SGx2025
Produced in Partnership with
A series of fast-paced inspirational talks from aerospace innovators and leaders
Drawing inspiration from “TEDx,” SGx cultivates an atmosphere that encourages young professionals, industry experts, and government leaders to convene and exchange valuable insights and experiences. The program addresses critical challenges and presents groundbreaking ideas, igniting the aspirations of future space pioneers.
During the first two days of SATELLITE, SGx gives a voice to students, young professionals, and emerging figures in the government and commercial space sectors, delivering thought-provoking talks on the past, present, and future of the space industry.
In collaboration with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) and the Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF), SGx stands out as one of the most dynamic events at SATELLITE!
SGx2025 At-A-Glance
- Two days of high-impact programming and events to deliver a meaningful experience to attendees, speakers, and sponsors.
- A unique opportunity to network with 300+ industry professionals spanning various career levels.
- Multiple sessions followed by moderated Q&A, broken into unique themes.
Registration
SGx25 tickets can be purchased through the SATELLITE 2025 registration system.
Passes to SGx are currently $220 ($100 for professionals under 35 years of age)! A SATELLITE Exhibit Hall Pass is required.
SGx2025 | Agenda
| MARCH 10, 2024 |
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration |
| 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Welcome Coffee Sponsored by  |
| 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM | Opening Remarks • Antonino Salmeri, Chair & Nicol Koleva, Executive Director, SGAC • Bradley Cheetham, Chairman, Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF) • Jeff Hill, Executive Chairman, SATELLITE 2025 |
| 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM | Keynote – There’s Space for You! • Audrey Schaffer, VP of Strategy and Policy, Slingshot Aerospace |
| 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | Navigating Operational Challenges in Commercial Space Integration – Balancing Innovation, Safety, and Sustainability • Kevin Kiefer, Chief, Office of Waterways and Ocean Policy, USCG |
| 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM | Young Professional/Student Lightning Talks |
| 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Speed Networking |
| 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM | Break for Lunch (Extended Time for Career Fair Conversations) |
| 1:15 PM – 1:30 PM | Keynote |
| 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Business Pitch – Scenario Workshop |
| 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Coffee Break |
| 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Keynote • Markus Geiss, Commercial Director, DCUBED |
| 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM | Young Professional/Student Lightning Talks |
| 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM | The Next Frontier: Navigating Your Future in the Evolving Space Industry • Karen Abarca (Moderator), Communication Systems Engineer, Northrop Grumman • TJ Mathieson, PhD, Chief Architect & Director, Mission Integration, Northrop Grumman Strategic Space Systems • Tyman Stephens, Vice President, Constellation, BlackSky • Tim Walsh, Director of the Office of Low Earth Orbit Observations (LEO), NOAA |
| 5:15 PM – 5:30 PM | Keynote • Peter Knickerbocker, Market Executive, Bank of America’s Aerospace, Defense and Emerging Technology Team, Bank of America |
| 5:15 PM – 7:00 PM | SATELLITE Opening Reception |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | SGx Reception |
| — MARCH 11, 2024 |
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | SATELLITE Opening Keynote |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | SATELLITE Opening General Session |
| 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Welcome Coffee/Art Showcase Sponsored by  |
| 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM | Introductory Keynote • Debra Facktor, Head of U.S. Space Systems, Airbus U.S. |
| 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM | Young Professional/Student Lightning Talks |
| 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Transitioning From the ISS – Future of International Space Cooperation • Ashley Peter, Technical Integration Manager, Moon to Mars SE&I, NASA • Marshall Smith, President, Voyager • Robyn Gatens, Director, ISS, NASA • Rich Leshner, VP Government Affairs, VAST |
| 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Break for Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Keynote • Karl Johnson, Business Development Associate, Advanced Space |
| 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM | Business Pitch Workshop Cont. |
| 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Keynote • Jim Bridenstine, Managing Partner, The Artemis Group |
| 2:45 PM – 2:50 PM | Farewell Remarks |
| 2:50 PM – 3:25 PM | Exhibit Hall Tour & Network |
SGx2025 | Panel Descriptions
Transitioning from the ISS – Future of International Space Cooperation
For two decades, the International Space Station (ISS) has been a cornerstone of cooperation, collaboration, research, and development in space. But like all things, the aging laboratory will eventually come to an end. As NASA plans to transition away from the ISS, a new generation of entrepreneurs is developing commercial platforms to possibly replace it. What might this future of commercial space stations have in store for international collaboration in low Earth orbit? How might the future of commercial space platforms be similar to the ISS era, and how will it be different? This panel, featuring the leaders from industry and government who are paving the path for commercial space stations, will feature a robust discussion on the many possibilities – and challenges – facing a transition away from the International Space Station.
• Ashley Peter, Technical Integration Manager, Moon to Mars SE&I, NASA
• Marshall Smith, President, Voyager
• Robyn Gatens, Director ISS, NASA
• Rich Leshner, VP, Government Affairs, VAST
Navigating Operational Challenges in Commercial Space Integration – Balancing Innovation, Safety, and Sustainability
For two decades, the International Space Station (ISS) has been a cornerstone of cooperation, collaboration, research, and development in space. But like all things, the aging laboratory will eventually come to an end. As NASA plans to transition away from the ISS, a new generation of entrepreneurs is developing commercial platforms to possibly replace it. What might this future of commercial space stations have in store for international collaboration in low Earth orbit? How might the future of commercial space platforms be similar to the ISS era, and how will it be different? This panel, featuring the leaders from industry and government who are paving the path for commercial space stations, will feature a robust discussion on the many possibilities – and challenges – facing a transition away from the International Space Station.
• Kevin Kiefer, Chief, Office of Waterways and Ocean Policy, USCG
The Next Frontier: Navigating Your Future in the Evolving Space Industry
Space is often called the next frontier, and it bears many similarities to the American West in the mid-1800s — a lack of agreed-upon norms, behaviors, and policies; the congestion that follows explosive growth; and contention as many players vie over the same resources. Just as the “Wild West” transformed over the course of just a few decades, today’s space industry is dynamic, and its evolution will shape your career as a young professional in the space industry. This panel will discuss drivers and trends in the space landscape through the lens of professional development and charting your career path.
• Karen Abarca (Moderator), Communication Systems Engineer, Northrop Grumman
• TJ Mathieson, PhD, Chief Architect & Director, Mission Integration, Northrop Grumman Strategic Space Systems
• Tyman Stephens, Vice President, Constellation, BlackSky
• Tim Walsh, Director of the Office of Low Earth Orbit Observations (LEO), NOAA
Interested in elevating your brand and connecting with the next generation of space leaders? Become a sponsor of SGx! To start the conversation and explore sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Sapna Rao at ([email protected]).