Cracking DC’s Black Box: Working with Governments Workshop

Government engagement is critical in the space industry—but often opaque to early-career professionals. This interactive workshop breaks down how it actually works, using real-world scenarios and candid insights from industry and policy leaders to explore what drives successful collaboration—and what doesn’t. Participants will gain actionable guidance on how to approach, communicate with, and build credibility with government stakeholders.

Ryan Cooperman is Director of Public Policy and Government Relations at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), where he leads the organization’s advocacy efforts across Congress, federal agencies, and the broader aerospace policy ecosystem including all international affairs. With nearly two decades of experience in government affairs, Ryan has worked across the financial services and aerospace sectors, advising senior executive leaders on legislative strategy, regulatory policy, and political engagement. He previously held roles at Ally Financial, Transamerica Life insurance, the Financial Services Institute, The Housing Policy Council, and began his career in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ryan holds a J.D. and is based in Washington, D.C.

Amber McIntyre is the Senior Director of Civil Space at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). A seasoned space policy expert, she brings extensive experience in federal and international space policy, having led key initiatives across multiple U.S. government agencies.

McIntyre joined AIA from the National Space Policy Council in the Executive Office of the Vice President, where she served as Director of International Space Policy. She led U.S. space policy coordination across agencies like NASA, the State Department, and the Department of Defense, advancing national security, global partnerships, and the Artemis Accords.

Prior to her time at the White House, McIntyre served as Counselor for Interagency and International Relations at NASA, where she advised the Administrator on space diplomacy, international partnerships, and strategic agency priorities. She also worked at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, managing key diplomatic engagements and intergovernmental relations. Earlier in her career, she held various public affairs and policy roles at the U.S. Department of State, supporting foreign policy initiatives across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

McIntyre holds a B.A. in political science and religion from Florida State University, an M.P.A. from American University, and a business administration certification from Georgetown University.

Tahara Dawkins is the Director of Policy at Astroscale U.S., where she leads efforts to advance space sustainability, satellite servicing, and responsible operations through policy and regulatory engagement across the United States and internationally. In this role, she works at the intersection of government, industry, and multilateral forums to help shape policy frameworks for emerging mission areas, including on-orbit servicing and proximity operations. She actively  engages in international discussions on spectrum, space situational awareness, and operational  coordination, contributing to efforts that promote safe, predictable, and sustainable space  activities. 

Prior to joining Astroscale U.S., Tahara served as Chief of Staff for the White House National Space  Council, where she played a central role in coordinating U.S. space policy across federal agencies  and supporting the development of national space strategy. She also led the Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs Office at the U.S. Department of Commerce, overseeing licensing and  regulatory policy for U.S. private remote sensing satellite systems. 

With more than 25 years of experience in space policy, Tahara brings deep expertise in regulatory  frameworks, international collaboration, and the integration of commercial capabilities into  national and global space strategies. She is known for her ability to bridge policy and operations,  helping ensure that evolving regulatory approaches remain grounded in the realities of modern space missions.

Co-Creation Lab: Imagining the future with THE future

The future is not something we inherit… it’s something we create together! In this interactive workshop, participants will engage in rapid rounds of “futures speed dating” to spark bold ideas, unexpected connections, and new perspectives on the future of space. Participants will then collaborate in small teams to build out ideas that excite them most, exploring futures worth imagining—and creating—together.