SpaceVision 2024

Oct 3rd – 5th
Denver, CO

2024 Friday Sessions

Welcome to the second day of the conference and first full day of programing. Attend the opening keynote to hear announcements for the day, and come prepared to network with the panelists, lecturers, and recruiters.

New this year:

How to Pitch Yourself panel (10am) and workshop (11am)

Cutting Edge Research track (10am – 5pm)

Social Networking at the Green (8pm – 10pm)

Emerging Technologies in Rovers

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Panelists

  • Austin Cyrus – Lunar Outpost
  • Keri Bean – Sierra Space
  • Rius Billing – Venturi Astrolab
  • Michael Staab – Phoenix Program

Delve into the cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing rover design, performance, and capabilities. Experts from leading aerospace organizations will discuss innovations in autonomous navigation, advanced materials, energy-efficient power systems, and more. By examining current missions and future projects, this panel will provide a comprehensive overview of how emerging technologies are paving the way for space exploration.

How to Pitch Yourself: Hear from the Pros

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Panelists

  • Sonia Stovall – Colorado Space Business Roundtable
  • Juan De La Garza – Axiom
  • Rachel Lyons – Space For Humanity
  • Burt Dicht – NSS

Master conference networking: Join the first half of this two-part session to learn the dos and don’ts of communicating with recruiters, growing your network, and maximize your conference experience, from industry experts.

Cutting Edge: Astrophysics

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Lecturers

  • Dr. Ann Marie Maddigan – University of Colorado Boulder

Recoiling Supermassive Black Holes

Space Sustainability: Infrastructure for a better tomorrow

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Panelists

  • Eric Ingram – Scout Space
  • Daniel Faber – Orbit Fab
  • Lee Steinke – Cislunar Industries
  • Siamak Hesar – Kayhan Space

This panel serves to inform students of the biggest challenges plaguing the orbits, and what are the future technologies that are being developed now to mitigate them.

How to Pitch Yourself: The Workshop

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Coaches

  • Sonia Stovall – Colorado Space Business Roundtable
  • Juan Garza – Axiom
  • Rachel Lyons – Space For Humanity
  • Burt Dicht – NSS
  • Audrey Scott – SEDS USA
  • Miekkal Clarkson- Advanced Space

Master conference networking: Join the second half of this two-part session to put into practice everything you learned in the first half. Team up with coaches to craft your elevator pitch, practice your body language, and maximize your conference experience. 

Cutting Edge: Propulsion

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Lecturers

  • Sebastian Grabowski – CU Sounding Rocket Lab

Details coming soon…

Future of Satellites

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Panelists

  • Ryan McLinko – Astranis
  • Dr. Monty Greer – The Aerospace Corporation
  • Meredith Beveridge – Advanced Space
  • Vanessa Clark – Atomos Space

Explore the transformative impact of small satellites on the aerospace industry and beyond. As technological advancements enable the miniaturization of satellite components, small satellites are becoming pivotal in enhancing communication networks, Earth observation, and space exploration. Experts from academia and industry will share insights on the latest developments, collaborative initiatives, and future prospects that position small satellites as a cornerstone of modern space infrastructure.

Insights on Europa Clipper

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Lecturer

  • Jennifer Dooley – NASA JPL

Details coming soon…

Coming Up Next: Space Stations

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Panelists

  • Eric Stallmer – Voyager Space
  • Emma Lehnhardt – NASA
  • Rich Leshner – Vast
  • Laura Kelsey – Sierra Space
With the International Space Station nearing the end of its operational life, new commercial and international projects are emerging that promise to revolutionize space habitats in low Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. Panelists will discuss innovative technologies, collaborative efforts, and the regulatory and logistical hurdles of constructing and maintaining these advanced outposts.  

Towards a Cislunar Economy

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Panelist

  • Jeff Foust – Space News
  • John Reed – ULA
  • Greg Vialle – Lunexus Space
  • Dr. Jeffrey Burton – NOAA Office of Space Commerce

As humanity expands its presence beyond Earth, cislunar space—between Earth and the Moon—emerges as a critical frontier for economic development. This panel will explore the potential and challenges of establishing a sustainable cislunar economy, including lunar resource exploitation, infrastructure development, and Earth-Moon commercial activities. Experts from aerospace, policy, economics, and international relations will discuss technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and economic models driving this growth.

Business Pitch Workshop

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Coaches

  • Cari Reinert – BryceTech
  • Charlie Course – Advanced Space 

This session is for chapters that signed up for the Business Pitch Competition (taking place Oct 5th). Practice and perfect your business pitch with our coaches, while tailoring your delivery and presentation to satisfy the competition rubric and wow the judges.

Advancing the One-Person Spacecraft: Space Suits

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Panelists

  • Dr. Ryan Kobrick – RyInSpace
  • Dr. Mason Robbins – Star Helix Ltd
  • Dr. Kris Lehnhardt – NASA
  • Gabriella Schauss – CU Boulder

Humans have come a long way since the first space suits of the Mercury missions. With preparations for extended missions to the Moon and Mars underway, the next generation of space suit technology is critical to ensuring astronaut safety and mission success. This panel will introduce students to the significance of advancing space suits, focusing on the challenges and innovations driving this essential aspect of space exploration, while highlighting the various ways testing is being conducted here on Earth.

Space Communication Systems

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Panelists

  • Brian Barnett – Solstar
  • Tom Walkinshaw – Alba Orbital
  • Ryan McLinko – Astranis

What is the next giant leap in communication technology for space systems that will enable living and working in space possible? Learn about what is coming up next within this field, how it will impact us here on Earth, and the risks that come from system vulnerabilities.

HS: Junior Analogue Astronaut Program

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Session Lead

  • Robin Bruce – CCBN

The CCBN Aeronaut Program is a pipeline program for students curious about space health care. Made up of Jr. Nurse Aviator and Jr. Analog Astronaut tracks, the CCBN Aeronaut program not only prepares students for college but introduces medical and nurse pathway skills that can increase job options while in high school through college or technical school and/or direct into the workforce. The added skills training in aerospace health and optional associates degrees upon program completion promotes next-gen workforce readiness. Find out how to join an aeronaut cohort.

The Future of Space: DEI

4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Panelists

  • Eric Ingram – Scout Space
  • Robin Bruce – Colorado Council of Black Nurses, Inc Aerospace
  • Paul Deaderick – Colorado Space Business Roundtable
  • Sonia Stovall – Colorado Space Business Roundtable

As space exploration evolves, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential to shaping its future. In this panels, panelists will discuss how fostering DEI can strengthen the space industry, with an emphasis on what students can help bring change forward. Topics will include creating an inclusive workforce, promoting diverse perspectives in decision-making, and ensuring fair access to space opportunities. Attendees will learn how DEI efforts drive innovation and sustainability, empowering them to be inclusive leaders in the next chapter of space exploration.

Space Fellowships

4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Panelists

  • Molly MacEachen – Future Space Leaders Foundation
  • Alice Wade – Sally Ride Fellowship
  • Audrey Scott – Brooke Owens Fellowship
  • David Villahermosa – Zed Factor Fellowship
  • AJ Bekoe – Patti Grace Smith Fellowship

Fellowship programs provide critical opportunities for students and early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking in the aerospace industry. This panel brings together past fellows and current fellowships leaders to discuss the programs that help bridge the gaps afflicting the space industry. Attendees will learn about application processes, selection criteria, and the unique benefits each program offers, from research fellowships and internships to international space collaborations. 

Cutting Edge: Human Body in Space

4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Lecturers

  • Dr. Barrett Caldwell – Purdue University
  • Emily Apollonio – Interstellar Performance Labs

Details coming soon…

Artemis Program

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

Panelists

  • Emma Lehndhart – NASA
  • Jeff Foust – Space News
  • Brad Cheetham – Advanced Space

This is the Artemis Generation. We will be the ones sending humans back to the Moon, to Mars, and beyond. How close – or far- are we from this reality? What are the technological, collaborative, and human roadblocks that we must overcome as a nation and as a planet to get there. Hear from the experts about what the Artemis campaign promises, and what it can actually achieve.

Chapter Leadership Seminar

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

Lead

  • Griffin Hentzen – SEDS USA

This is an open discussion on the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a SEDS chapter. Connect with other leaders in SEDS and learn from each other in this collaborative event. 

Outside the Classroom: Making an Impact

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

Panelists

  • Burt Dicht – NSS
  • Dann Garcia – L’SPACE
  • Rachel Lyons – Space For Humanity

Meet the organizations that are playing a vital role in driving policy, education, and accessibility in space. The discussion will cover their missions, key projects, and opportunities for student involvement. Whether you’re passionate about space exploration, advocacy, or education, this panel will inspire you to explore how you can contribute to the space sector through nonprofit work.

Astronaut Fireside Chat

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM

Astronauts

  • Ron Rosano – Virgin Galactic
  • Mason Angel – Blue Origin

Explore the emerging role of commercial astronauts in the rapidly evolving landscape of human space exploration. As private companies increasingly lead efforts to expand access to space, commercial astronauts are at the forefront of these pioneering missions. Join this fireside chat as the astronauts discuss their experiences, the challenges and rewards of spaceflight, and the critical role they play in advancing the commercial space sector. Gain unique insights into the skills and training required for future space missions, the opportunities within the growing commercial space industry, and how aspiring space professionals can contribute to the next era of human space exploration.