We recently hosted an interactive virtual event where leading experts from across the space sector—Astronaut Health & Performance, Space Architecture, Space Transportation Systems, and Space Law & Policy—came together for a dynamic panel discussion as part of Deep Space Initiative’s Andromeda Research Program.

Each speaker brought forward unique insights from their domain, exploring how their work shapes the future of long-duration space missions and human presence beyond Earth:

• 🧠 Dr. Jennifer Fogarty – Former NASA Human Research Program Chief Scientist (Astronaut Health & Performance)

• 🏗️ Scott Macklin – CTO at Gravitics (Space Architecture)

• 🚀 Austin Cyrus – Program Manager at Lunar Outpost (Space Transportation Systems)

• ⚖️ Michael S. Dodge, J.D., LL.M. – Professor at University of North Dakota (Space Law & Policy)

Moderated by Stuart Buchanan, DSI podcast producer, the panel sparked rich, interdisciplinary conversations, identifying points of convergence and tension that define the future of human space exploration. The session concluded with a live Q&A, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers.

In October 2024, Deep Space Initiative hosted a vibrant networking event alongside the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan. The evening brought together space professionals, students, and enthusiasts for an unforgettable night of connection, collaboration, and community. Guests enjoyed interactive games, exciting raffle prizes generously donated by Axiom Space, Blue Origin, and Airbus, and the chance to engage with peers from around the world in a relaxed, celebratory setting.

Expert Speakers: George Salazar - NASA Space Systems Engineer, Technical Lead, Human Interface branch (Deep Space Initiative advisor) Vanessa Spark - Atomos Space CEO and cofounder Sergey Galkin - Space Telescope Science Institute Simulator Systems Engineer Dr. Julien Vaudolon - Exotrail Propulsion Operations Team Lead Moderated by: Carson Zide - Vaya Space Lead Turbomachinery & Fluid System Design Engineer

Expert Speakers: Dr. Serena Aunon-Chancellor - NASA Astronaut & Physician Dr. Robin Elgart - NASA HRP Space Radiation Element Scientist Dr. Jennifer Law - NASA and commercial Flight surgeon Dr. Victoria Wotring - ISU Human Performance in Space professor Moderated by: Dr. Jennifer Fogarty - Deep Space Initiative Chief Technical Officer, TRISH Chief Scientific Officer, former NASA Human Research Chief Scientist

Expert Speakers: Larry Toups - former NASA Space Architect and Professor (Deep Space Initiative advisor) Dr. Prof Pablo De Leon - Professor & Chair, Department of Space Studies at the University of North Dakota, Director of the Human Spaceflight Lab (Deep Space Initiative advisor) Vittorio Netti - Space Architecture researcher at the University of Houston William O'Hara - Sierra Space senior principal systems engineer for Space Destinations Moderated by: Leszek Orzechowski - director and CEO of Lunares Space Analog Research Station in Poland