at nationals at Georgetown University.

Erin Kelley is the Business Operations Manager for the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. Erin supports CSF and its members with legislative, regulatory, and business operations, media, and ultimately supports the internal and external ongoings of CSF’s mission. Erin is a former House of Representatives Staffer for a HPSCI Member working on both the legislative and constituent affairs sides. She also served as the district military liaison working directly with all US military branches, DoD, FAA, DOC, and many other federal agencies.

Erin received dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah in Middle Eastern and International Studies. While in university, she continued her studies at Cambridge University, Middle Eastern conflict zones, and Model Arab League Debate where she won regionals and runner-up at nationals at Georgetown University.