Dr. William J. Muldoon is Executive Vice President of the International Space University (ISU), where he advances the university’s mission of preparing leaders for the global space sector. He brings more than 17 years of experience in aerospace and higher education leadership, having directed international campus operations, cultivated industry partnerships, and managed professional education programmes that serve governments, aerospace corporations, and research institutions worldwide. His career includes overseeing large, globally dispersed teams and expanding educational access through more than one hundred international teaching locations, with a strong focus on digital transformation, accreditation, and workforce development in aerospace contexts. His recent research explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping aerospace education, training, and professional skill development. A Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Royal Society of Arts, Dr. Muldoon regularly contributes to international dialogue on the future of aerospace and space education at the intersection of academia, technology, and industry.

Dr. Vladimir Pletser earned a Master of Engineering in Mechanics in 1979, a Master of Sciences in Geophysics in 1980 and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics in 1990 from the University of Louvain, Belgium. He is currently Director of Space Training Operations at Blue Abyss, a company based in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and Newquay, Cornwall, UK, and proposing new approaches for astronaut training. Among other duties, he was the contract lead for the astronaut training program with the Saudi Space Agency. He was a Visiting Professor – Scientific Adviser from 2016 to 2018 at the Technology and Engineering Centre for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China, supporting the preparation and development of microgravity research instrumentation for parabolic flights and for the Tiangong Space Station. He was previously working for 30 years as Senior Physicist – Engineer at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) of the European Space Agency (ESA), in charge of developing scientific instruments for microgravity research in fluid physics, crystallization of proteins and zeolites and on dexterous manipulation on board the International Space Station.

Lori D. Coombs works full-time supporting the DoD and part-time as an Associate Professor of the MISM program at the University of Arizona Global Campus, supporting info systems, environmental science and advanced air mobility disciplines that address the cross-cutting integration of entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and infrastructures across the airspace ecosystem. Lori’s lab seeks to understand interactions between solar energetic particles (SEPs), the heliosphere, atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere that underlay space weather, the impacts of climate change, and planetary alignment associated with space travel. The research employs physics-based modeling, optical remote sensing, and satellite observations that apply data science and artificial intelligence to distributed observations of the geospatial environment that consider cybersecurity by protecting space, aviation and communications infrastructure.

Dr. McAndrew is an internationally recognised researcher and academic. He has over 100 peer reviewed conference and journal publications and in additionally has many international conferences all over the world. He has been heavily involved in research and supervising PhD students and has 192 successful PhD syudents.

I am an adjunct professor of astronomy and physics at American Public University, a Center Director for Mathnasium, and faculty advisor and project leader for Variable Star and Exoplanet research groups at APU, as well as a consulting astronomer for the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute.

Prof. Bernard H. Foing, president Space Renaissance International, executive director of ILEWG, CEO LUNEX EuroSpaceHub and EuroMoonMars Earth Space Innovation, Qomosys Chief Scientist. ERA chair at Riga Latvia, guest Prof at Leiden observatory, ISU, IPSA and formerly EPFL, VU Amsterdam . Member IAF committees (IPC, space exploration, astronomy, space habitats, traffic management, ITACCUS former chair), founder of ArtMoonMars and MoonGallery. Full member International Academy of Astronautics since 2010, vice-chair COSPAR planetary and PEX Panel on Exploration Panel, co-director IMA International Moonbase Alliance, founder Moon Village & MVA, EGU space instrumentation officer. Former ESA Chief Scientist, senior advisor to DG, chair of ESTEC staff association committee (2012-2017) & SMART-1 Lead scientist. Co-Investigator of SOHO, XMM, BIOPAN, SMART-1, Mars Express, COROT, ISS/Expose, BIOMEX, ExoMars. Publications : 980 articles, including 240 refereed papers. Edited 10 Books. Academics : Habilitation 1990. He has been working at CNRS, and as post-doc astronomer ESO European Southern Observatory Chile, PhD astrophysics & space techniques (CNRS, Lockheed, SacPeak, Boulder, Harvard), Prof agrégé Physics, Ecole Normale Supérieure ENSET Paris-Saclay

Dan Lopez serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Neural Earth, bringing over two decades of technology leadership and innovation. His extensive experience spans a range of domains, from large-scale distributed systems for data analytics to space systems, robotics, and drones. Dan has brought forth notable projects, such as the development of technologies on the International Space Station, satellite remote sensing applications with machine learning, to mission-critical applications. Before joining Neural Earth, Dan's career was marked by collaborations with globally recognized organizations like the US Department of Defense, UN, NASA, ESA, Google, World Resources Institute, OCCRP, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These partnerships were centered around leveraging technology, particularly data and analytics, to bolster organizational decision-making processes and enhance brand presence. His areas of specialization encompass startups, strategy, geospatial technologies, federal intelligence, aerospace & defense, and the evolving fields of AI and ML.

Prof Dr Vladimir Valentinovich Egorov has his expertise in theoretical molecular and chemical physics. Education: National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Faculty of Theoretical and Experimental Physics (1966 – 1972), Moscow, USSR. He has completed his PhD from Theoretical Department of Institute of Chemical Physics, USSR Academy of Sciences (1981), and he has completed his Dr Phys&Math Sci degree from Institute of Physical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (2004). He is leading researcher at NRC “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia. Prof Egorov is working on the development of a fundamentally new physical theory ‒ quantum-classical mechanics and their applications in physics, chemistry, biology and biomedicine.

Dr. Attila Hirn is an engineering physicist; his research focuses on space dosimetry and measurement of space radiation (energetic charged particles) for space weather purposes. He holds a PhD in Physics/Nuclear Techniques from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Since 2020, Attila Hirn has been the head of the Space Research Department of the HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research (HUN-REN EK) in Budapest, Hungary. Between 2021-2023 he was CEO and between 2023-2024 Chief Science Officer of REMRED Space Technologies Ltd., the former spin-off company of HUN-REN EK, by today the largest space industry company in Hungary. His department at HUN-REN EK takes leading role in several human exploration and space safety projects of the European Space Agency

Prof. Bernard H. Foing, president Space Renaissance International, executive director of ILEWG, CEO LUNEX EuroSpaceHub and EuroMoonMars Earth Space Innovation, Qomosys Chief Scientist. ERA chair at Riga Latvia, guest Prof at Leiden observatory, ISU, IPSA and formerly EPFL, VU Amsterdam . Member IAF committees (IPC, space exploration, astronomy, space habitats, traffic management, ITACCUS former chair), founder of ArtMoonMars and MoonGallery. Full member International Academy of Astronautics since 2010, vice-chair COSPAR planetary and PEX Panel on Exploration Panel, co-director IMA International Moonbase Alliance, founder Moon Village & MVA, EGU space instrumentation officer. Former ESA Chief Scientist, senior advisor to DG, chair of ESTEC staff association committee (2012-2017) & SMART-1 Lead scientist. Co-Investigator of SOHO, XMM, BIOPAN, SMART-1, Mars Express, COROT, ISS/Expose, BIOMEX, ExoMars. Publications : 980 articles, including 240 refereed papers. Edited 10 Books. Academics : Habilitation 1990. He has been working at CNRS, and as post-doc astronomer ESO European Southern Observatory Chile, PhD astrophysics & space techniques (CNRS, Lockheed, SacPeak, Boulder, Harvard), Prof agrégé Physics, Ecole Normale Supérieure ENSET Paris-Saclay.

David Barnhart is currently CEO and Co-Founder of Arkisys Inc, and a Research Professor in the Department of Astronautical Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC), and Director/Co-Founder of the USC Space Engineering Research Center (SERC). At Arkisys he is leading a team to break through to true sustainable commercial operations in Space with a unique scale-able services based platforms called Port Modules. These Port’s provide operational realization for commercial companies to innovate and optimize their businesses in space instead of on the ground, changing the Space domain from a throwaway economy to one that can organically grow after launch.

Miguel Arias-Estrada is the Founder & CEO of Vulcanis, a space-tech startup developing an early-stage multi-sensor payload for lunar exploration and resource mapping, currently seeking partnerships to validate its technology. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Vision from Université Laval (Canada) and has over 25 years of experience in advanced imaging systems, edge-AI, and reconfigurable architectures. Miguel previously founded Prefixa, a successful 3D/AI tech company, and has led multiple R&D collaborations across academia and industry. His work spans computer vision, space technologies, and on-sensor intelligence for robotics and exploration systems.

Jean-François Geneste has spent all his career in the fields of aerospace and defense. He has held the position of VP Chief scientist at Airbus Group for 10 years, has been a professor at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Moscow and now is the CEO of WARPA since 2018.

Dr. McAndrew is an internationally recognised researcher and academic. He has over 100 peer reviewed conference and journal publications and in additionally has many international conferences all over the world. He has been heavily involved in research and supervising PhD students and has 192 successful PhD syudents.

Francis Govers is the Director of Engineering for Uncrewed Systems at Airbus US Space and Defense. He leads a team of companies in the development of new and novel autonomous systems for air and space, including the Lakota Connector, an unmanned cargo helicopter. Francis started his career in the US Air Force as a Satellite Communications Specialist, then went to NASA where he worked his way up to being the Lead Engineer for C2 for the International Space Station, and also contributed to the Space Shuttle, Moon and Mars exploration, Mission Control Centers, simulators, training systems, and space robotics. He was the founder of the Advanced Simulation Laboratory at TASC, and led many simulation projects for Eurocontrol, NASA, DARPA and the FAA, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, BMDO, and numerous unmanned systems projects. Francis became involved in Artificial Intelligence in 1994, and has authored two books on the subject, and has become a sought-after expert, presenting at conferences and organizations like the Horasis Global Meeting.

Dr. Pietro Giuseppe Perlo is co-founder and President of Interactive Fully Electrical Vehicles (I-FEVS, Turin, Italy), a company recognized by the European Commission as a multi “Key Innovator” for its contributions to sustainable mobility and advanced manufacturing. He previously spent three decade sat Centro Ricerche Fiat (CRF), where he serve das Senior Director and Senior Scientist, leading R&D on electric mobility, smart systems and vehicle architectures. Trained as a physicist (General Physics, University of Torino), Dr. Perlo also served for 15 years as a contract professor at the Institute of Physics of the University of Torino. He has complemented his scientific background with executive programs in Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Technologies at MIT Sloan School of Management. His work spans electric vehicles, distributed propulsion, neuromorphic “edge AI” control and low-investment micro factory concepts for next-generation mobility systems. Dr. Perlo has been a member of the European Commission H2020 Advisory Board on “Smart, Green and Integrated Transport” and chaired the automotive working group of the EPOSS European Technology Platform on smart systems integration. He is inventor or co-inventor of over 160 patents and author of more than 180 scientific publications, and is a frequent invited speaker at major international conferences on electromobility, smart systems and advanced propulsion.

Sohair Salam Saber is a distinguished businesswoman, philanthropist, and an indomitable force at the intersection of global justice, geopolitics, and the New Space Age. Described as a leader defined by innovation, resilience, and diplomacy, her career is a rare synthesis of high-stakes international law, entrepreneurial leadership, and visionary policymaking for humanity's newest frontiers. She operates where law and global governance converge, shaping solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. As President of The Hague Institute for Global Justice, Sohair Salam Saber has revitalized and transformed the organization into a premier global action-driven organization. Her leadership there is grounded in decades of practical experience. As Principal of the international law firm Wasel & Wasel, she advises sovereign states and Fortune industries on political risk and founded a chamber for elite arbitrators.

Dr. Wilderich Heising is a Partner and Director at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). He is a core member of BCG's Innovation Center for Operations and very active in BCG's Health Care, Industrial Goods and Consumer Products practice areas. His focus at BCG is on advanced manufacturing and supply chain topics such as additive manufacturing, 3D printing, digitalization, the factory of the future, Industry 4.0, supply chain of the future as well as on manufacturing and distribution strategy and network optimization. He leads the additive manufacturing topic for BCG globally. He holds a Ph.D. in engineering from the Technical University of Berlin.

Dr. Andrew Beckwith (born December 15, 1954, USA) is a distinguished physicist and mathematician with extensive contributions to cosmology, gravitation, and theoretical physics. He holds dual B.A. degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the University of California, Santa Cruz (1978), an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Arizona (1991), and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Houston (2001). Currently serving as a Visiting Professor at Chongqing University, China, and Editor at the Journal of High Energy Physics, Gravitation and Cosmology (JHEPGC), Dr. Beckwith’s research focuses on torsion and black hole physics, cosmological constant derivations, and multiverse generalizations of the Penrose Conformal Cyclic Cosmology (CCC) hypothesis. His pioneering work integrates quantum mechanics, gravitation, and cosmology, offering novel insights into dark energy, primordial black holes, and the early universe.

After joining the French Air Force, MA presented himself as a free candidate for the IETA exam, and joined the “Corps des Ingénieurs des Études et Techniques d'Armement”, Aeronautics branch. He has a total of 700 hours of flight experience (including 400 hours as a pilot in chief) as a 1st degree Technical Corps pilot (he has flown on various machines: single engine, sailplane, helicopter, twin engine (C310)). Held various positions at DGA/Paris: STTAe, Hélicoptères du Futur and CEV Brétigny. Then, on detached service at the Ministry of Industry: correspondent for the Quai d'Orsay for East-West technology transfers, representative on the COCOM (Coordinating Committee); participated, on the technical side, in the nuclear forces security group; supervised the INPI/Paris (patent) and ONERA (helicopter/DGA). After his return to the DGA at the Centre d'Essais des Landes de Biscarrosse, he retired. He teaches mathematics and physics in private lessons (3rd to Bac+1); scientific journalist at the Dépêche du Midi (Toulouse), and can finally focuson the development of concepts that "obsessed" him. He registered numerous patents, including one on the Thermoreactor (a breakthrough propellant) granted by the USA, Japan and France.

Dr. Elizabeth (Scout) Blum is a professor of history at Troy University in Alabama, USA. Dr. Blum’s research focuses on environmental history, particularly the intersections of race, gender, and age in environmental activism. Her first book, Love Canal Revisited (UP Kansas, 2010), focused on activism at Love Canal and her current project focuses on the historical precedents to today’s youth climate activism. Since 2017, she has been an active member of the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative (EDGI). As a part of that work, she has been coordinating interviewing efforts with federal employees, especially those involved in climate science at NASA and other governmental agencies, to track and determine the effects of current American policy on climate and space science. In addition to her historical work, Dr. Blum is also a tabletop game designer and publisher. Her recent board game, Rising Waters (Central Michigan UP, 2023), is an award-winning game about the 1927 Mississippi flood. She also heads Mockingbird Games, a 501(c)(3) game publishing company dedicated to educational tabletop games.

Lucas Marchesini, CEO/CTO, Co-Founder of Manta Aircraft, with a master degree in Aeronautical Engineering, from the Polytechnic of Milan, and an MBA from SDA Bocconi, Lucas has been involved in the aeronautical world since a kid, then professionally and as a competition sailplane pilot. The first light aircraft he designed was built before he graduated at the university. His background ranges from airplane manufacturing companies, where he dealt with platform design, aerodynamics, flight mechanics and simulation, to top level motorsport (Formula 1, Indy Racing, Moto GP), electronics, scientific software and several other hi-tech fields, like medical devices, block chain and food-agri-tech. In the past years he has focused on the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), offering a wide spectrum analysis of the sector, ranging from technical to commercial, operational and regulatory aspects, becoming one of the worldwide advocates of a mature AAM deployment. He has accumulated a wide cross-industry experience in the forefront of technology that allows him to push the technology boundaries, exploiting synergies and cross-fertilization among different sectors. Along his career he has been co-founder in several start ups and has gained a valuable contacts network in several business sectors. His biggest passion are always the aircraft and imagining, assembling and leading projects that bring a real break through.

Dr. William J. Muldoon is Executive Vice President of the International Space University (ISU), where he advances the university’s mission of preparing leaders for the global space sector. He brings more than 17 years of experience in aerospace and higher education leadership, having directed international campus operations, cultivated industry partnerships, and managed professional education programmes that serve governments, aerospace corporations, and research institutions worldwide. His career includes overseeing large, globally dispersed teams and expanding educational access through more than one hundred international teaching locations, with a strong focus on digital transformation, accreditation, and workforce development in aerospace contexts. His recent research explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping aerospace education, training, and professional skill development. A Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Royal Society of Arts, Dr. Muldoon regularly contributes to international dialogue on the future of aerospace and space education at the intersection of academia, technology, and industry.

Dr. H. C. (Helen M.C.) Yee is a Senior Staff Scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, where she has conducted pioneering research for over 40 years in computational physics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), hypersonics, and nonlinear dynamics. She earned her Ph.D. in Nonlinear Dynamics (Applied Mechanics), with a minor in Applied Mathematics, from the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Yee is internationally recognized for her contributions to high-resolution shock-capturing algorithms, low-dissipative high-order numerical methods, and the development of the foundational field “Dynamics of Numerics for Computational Physics.” Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of numerical predictability, reliability, and uncertainty in simulations of complex nonlinear, hypersonic, and nonequilibrium flows.

I received my Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Pisa, Italy, in 2008. I serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of High Energy Physics, Gravitation and Cosmology and Theoretical Physics, and as an Editorial Board Member of eight other international journals. I hold the Habilitation as Professor of Astrophysics and Theoretical Physics from MIUR (Italy) and have served as Professor of Theoretical Physics at Istanbul University. Currently, I am a Visiting Professor at SUNY Polytechnic Institute (USA), the International Institute for Applicable Mathematics and Information Sciences (India), and Christ University (India). I am an Associate Fellow at the Research Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics of Maragha (Iran) and have authored/co-authored 150+ peer-reviewed publications in theoretical physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and applied mathematics. My work has earned multiple honors, including five Honorable Mention Awards from the Gravity Research Foundation (2009–2025), the FQXi Essay Contest Community Prize (2013), and distinctions from Nagpur University and the European Society of Computational Methods in Sciences, Engineering and Technology.

Mr. Guido Sbrogiò, Astrophysicist by training, I specialized later in space mission engineering and planetary surface exploration. I’m currently working on idea proposals for future space station and deep space human settlements an infrastructure concept studies in order to develop innovative technologies for robotic and human space exploration. Enthusiast of science fiction literature and in anything related to the expansion of humanity in the Solar System and beyond.

Ujunwa Princess Udeani, PhD, PMP, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Skyta LLC, an AI-powered space and STEM education technology company dedicated to expanding global access to space careers and building pathways into the trillion-dollar space economy. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Children Rescue & Rehabilitation Network Inc., a nonprofit organization that has impacted over 2,600 individuals since 2017 through education, empowerment, and community-driven initiatives. With over 20 years of experience in technology, education, and leadership, Dr. Udeani is deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators and bridging the gap between space science education and underserved communities worldwide.

Robert Olszewski's research interests include geographic information modeling - information extraction and spatial knowledge acquisition using artificial intelligence methods, as well as the topics of Mars terraformation, astrobiology, spatio-temporal pandemic modeling, smart city, generalization of the geographic information, spatial statistics, gamification and social (geo)geo participation. He collaborates scientifically with NASA Ames Research Center and many universities in Poland and around the world. His dozen years of scientific work have resulted in the publication of several monographs, 150+ articles and managing multiple research grants. Since 2015, he has been the Head of the Department of Cartography.

Piet Kommers is Emeritus Professor at the University of Twente. He was an early pioneer in AI programming and expert systems since the late 1970s. He became fascinated by the potential of adapting hypertext to the reader's actual state of mind. Knowledge representation through conceptual structures became his key expertise. Currently, the exploitation of AI based upon machine learning and data analytics for smart educational support is at the core of his interest.

Dr. Wiley J. Larson is a practicing space systems engineer, internationally recognized educator, and leading author, editor, and publisher in the field of space systems engineering. With over 20 years of service as a U.S. Air Force officer—including roles as a GPS spacecraft engineer, launch controller, flight test engineer, and program manager—he has combined deep operational experience with academic leadership as a professor and program director at major U.S. and international universities, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, TU Delft, TU Graz, Stevens Institute of Technology, and the International Space University. He is the President and CEO of CEI and the founding force behind the Joint NASA–DoD Space Technology Series, coordinating hundreds of international experts to produce more than 25 award-winning books and tools that define how space systems are conceived, designed, launched, and operated worldwide. Dr. Larson has also led seminal NASA headquarters and industry efforts shaping organization-wide training for program managers and systems engineers, and he continues to influence the global space community through teaching, research, publishing, and professional development at the intersection of engineering practice and education.

Toni Balzano is the Vice President of Strategy and Communications at Q Station, a space innovation hub located in Albuquerque, New Mexico—at the heart of Space Valley. In this role, she leads a dynamic team dedicated to accelerating space and tech innovation into the Air Force Research Laboratory and U.S. Space Force, while cultivating the growth of emerging and established space companies to strengthen America’s space superiority. With more than 15 years of experience supporting AFRL’s tech engagement and STEM initiatives—previously as co-owner of ImPRonta Public Relations—Toni brings a rare blend of strategic insight, creative execution, and deep-rooted expertise in media, government, and innovation ecosystems. Her career began in television news, where she earned honors from the New Mexico Broadcasters Association and led an Emmy-winning team. She later directed media and corporate relations for Technology Ventures Corporation, a Lockheed Martin affiliate, advancing tech commercialization from national labs.

Dr. Scott Bolton, Associate Vice President at the Southwest Research Institute, is the visionary renaissance man behind NASA’s Juno Mission. Dr. Bolton has been dreaming of the stars, and of art and music, since he’s a boy. In person, Scott easily talks about his passion for science, art and music and can explain the most complicated concepts inspiring and motivating both academicians as well as curious wide-eyed children. His ability to think outside of the boxes combined with his creative instincts led him to develop the Juno mission, successfully combining and fusing science, music and art. With the proverbial stars aligning in 2016, Scott formed a collaboration between Apple and NASA to develop the intersection of the arts and sciences which culminated in Scott working on developing new music, art, and films with numerous artists including Brad Paisley, Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Jim James, Wyclef, Little Big Town GZA (Wu Tang), Vangelis, Genesis, Doug Aitken, Herbie Hancock and others. Alongside his commitment to space and planetary exploration, Scott is dedicated to educational and environmental initiatives working with Lego (there are Lego mini-figures on Juno!), developing STEAM education curriculum and researching ocean plastic with Parley. Bolton received his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, along the way attending and teaching at the University of Michigan, Caltech and the University of California at Berkeley. Among his many awards, he received the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2002 for his work on Cassini, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2012 for Juno as well as being awarded the American Ingenuity Award in 2018 from the Smithsonian. Dr. Bolton has spoken at the United Nations, the Smithsonian, the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art as well as venues throughout Europe and Asia

Jason D. Batt, Ph.D. is a technological philosopher, mythologist, and futurist focused on the human dimension of space exploration. His work examines how long-duration spaceflight, artificial intelligence, and extreme environments reshape cognition, meaning-making, and human performance as humanity becomes a spacefaring species. He serves as Research Initiative Director for the Human Space Program, where he leads interdisciplinary research exploring the psychological, cultural, and symbolic dimensions of human life beyond Earth. His work supports the development of frameworks for crew cohesion, cognitive resilience, ethical foresight, and narrative continuity in long-duration and interstellar mission planning.

Dr. Janes is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Continuing and Professional Development (CPD) at San Jacinto College where she provides oversight of the Division of Corporate Training and the Division of Community Education for the college. Along with her oversight responsibilities involving certifications in such areas as Applied Trades, Health Care, Aerospace, IT, Advanced Manufacturing and apprenticeships, sheleads the College’s collaboration with industry, government and non-profit organizations to positively impact the space economy in Texas. Dr. Janes is recognized as a United States Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador. Dr. Janes has been instrumental in securing over $50,000,000 in state and federal grants for the College. Dr. Janes received her baccalaureate degree in Mathematics Education, Recreation, Health and Physical Education from Louisiana State University where she also earned her Master of Arts degree in mathematics. Dr. Janes earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University.

Kelly Soverns is a space policy researcher and lecturer focused on the global space economy, governance, and the growing influence of commercial actors. She holds dual master’s degrees in Space Studies and International Relations from American Public University, which inform her work on commercial space activity, policy design, and international cooperation. She is the Founder of StellarEpoch LLC, where she advises governments, companies, and institutions on global policy intelligence, partnership development, and long-term space economy strategy. Her research and public engagements examine how commercial actors are reshaping space leadership, sovereignty, and institutional power in orbit and on Earth. Kelly is currently Director of Space Policy at Strategy Reimagine, a global investment and venture platform founded by Rajeeshwaran Moorthy, MRAeS. In this role, she leads policy research, supports intergovernmental relationship building, and helps scale international partnerships across the space economy. Alongside her advisory work, Kelly teaches at the Space Economy Institute and regularly speaks at regional and global forums on space governance, sustainability, and emerging norms. She has contributed to global workshops and dialogues with organizations including UNOOSA and the Meridian International Center, and continues research on how evolving institutions and rules will shape the future of space.

John Caruso Ph.D. is a full-time tenured professor within The Department of Health & Sport Sciences at The University of Louisville. His interest in spaceflight-related research began as a National Research Council Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at The Johnson Space Center’s Exercise Countermeasures Laboratory. He conducts research on a wide variety of topics related to human health and performance, but two which he has focused on since coming to Louisville include amelio ration of exercise-induced body heat accrual, and potential in-flight exercise strategies and hardware to mitigate musculoskeletal deficits incurred from manned space travel.

Lori D. Coombs works full-time supporting the DoD and part-time as an Associate Professor of the MISM program at the University of Arizona Global Campus, supporting info systems, environmental science and advanced air mobility disciplines that address the cross-cutting integration of entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and infrastructures across the airspace ecosystem. Lori’s lab seeks to understand interactions between solar energetic particles (SEPs), the heliosphere, atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere that underlay space weather, the impacts of climate change, and planetary alignment associated with space travel. The research employs physics-based modeling, optical remote sensing, and satellite observations that apply data science and artificial intelligence to distributed observations of the geospatial environment that consider cybersecurity by protecting space, aviation and communications infrastructure.

Juha-Pekka Luntama is the Head of the Space Weather Office in European Space Agency (ESA). He graduated from Helsinki University of Technology in 1991 and continued working in the University as a lecturer and leader of the small satellite technology research group until 1997, when he was awarded a EUMETSAT Research Fellow position in the UK Meteorological Office. In 1998 Jussi Luntama was appointed as the Mission Scientist for the GRAS radio occultation instrument onboard the Metop meteorological satellite series in EUMETSAT HQ in Germany. In 2005 he moved from EUMETSAT to Finnish Meteorological Institute to lead the research on space weather impacts on GNSS applications. Jussi Luntama joined ESA in 2009 when he was selected as the manager of the Space Weather Segment in ESA’s new Space Situational Awareness Programme, the predecessor of the Space Safety Programme that is in progress now.

Fabio Caramelli is the Space Rider Programme Payload and Exploitation Manager at European Space Agency, based in ESA ESRIN site in Frascati (Rome). Fabio core technical knowledge is satellite and launcher propulsion; he worked initially both at industry and at the Agency as propulsion engineer in the early years of his career and subsequently as propulsion manager in major projects, the latter role on ATV (Automated Transport Vehicle) and Vega launcher upper stage. In more recent years, he joined the Vega system management team. In charge of the Vega Verta Programme missions preparation, he accompanied industry from project qualification to full commercialization of the launcher. In this context, Fabio conceived, initiated, and managed until flight the SSMS (Small Satellite Mission Service) Project, to launch with Vega the first European ride-share mission, successfully delivering in Low Earth Orbit 53 Small Satellites on September 2nd, 2020. That mission paved the way of the currently ongoing commercialization of the SSMS service on Vega and Vega C launchers. His role in Space Rider Programme is to deliver in orbit customer payloads andprovidethem an end-to-end service including in-orbit operations, reentry and retrieval, coupled with the challenge to prepare the commercial future of the project, preparing European industry to meet the growing in-orbit R&D and in-space manufacturing market.

Dr. Rami Ayoob is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Spark Information Technology, bringing over 20 years of executive leadership in digital transformation, IT governance, and strategic business innovation. He has successfully led large-scale technology implementations, driving enterprise growth through visionary planning and data-driven decision-making. His expertise spans developing strategic business roadmaps, enabling robust digital transformation, and optimizing technology investments to deliver measurable value. In addition to his corporate leadership, Dr. Ayoob is the Founder of Astro Tech Hub, an initiative dedicated to advancing space research and innovation. His work focuses on designing experiments, developing theoretical models, and exploring technologies that bridge space advancements with life-enhancing applications on Earth.

Ms. Magdalena Filcek is a student PhD in safety engineering in Safety Engineering at the Military University of Land Forces, an interior architect, neuroarchitecture and sleep specialist, inventor, and visionary. An honorary NASA employee and hot air balloon pilot, she has developed several patented innovations, including the Vinci Power Nap® system, an award-winning technology for stress reduction, energy recovery, and sleep improvement—supporting professionals, travelers, and astronauts worldwide. Her pioneering work, blending science, art, and design, has been recognized with numerous international awards and presented at leading global forums including the UN, COP24, UNOOSA, and NASA JPL.

I am a Mechanical Engineer specializing in mechatronics and industrial automation, as well as a postgraduate Space Technology Expert. Currently a graduating Master of Sciences student in Space Engineering and technical expert for a space program, I contribute to research experiments for the International Space Station while simultaneously working in the machine tool industry. My R&D background spans leading projects for smart products, semiconductor metrology equipment, electric vehicle infrastructure, and industrial equipment. Additionally, I have contributed to a university small satellite project and provided mentorship in suborbital rocket development.

I am a Master’s student in Space Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, with industry exposure through work with a space startup, as well as experience related to the defence and aircraft sectors. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering and have been involved in research on satellite systems, propulsion, and space policy and business concepts, with work presented at international conferences. I have actively participated in student initiatives during both my undergraduate and graduate studies, and I am particularly interested in how student-driven research and startups contribute to the growth of the global space research and economy.

Shelby Stocke is a master’s student in Exercise Physiology at the University of Louisville, a nationally recognized research institution. Under the mentorship of Dr. John F. Caruso, she conducts applied physiological research focused on exercise countermeasures and human performance. Her work includes collecting and analyzing cardiovascular, thermal, and performance data during exercise interventions using novel gravity-independent hardware developed for spaceflight applications. She is committed to rigorous, evidence-based research with clear real-world application

Mina is an Egyptian-born Anaesthesiology resident from the UK with a background in emergency medicine, intensive care and expedition medicine. He has worked in extreme environments across the globe from the jungles of Borneo & Costa Rica to the high-altitude peaks of Kilimanjaro and Kinabalu, not to mention the Saharan desert in Morocco and the African savannahs of Sierra Leone and Liberia. He recently completed a 2-year secondment with the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) for South Eastern Australia where he worked as an aeromedical retrieval doctor as well as providing telehealth medical support to some of the most rural and remote communities in the outback. A fellow in Expedition and Wilderness Medicine (FEWM) and holder of the Diploma for Delivery of Medical Care in Conflicts and Catastrophes (DMCC) he has a keen interest in medical care in austere environments not least of all Space Medicine.

Letizia Caito is a Technologist at the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), Scientific Directorate, specializing in project management and coordination of large-scale research and technological innovation infrastructures. She currently serves as Project Manager for the High Resolution Multi-Object Spectrograph (HR-MOS) and as Project Controller for the national Special Space Research Program (PRORIS) aimed at the search for Rare Earth Elements (REEs) on the Moon. Previously, she was Project Manager within the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) – Low-Frequency Aperture Array (LFAA) project, over seeing coordination between international partners and industry for the production and integration of advanced antenna systems for the INAF team. Since 2023 to the end of 2024, she has coordinated the Tiger Team in the INAF Program Office for Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), focusing on monitoring, control, and strategic alignment of major research-to-business initiatives. Letizia holds a Ph.D. in Relativistic Astrophysics and a Master’s in Space Policy and Institutions. She has extensive experience in European and international projects, having worked with the European Space Agency (ESA), Italian Space Agency (ASI), and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), where she contributed to policy, technology transfer, and innovation management. She has co-authored around eighty scientific publications and numerous technical reports. Since March 2024, she has been affiliated with the National Center for HPC, Big Data and Quantum Computing (ICSC), where she collaborates on activities for Fundamental Research and Space Economy(Spoke 2).She is a member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and has been member of the ESA European Centre for Space Economy and Commerce (ECSECO).

Dr. Alexander Simmonds is a lecturer in Space Law at the University of Dundee in Scotland. He completed his undergraduate degree in Law at the University of Sheffield in 2005. Following his studies at Nottingham Law School, he was called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in 2008. In recognition of his work assisting prison inmates, Alex was nominated for the UK 2008 Bar Pro Bono Award. Alex later completed his PhD in Employment Law at Coventry University under the supervision of Professor Dr Stephen Hardy.

Ali Kaveh is a distinguished professor of structural engineering at Iran University of Science and Technology. He was born in (1948) in the city Tabriz of Iran and completed his school in this city. He obtained his BSc (1968) from Tabriz University, MSc (1969) and PhD (1974) from Imperial College, London, and DTech Bauwesen (1993) from TU-Wien. Since then, he has been teaching at IUST, TU-Wien, and other universities in Iran. His honors include the Memorable Scientist of Iran and Gold Medal of Education and many awards. He is a fellow of the Iranian Academy of Sciences, fellow of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, fellow of the World Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the International Core Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and member of 8 scientific societies, founder and editor of more than 5 scientific journals and advisory member of many journals and conferences. He has published 750 scientific journal papers, 160 conference papers, 23 books in Farsi and 18 books in English, the latest being 'Optimal Analysis of Structures by Concepts of Symmetry and Regularity', 2013, Applications of Metaheuristic Algorithms in Civil Engineering', Springer, 2017' and Advances in Metaheuristic Algorithms for Optimal Design of Structures, 3rd ed. 2021. Professor Kaveh has been the supervisor of more than 180 MSc students and 58 PhD students. Professor Kaveh has developed “Optimal Analysis” and many well known metaheuristic algorithms like CSS, MCSS, RO, DEO, CBO, ECBO, WEO, WSO, (15 cases) for optimal design of structures. His early contributions were focused on Symmetry, the force method of structural analysis and many applications of graph theory in structural engineering.

Meshack Ndiritu is a Space Systems Engineer and Policy Leader at the forefront of space, AI and emerging technologies. A founding architect of the African Space Agency which is an Organ of the African Union, he has played a central role in shaping continental space governance, leading the development of the African Space Policy& Strategy, and AI Governance and Strategy for Africa. He has mobilized over $300M in funding for African space programs, focusing on upstream and downstream innovations. He champions collaborations with global partners like Space Agencies, Development Banks, Industry, Academia, Foundations, etc. He is a senior non-resident fellow with the Atlantic Council, providing insights on space, AI, IoT, cybersecurity, energy. As Capacity Lead for Space and Emerging Technologies at the African Space Agency, Meshack has driven the continent’s largest space capacity-building program, training over 10,000 scientists, supporting hundreds of graduate students, and building a pan-African academic network with over 100 institutions. He also established collaboration platforms such as digital learning systems, networks of excellence, etc. He has championed fusion technologies such as AI/ML, cloud computing into Earth Observation service delivery.

Michele Marino is a graduate in Economics from the University of Warwick and holds a Master’s degree in Space Science and Engineering from University College London. At UCL, his research explored the intersection of economics and space, with a thesis focused on OPUS, an integrated assessment model that simulates economic incentives and satellite populations within the evolving debris environment of low Earth orbit. The model is designed to support regulators in evaluating the long-term impact of space policy on orbital sustainability. Following his Master’s, Michele was selected to join the ESA Academy Space Debris and later became a Trainee at the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), working in the Market Downstream and Innovation Unit to foster the development of space-based applications through programmes such as Horizon Europe, Fundamental Elements, and other EUSPA funding instruments.

Dr. Shokoh Parham is an experienced researcher and educator with expertise in materials chemistry, nanomaterials, biomaterials, polymers, and antimicrobial materials. With over four years of teaching experience and a strong publication record exceeding 1,330 citations, Dr. Shokoh Parham has contributed significantly to both academic and research institutions in Malaysia and Iran. Recognized with multiple awards for research excellence, including Best Paper and Top Cited Article honors from Wiley, Dr. Shokoh Parham excels in leading multidisciplinary teams, mentoring postgraduate students, and fostering collaborative research environments. Their work bridges academic theory with practical applications, advancing innovation in materials science and industry engagement.

Seth Konadu Awuah is the Founder and President of Young Aviators Ghana, an aviation and aerospace youth network that has mentored over 30,000 students in STEM across Ghana. He serves as Country Representative for the Real World Design Challenge, convenes the National Youth in Aviation Week (Ghana), and is a youth advocate with multiple international networks. A professional pilot and aeronautical engineering student, Seth is a Stipendium Hungaricum Scholar and International Student Ambassador at the University of Nyíregyháza, Hungary. He is a recipient of national and international awards for youth leadership and internationalization and is a strong advocate for space tourism and African participation in space science.

Ford Catlin is an Aerospace Engineering Major at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach going into his junior year. He is a member of the Experimental Rocket Propulsion Laboratory designing and testing liquid rocket engines with fellow students. Ford has also been of a member of the Massachusetts Youth Governor’s advisory council and has taught courses on macroeconomics and macroeconomics in the wider space industry.

Sadiq Ali Mir is an Aerospace Engineer and Astronaut Candidate at Titans Space Industries (Class of 2024–2029). He is the Founder & CEO of Spica Space Academy, a research institute driving advancements in human spaceflight and workforce development for India. A specialist in launch systems and aerial mobility, Sadiq is the former CTO of Spica Launch Corporation (focusing on RLVs) and the Co-Founder and Advisor for Team AeroAstro at RV College of Engineering.

Martina Liberti is a Biomedical Engineer and doctoral candidate (Year II) within the National PhD program in Space Science and Technology at the University of Trento and CBMS(Centro di Bio MedicinaSpaziale), University of Rome Tor Vergata. Her research is conducted in collaboration with the "SPACE IT UP!" consortium supported by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), focusing on the quantitative physiological and biological foundations of human adaptation to extraterrestrial environments. Building upon her MSc in Medical Engineering (University of Rome Tor Vergata), her expertise in vestibular neurophysiology was established through pioneering research into stochastic resonance, specifically investigating the effects of Gaussian noise in motion discrimination and mitigating vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive impairments in extreme conditions. She also contributed to the Neuromotor Physiology and Visual Motor Control and Space Microgravity Physiology Labs through the development of haptic diagnostic frameworks for interactive locomotion.

Dr. Francesca Faedi is an accomplished academic and expert in the Space Economy, with over 15 years of research experience in astrophysics and more recent leadership roles as an Innovation Manager in the space sector. She brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective, combining deep scientific expertise with a strong focus on innovation, commercialisation, and impact. Francesca’s strengths lie in her people-centred approach and her ability to connect academic research with industry and policy needs to deliver high-impact, collaborative projects. She has supported and delivered technology and commercial development initiatives across government, academia, and industry, securing approximately £11 million in funding with a high success rate. She has also played a key role in supporting the creation of the Exploore Cluster in the Marche region in Italy, working closely with academic institutions, industrial partners, and regional and national government stakeholders to foster innovation and growth in the space sector. Francesca lectures on the Space Economy at the University of Leicester School of Business and maintains strong national and international links with the UK and European space sectors. In recognition of her contributions, she has been awarded the honour of Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana.

Caroline holds a Master’s in Physics from the University of Brussels (ULB), a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Liège, and is an alumna of the International Space University. As COO, she leads a multicultural team and oversees operations, strategy, and public relations for neXat. Caroline De Vos brings over 20 years of experience in the aerospace and satellite communications industry. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer of neXat (formerly SatADSL), a global satellite service platform known as the “Network of Networks.” Throughout her career, Caroline has held key roles including system engineer trainee at the European Space Agency, project manager at Space Applications Services, and operations manager at Space Checker. She also served as a Strategic Business Consultant at Sea & Space Exploration, focusing on market studies in satellite communications.

Suhail ibn Shahnawaz is a young physicist, scientist, author, and visionary from Kashmir, recognized for his pioneering work in astrophysics, space exploration, and social thought. He directed the Buraq-1 launch and has received over 150 awards for his contributions. Suhail explores fundamental questions about the universe, including his “God theory of the universe,” and has represented India at international scientific forums. As an author, he has written impactful works on Kashmir, blending scientific insight with advocacy for justice and peace. Beyond research and writing, he founded SIS Universe to inspire youth in astrophysics and space science. Suhail is known for bridging science, literature, and activism, striving to advance human knowledge while promoting social progress.

Professor Sanderson César is an engineer and researcher in mechatronics and new product development projects. He has a Bachellor in Electrical Engineering, and Master and Doctorate degrees in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked as Development Engineer, Project Manager, Operations Manager and Project Management Office Manager at a Brazilian Company that developed the first Satellite Camera for Environmental Monitoring purposes. He is currently Professor in the Under graduation course for Industrial Engineering, and the Post-graduation course in Mechatronic Systems at the University of Brasília, Brazil.

Abhishek Bansal is an independent consultant, researcher, and amateur scholar with over two decades of self-funded and self-directed innovation. His latest works represent the culmination of more than 20 years of independent research characterized by original discovery, rigorous simulation, and open dissemination. His recent contributions introduce novel research claims, discoveries, models, equations, theories, propositions, and algorithms.

Mihály Szabó is an international policy expert specializing in governance, security, and international cooperation, with extensive experience across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. He has worked on election integrity, democratic resilience, and youth policy within the frameworks of the European Union, United Nations, and leading international organizations. Mihály has participated in and managed missions and projects in over 50 countries and currently serves as a Chairman of the iDove interfaith dialogue platform and as an advisor of the United Europe think tank. His work increasingly focuses on emerging policy domains, including space governance, strategic cooperation, and the role of small states in global frameworks.

Francesco Gardiol is a MSc Graduate in Space Engineering at Politecnico di Milano. His academic work focused on spacecraft dynamics and autonomous mission design, with particular interest in proximity operations around small bodies. His Master’s thesis, “Graph-Theory Applied to Goal-Oriented Mission Design in Proximity of Small Bodies”, explored autonomous trajectory planning techniques that enable a spacecraft to select and visit multiple scientific targets under strict fuel and time constraints. His research lies at the intersection of astrodynamics, graph-based optimization, and autonomous decision-making, addressing the challenges posed by weak and irregular gravitational environments dominated by solar perturbations. Through numerical simulations and algorithmic development, his work demonstrates how autonomy can reduce manoeuvre costs and increase mission flexibility in asteroid exploration scenarios. Francesco’s interests include autonomous space systems, trajectory optimization, and intelligent mission planning, with the goal of contributing to future space missions that rely more on onboard decision making and reduced ground intervention.