Space Horizons Forum

Focus: Exploration and discovery

• Moderated by: Dani DellaGiustina, Assistant Professor, Lunar & Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona and Principal Investigator, OSIRIS-APEX
• Jessica Gregory, Vice President of Civil Space, Voyager Technologies
• Coralie Adam, Interplanetary Flight Dynamics Lead, KinetX Aerospace 
• Máté Ádámkovics, Research Scientist, Lockheed Martin

The return to the moon will be a proving ground for new technologies, partnerships and operational capabilities. The work done now will define the next generation of exploration. This conversation will examine how lunar missions are shaping future space endeavors while establishing the foundation for sustained human presence beyond Earth.

Focus: Security and resilience

• Moderated by Elizabeth Fucetola, Director, Space Telescope Programs, Steward Observatory, University of Arizona
• Lt Gen Wally Moorhead (USAF Ret)
• Col Max W. Yates, Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Space, Air Force Research Laboratory & Commander, Phillips Research Site
• Dan Chang, Area Executive, National Security, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• Colleen McLeod, Director of Growth & Academic Engagement, Voyager Technologies

As space becomes increasingly central to national security, communications and economic activity, protecting critical assets is already a global priority. Leaders from government and the defense industry will discuss how nations and organizations are adapting to an increasingly contested space environment and what is required to ensure long-term security and resilience.

Focus: Commercialization and investment

• Moderated by Dante Lauretta, Director, Arizona Astrobiology Center, Principal Investigator, OSIRIS-REx, Regents Professor, Lunar & Planetary Laboratory 
• Matt Gialich, Co-Founder & CEO, AstroForge 
• Joel Sercel, President & CEO, TransAstra
• Shiv Patel, Senior Policy Advisor, Axiom Space

This conversation will explore how private companies are driving technological advances, opening new markets and creating opportunities for collaboration that are accelerating scientific discovery and economic growth.

Focus: Talent, research and convening power

• Moderated by Erika Hamden, Director, Arizona Space Institute
• Donya Douglas-Bradshaw, Mission Area Executive, Civil Space Flight, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
• Jed J. Hancock, President, Space Dynamics Laboratory, Utah State University 
• Shannon Curry, Associate Professor, Astrophysics & Planetary Sciences Department, University of Colorado-Boulder
• Jeff Booth, Associate Director for Business Development & Manager, Strategic Planning & Integration Office, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Universities have long served as engines of discovery and talent development and have played an important role in advancing complex space missions.

This conversation will explore the evolving role of research universities in the new space ecosystem, including their ability to support research, develop talent, convene partners and contribute to the future of space exploration.