SGx2025 Panel Descriptions
Transitioning from the ISS – Future of International Space Cooperation
Panel Description: 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.
Speakers
Rich has over 20 years experience in the space sector, including time in government (NASA), the nonprofit sector, at aerospace start-ups, and as a consultant. Rich previously worked at Planet Lab where he was the Executive VP of Operations for the Planet Federal subsidiary; the White House, leading the development of National Space Policy; was the program manager and selection official for the NASA SBIR/STTR program; and, led the Analytics team and BryceTech.
VP, Government Affairs, VAST
Marshall Smith has decades of experience designing and building complex, human-rated space systems for NASA. He serves as the President of Space Solutions at Voyager, overseeing the business segment. Previously as Voyager’s Chief Technology Officer at Voyager, Mr. Smith lead the technical strategy for the enterprise. He continues to guide the Starlab team through the design, development, and operations of the commercial space station through his role as a Board Member. Prior to CTO, Mr. Smith served as Voyager’s Vice President of Exploration.
Previously at Nanoracks, now part of Voyager Space, Mr. Smith managed the space systems division, which included commercial space station development, autonomous outpost platforms, and support systems including airlocks. Marshall comes to Voyager having served for 37 years at NASA, most recently as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Systems Engineering, Director for Human Exploration and Director for Cross-Program Systems Engineering.
Mr. Smith led large, integrated teams to develop and implement some of NASA’s most critical programs including systems engineering for SLS, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems. He led the formulation of the Artemis and Moon to Mars plans, including NASA’s Gateway, the Human Landing System, and other future systems required for deep space missions.
He is the recipient of the NASA Systems Engineering Excellence of the Year Award, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal.
President, Space Solutions, Voyager Space
Robyn Gatens is the director of the International Space Station and acting director of the Commercial Spaceflight Division within the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.
Gatens leads strategy, policy, integration, and stakeholder engagement for the space station, commercial low Earth orbit, and commercial crew programs at the agency level, including use of the station and future low Earth orbit platforms for research and technology demonstrations to support NASA’s Artemis missions, and activities to secure an ongoing U.S. presence in low Earth orbit by enabling a successful, long-term private sector commercial low Earth orbit space economy. She also serves as NASA’s liaison to the International Space Station National Laboratory and co-chairs the Low Earth Orbit Science and Technology Interagency Working Group.
In her 39 years at NASA, Gatens has led the development and management of life support and habitation systems for human spaceflight missions. She has also led agency strategic and budget planning to mature these habitation system technologies needed for future deep space exploration missions, using the International Space Station as a demonstration testbed.
Gatens began her NASA career in 1985 at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She held various leadership positions at Marshall, including manager for the Orion spacecraft crew support and thermal systems before transferring to NASA Headquarters in Washington in 2012.
Gatens is the recipient of NASA’s Outstanding Leadership and Exceptional Achievement Medals and holds a bachelor of science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Director of International Space Station for Space Operations, Director of the Commercial Spaceflight Division (acting)
Moderator
Ms. Ashley Peter serves as a Technical Integration Manager for the Moon to Mars, Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) office at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In this role, she currently leads Systems Integration and Test trade studies across the Artemis programs and supports the integrated Imagery Team with various activities relating to engineering, outreach, and science & utilization imagery across the Artemis missions. She previously led the Moon to Mars Schedule Analysis Team, where she was responsible for overall schedule integration and schedule management of the Artemis missions. She further led integrated schedule risk analyses across the missions to probabilistically quantify schedule and technical risks at the Moon to Mars level.
Prior to joining NASA, Ms. Peter was a consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, D.C. supporting data analytics projects with NASA and the U.S. Navy.
Ms. Peter received a B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences (EAPS) and Management Science. She also earned an M.A. from the George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute, where she conducted research on emerging space nations’ motivations for establishing space agencies. She served as SGAC’s SGx Event Manager in 2024 and was a member of several past SGx Organizing Teams.
Government Affairs, NASA
Navigating Operational Challenges in Commercial Space Integration – Balancing Innovation, Safety, and Sustainability
Panel Description: This panel explores the critical operational challenges in integrating commercial space activities within a complex, multi-domain environment. With increasing commercial launches, there’s a pressing need for efficient coordination across maritime, airspace, and federal range operations. Panelists will discuss the intricacies of balancing innovation with safety and sustainability through coordinated efforts, including maritime tracking, airspace allocation, and range management. The conversation will also cover the essential role of international cooperation, addressing how cross-border policies and shared protocols can support a safe and sustainable commercial space ecosystem.
Speakers
Israel joined Firefly in August 2022 bringing over 22 years of experience in the Department of Defense (DoD) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) leading high- performing teams as a space systems defense acquisition manager. Background includes diverse leadership roles in multiples organizations including as Service Operations Division Chief
responsible for the integration and operations of NRO communications systems valued at $3.1B, as Senior Launch Acquisition Advisor to the Office of Space Launch developing multi-million-dollar acquisition strategies to launch Intelligence Community (IC) satellites and Chief Engineer of the Delta II Launch vehicle at the Launch and Range Systems Wing, Space and Missiles Systems Center in Los Angeles, CA. Israel holds an ME in Engineering Management from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez.
Director of National Security Programs
Eric Jones is a Principal at Booz Allen and a director of space mission infrastructure and security in the
company’s NASA account. Over his 22-year career Eric has worked as space cyber and digital transformation leader with his experience spanning across multiple firms and companies to include AT&T, Gartner and Lockheed Martin. U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine and the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities has recognized Eric asa Modern-Day Technology Leader, for his unique ability to modernize and secure space platforms, over the stint of his career.
Eric received his bachelor’s degree in information systems from Virginia State University and a master’s in information systems and telecommunications sciences from Johns Hopkins University. As certified by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), Eric is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Eric is currently pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in business intelligence at Marymount University, where he is focusing research on supply chain risk and disruption. In 2013, The U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine and the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities recognized Eric as a Modern-Day Technology Leader.
In a civic capacity, Eric is a gubernatorial appointee of the Commonwealth of Virginia, serving
as chair of the board of directors for the New College Institute; serves on the Dean’s Alumni
Advisory Board of the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School; and is a founding
member of the Maryland Aerospace Alliance. Last year, as a member of the Maryland
Aerospace Alliance drafted the Economic Development – Maryland Aerospace and
Technology Commission bill (House Bill 0623, Senate Bill 0516) establishing the Maryland
Aerospace and Technology Commission in the Department of Commerce to promote
innovation in the fields of space exploration and commercial aerospace opportunities,
including the integration of space, aeronautics, and aviation industries into the economy of
the State; requiring the Commission to develop and annually update a certain strategic plan;
and requiring the Commission, by October 1 each year, to submit a certain report to the
Governor, the Maryland Economic Development Commission, and the General Assembly.
Eric and wife Jessica live in Annapolis, MD.
CISSP Principal, Booz Allen
Israel joined Firefly in August 2022 bringing over 22 years of experience in the Department of Defense (DoD) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) leading high- performing teams as a space systems defense acquisition manager. Background includes diverse leadership roles in multiples organizations including as Service Operations Division Chief
responsible for the integration and operations of NRO communications systems valued at $3.1B, as Senior Launch Acquisition Advisor to the Office of Space Launch developing multi-million-dollar acquisition strategies to launch Intelligence Community (IC) satellites and Chief Engineer of the Delta II Launch vehicle at the Launch and Range Systems Wing, Space and Missiles Systems Center in Los Angeles, CA. Israel holds an ME in Engineering Management from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez.
Senior Systems Engineer, KBR
Moderator
Christine Joseph served as a Policy Advisor at the Office of Space Commerce within NOAA and the Department of Commerce, supporting the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) program on technical, policy, and programmatic issues. Prior to her current role, Christine Joseph served with the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology – Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. Her professional interests include space policy, aerospace human factors, and human-autonomy interaction. She previously worked in the aerospace industry as a human systems engineer with Aurora Flight Sciences. Christine has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and Master’s degrees in aeronautics & astronautics and technology policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Next Frontier: Navigating Your Future in the Evolving Space Industry
Panel Description: 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.
Speakers
TJ Mathieson is the Chief Architect and Director of Mission Integration for the Strategic Space Systems Division within Northrop Grumman Space Systems Sector. In this role, Mathieson focuses on creating operationally relevant capabilities by adapting, integrating, and optimizing systems across mission boundaries to rapidly address critical warfighting needs.
Mathieson has over 20 years of industry experience, including 17 years at Northrop Grumman. Prior to his current role, he was the chief integration architect for space sector where he was chartered with enhancing, optimizing and implementing integrated solutions across all of Northrop Grumman’s space and ground platforms. In that role, he also served as the space sector chief architect for Joint All-Domain Command & Control (JADC2) with a focus on developing integrated, cross-platform and cross-mission demonstration concepts.
In previous roles, he served as program manager and lead systems engineer for a trailblazing program merging national security space sensing capabilities with the development of high-rate production commercial space platforms and has worked the full life cycle of space and ground systems from concept development to decommission with a focus on complex spacecraft operations. As the chief engineer for multiple constellations of operational national systems, he successfully implemented numerous innovative life extension features and mission optimization enhancements.
In addition to spacecraft development and operations, Mathieson has supported the development of mission management and global situational awareness software applications, which he leveraged to train and advise mission operators around the world.
Mathieson received a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s in astronautical engineering from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate in systems engineering from George Washington University, where he has also served as an adjunct professor in the engineering management and systems engineering graduate program. His research and teaching focused on digital transformation and leveraging advancements in systems engineering digital tool chains and model-based systems engineering to optimize capabilities across the life cycle of systems.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.
Chief Architect & Director, Mission Integration, Northrop Grumman Strategic Space Systems
Tyman is the VP of Constellation at BlackSky, providing technical direction for the Satellite Development and Operations, Constellation Modeling and Analysis, and Mission Planning teams.
He has 20 years of in-depth, hands-on engagement with spacecraft, payloads, and ground stations, and has designed, launched and/or supported nearly 100 operational satellites on 20+ launches across 6+ unique missions with 3 companies. Tyman joined BlackSky as the Chief Engineer of Satellites in 2018, leading BlackSky through both the ATLO of the Gen2 constellation and the design and development of the Gen3 satellites.
Prior to BlackSky, Tyman joined the early Starlink team at SpaceX as the lead Satellite TPM. There he drove the successful development and launch of Tintin A & B (Starlink precursors) in 18 months, before coordinating the development activities for the satellite, phased array payload, and 5 sat/day production line for the first wave of 60 Starlink satellites. Before SpaceX, Tyman began his career at Northrop Grumman where he gained an extensive background across multiple phases space missions. He led (as PI) or supported many Phase A studies, including interplanetary science (JIMO, NWO, MTO), EO LEO constellations, and even manned space (NASA CE&R, CEV). He built ATLO experience leading factory and on-orbit vehicle & payload testing, ground antenna calibration, and Ops commissioning, culminating in a multi-disciplinary role leading the response and root-cause analysis for major anomalies impacting critical national systems.
Tyman loves to solve the problems that separate dreams from reality and excels in roles connecting the two. He has a Bachelor’s (BSc) in Applied Physics with a Minor in Music from Pacific Lutheran University and a Masters (MSc) in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Vice President, Constellation, BlackSky
Audrey M. Schaffer is the Vice President of Strategy and Policy at Slingshot Aerospace, a company whose vision is to accelerate space sustainability to create a safer, more connected world. In this role, she leverages her deep experience in the space sector to shape the
company’s long-term strategy and influence U.S. and international policies on space safety,
sustainability, and security.
Before joining the private sector, Ms. Schaffer served in the U.S. government for over 15 years, holding positions in the Executive Office of the President, Department of Defense, Department of State, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She most recently was the director for Space Policy on the National Security Council staff, where she advised the President, Vice President, and National Security Advisor of the United States on military,intelligence, civil, and commercial space policies and strategies.
During her time in government, Ms. Schaffer led DoD’s efforts to establish in law the U.S. Space Force as a new branch of the armed forces; established the U.S. policy to refrain from destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing; represented the United States in
negotiating the first-ever United Nations guidelines for space sustainability; and drafted numerous national and departmental space policies and strategies, including guidance approved by the President.
Ms. Schaffer holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a MA in International Science and Technology Policy from the George Washington University. She began her career as a Presidential Management Fellow with the
Department of the Air Force and is a recipient of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service. She lives with her family in Washington, DC.
VP, Strategy & Policy, Slingshot Aerospace
Moderator
Karen Abarca is a communication systems engineer at Northrop Grumman with four years of technical experience in the Space industry. To date, Abarca’s engineering portfolio has focused on radio frequency and lasercomm simulation analysis, channel performance, network architecture and unit design.
Before pivoting to a career in engineering, Abarca was a costume designer in the film and television industry. Abarca’s costume designs have been featured in shows such as “Germany’s Next Topmodel” and on the Disney Network.
Presently, Abarca dedicates much of her time supporting and mentoring students pursuing careers and education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Abarca is also an active member of several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Northrop Grumman focused on companywide DEI initiatives, as well as other professional organizations including Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), Mujeres, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers – South Bay chapter (SHPE-SBLA), and Society of Women Engineers – Los Angeles chapter (SWE-LA).
Abarca received her associate degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising; bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from California State University, Long Beach; and master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.
Communication Systems Engineer Northrop Grumman Space Systems
Keynote Speakers
Jim Bridenstine served as the 13th Administrator of NASA, where he was responsible for managing NASA’s 70,000-person workforce and $23 billion annual budget. Under his leadership, NASA reestablished an American human spaceflight program, which was lost after the retirement of the Space Shuttles in 2011. He also created NASA’s Artemis program to establish the first permanent presence on the Moon with commercial and international partners.
Before being appointed as NASA Administrator, Jim served in the United States House of Representatives from Oklahoma’s First Congressional District from 2013 to 2018. He was a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee where he chaired the Subcommittee on the Environment.
Prior to Congress, Jim served as a pilot in the United States Navy acquiring 1900 flight hours and 333 landings on an aircraft carrier. He flew combat missions in Afghanistan (2002) and Iraq (2003) off the USS Abraham Lincoln, where he earned an Air Medal and Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”. Originally an E-2C Hawkeye pilot, he transitioned to the F-18 Hornet and flew as an aggressor (Red Air) at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, the parent command to TOPGUN.
Jim currently serves as the Managing Partner of The Artemis Group, a strategic consulting firm. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Viasat, Inc., the Board of Trustees of the Aerospace Corporation, and he Chairs the Board of Advisors for Voyager Space.
Jim earned a triple major from Rice University in Economics, Business, and Psychology and an MBA from Cornell University.
Managing Partner, The Artemis Group
Debra Facktor leads the Airbus U.S. Space Systems line of business, with a focus on small satellites produced for commercial and government customers at the company’s manufacturing facility in Merritt Island, Florida, and on space exploration activities in the U.S.
Debra sits on the board of directors for Starlab Space LLC, a joint venture between Voyager and Airbus to build and operate a next-generation commercial space station. She also served on the board of the Airbus OneWeb Satellites joint venture prior to its recent acquisition by Airbus U.S.
Before joining Airbus U.S., Debra was Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Operations for Ball Aerospace, leading the company’s Washington DC operations, strategic development, and marketing and communications.
She is actively engaged as an advisor and mentor in the aerospace community, serving as chair of the Space & Satellite Professionals International-Women in Space Engagement (SSPI-WISE) and is a fellow of AIAA, the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).
Debra received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and is an alumna of the International Space University summer session program in Strasbourg, France
Head of U.S. Space Systems, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.
Peter Knickerbocker is the Market Executive of our Mid-Atlantic Aerospace, Defense & Technology Group
for Global Commercial Banking based in North Bethesda, Maryland. Responsibilities include managing
seven Senior Relationship Managers and a diverse group of Mid Cap public companies.
In 1991, Peter joined the bank as a junior Client Manager focused on smaller companies in the Washington
region. Over time, he assumed responsibility for larger, more complex clients and served as the Senior
Client Manager on notable financings including the construction of the Verizon Center (now Capital One
Arena) and FedExField Stadium. In concert with the seven relationship managers on his team, The
Washington Group accounts for more than 40% of the revenue within the Mid-Atlantic Global Commercial
Banking Market.
Peter Knickerbocker earned a BA degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Licensed, Registered
Representative with Series 7 & 63.
Senior Vice President, Market Executive, Bank of America
Bradley Cheetham is the co-founder and CEO of Advanced Space, where he leads efforts to enable the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space through innovative mission solutions. He serves as Principal Investigator for the CAPSTONE mission. Bradley is also a passionate space advocate, educator, and serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Future Space Leaders Foundation, serves on the Board of Advisors and the Board of Trustees of Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), and is on the Board of the Directors of the Bridge Entrepreneurs Network.
CEO, Advanced Space
Markus Geiss is a Business Leader, Engineer and NewSpace Advocate with over 10 years of international experience in the Space sector, reaching from academia to large system integrators and NewSpace startups.
Currently, Markus is the Commercial Director at Dcubed, where he’s responsible for overseeing all commercial activities and expanding the business globally. Before joining Dcubed, Markus was a systems engineer and project manager at OHB in Munich, Germany. Furthermore, he is the co-founder of Hopstronautix and SpaceBrewery, promoting awareness, outreach and excitement for Space.
Markus Geiss holds a Master’s and PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and he’s a graduate of the International Space University’s Space Studies Program. Moreover, Markus holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Applied Sciences in Munich where he completed a dual studies program together with Airbus Defence and Space.
Commercial Director, DCUBED
Karl Johnson holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and is currently finishing a graduate degree in Engineering Management from the University of Colorado (CU). Karl is part of the Graduate Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee at CU. In his current role, he primarily works with Advanced Space engineers to find solutions and determine the needs of national security and civil space to align with the business’ core competencies. He also performs many finance roles, including project finance and estimates to refine processes and improve efficiency. Karl is passionate about encouraging young professionals to choose a career in aerospace to help keep the United States be at the forefront of aerospace development and innovation to solve the problems that face us as a nation and society.
Business Development Associate, Advanced Space
