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. Taking place over the first two days of SATELLITE, SGx offers students, young professionals, and emerging figures in the government and commercial space sectors a platform to deliver engaging talks, sharing fresh perspectives on the history, current state, and future prospects of space commerce and exploration.

SGx stands out for its ability to provide attendees with direct access to prospective employers. In 2023, the SGx career fair in collaboration with Via Satellite, attracted prominent participants like Lockheed Martin, NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program, Northrop Grumman, Astroscale, Iridium, and Advanced Space!

Built in partnership with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) and the Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF), SGx promises to be one of the most engaging and compelling events at SATELLITE 2024!

SGx2024 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 350+ industry professionals spanning various career levels.
  • Multiple sessions followed by moderated Q&A, broken into unique themes.
  • SGx Evening Reception, to follow the SATELLITE 2024 Welcome Reception.
Registration

SGx tickets can be purchased through the SATELLITE 2024 registration system.

Act now, obtain your $99 SATELLITE Exhibit Hall Pass and secure your SGx registration for as little as $175 ($65 for professionals under 35 years of age)!

Start Your Online Registration

SGx2024 | Agenda

MARCH 18, 2024
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM | Registration
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | Opening Remarks

• Bradley Cheetham, Chairman, Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF)
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | Launching Careers: Making the Leap into the Space Workforce

• Carissa Christensen, CEO, BryceTech
• Raycho Raychev, Founder & CEO, EnduroSat
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM | Career Fair – Speed Networking
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM | Young Professional/Student Lightning Talks
12:45 PM – 2:15 PM | Sponsored Lunch
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM | Keynote
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Workshop Block 1
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Coffee Break
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Keynote
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM | Space 4 Good: Harnessing the Power of Space for Positive Change

• Jessie Pechmann, Global GIS Manager, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team
• Jagdeep Shergill, Program Director, Geo Weather Satellites, Lockheed Martin Space
• Julie Zoller, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs, Amazon Project Kuiper
5:15 PM – 5:25 PM | Closing Remarks
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | SATELLITE Opening Reception
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | SGx Reception
MARCH 19, 2024
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM | SATELLITE Opening General Session
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | SGx Opening Remarks
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM | Introductory Keynote
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM | Workshop Block 2
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Career Fair
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | Lunch
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM | Space Beyond STEM: Diversifying the Space Workforce

• Kelli Kedis Ogborn (Moderator), VP, Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship, Space Foundation
• Tom Kelly, Co-Founder & CEO, EVONA
• AJ Link, Adjunct Professor, Space Law, Howard University
• Lauren Ward, Video Producer, NASA
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM | Keynote
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Coffee/Art Break
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Championing Change: Practical Steps for Driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Ginny Randall (Moderator), Leadership & Career Coach, Ginny Randall Coaching
• Bridget Chatman, Chair, Women in Aerospace (WIA)
• Billy Gallagher, Senior Robotics Engineer, Johns Hopkins University APL
• Nik Lassiter, Agency DEIA Program Manager, Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, NASA
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Young Professional/Student Lightning Talks
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM | Closing Remarks
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Informal Get-Together

SGx2024 | Panel Descriptions

Space 4 Good: Harnessing Space for Positive Change
With its unique vantage point and cutting-edge capabilities, space can be a force for positive change. From satellite technology aiding disaster response to Earth observation enhancing our understanding of climate change, space technologies play a critical role in improving life on Earth. Our panel will highlight inspiring initiatives where space takes center stage in supporting sustainability and humanitarian efforts, offering new solutions to today’s biggest challenges. Explore innovative ideas and collaborative strategies that harness space for the collective good.

  • Jessie Pechmann, Global GIS Manager, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team
  • Jagdeep Shergill, Program Director, Geo Weather Satellites, Lockheed Martin Space
  • Julie Zoller, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs, Amazon Project Kuiper

Space Beyond STEM: Diversifying the Space Workforce
The space industry offers a plethora of career opportunities beyond rocket scientists and astronauts. With the space economy projected to reach a staggering one trillion dollars by 2030, there is a growing demand for individuals with vibrant and diverse backgrounds to help propel the global space industry to new heights. From art and film to business and law, this panel will explore the myriad of careers shaping the trajectory of the space industry beyond traditional STEM fields. Reimagine how you think about a career in space and explore the evolution of the space industry into a multidimensional workforce.

  • Kelli Kedis Ogborn (Moderator), VP, Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship, Space Foundation
  • Tom Kelly, Co-Founder & CEO, EVONA
  • AJ Link, Adjunct Professor, Space Law, Howard University
  • Lauren Ward, Video Producer, NASA

Launching Careers: Making the Leap into the Space Workforce
Aspiring to join the space community? Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or a seasoned professional seeking a career change, this panel is your gateway to unlocking the secret of securing a job in the space industry. Join our esteemed panel of industry experts, seasoned professionals, and trailblazers as they share their insights, strategies, and personal experiences, providing a roadmap for pivoting into the dynamic space workforce. Gain firsthand knowledge on the diverse pathways, essential skills, and nuances of launching and building a successful career in the space industry. 

  • Carissa Christensen, CEO, BryceTech
  • Raycho Raychev, Founder & CEO, EnduroSat

Championing Change: Practical Steps for Driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
As workplaces across the nation define their approach to DEI, employees at all levels of decision making play a significant role in driving progress. Join our expert panel for a thoughtful discussion on actionable strategies, personal insights, and successful initiatives aimed at cultivating a workplace that champions diversity and ensures equity and inclusion for all. Engage in this critical conversation to learn how you can support socially responsible solutions and contribute to creating an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. This discussion is a must-attend for individuals and organizations committed to advancing DEI and building a workplace that champions the diverse perspectives within your organization and the broader space community. 

  • Ginny Randall (Moderator), Leadership & Career Coach, Ginny Randall Coaching
  • Bridget Chatman, Chair, Women in Aerospace (WIA)
  • Billy Gallagher, Senior Robotics Engineer, Johns Hopkins University APL
  • Nik Lassiter, Agency DEIA Program Manager, Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, NASA
Past SGx Presenters
  • Steph DelPozzo, Associate, NextFed
  • Elias Hailu Daniel, Aerospace Engineering Student, University of Maryland College Park
  • Sapna Rao, Systems Engineer, Lockheed Martin Commercial Civil Space
  • Carson Coursey, Associate Member of the Technical Staff, The Aerospace Corporation
  • Rachita Puri, Aerospace Engineer, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration
  • Alex Merker, Senior Consultant, Guidehouse
  • Emma Louden, Astrophysics Ph.D Student, Yale University
  • Clay Mowry, President, International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
  • Amelia Batcha (Moderator), Executive Officer to the Associate Administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, NASA
  • Tim Kopra, CEO, Nanoracks
  • John Marzano, Director, Human Landing Systems, Northrop Grumman Space Systems
  • Jason Hopkins, Director, Lunar Infrastructure Services, Lockheed Martin
  • Kristina “K” Leszczak (Moderator), Foreign Affairs Officer, U.S. Department of State’s Office of Space Affairs (OES/SA)
  • Dr. Masami Onoda, Director, Washington D.C. Office, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
  • Paul Steinmetz, Consul General & Executive Director, Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office New York
  • Krystal Azelton, Director of Space Applications Programs, Secure World Foundation
  • Blake Bullock, Vice President of Communication Systems, Northrop Grumman Strategic Space Systems
  • Debra Facktor, Head of U.S. Space Systems, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense
  • Deborah (Debi) Tomek (Moderator), Senior Advisor, Space Infrastructure and Logistics, In-Space Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM), NASA
  • Eric Ingram, Founder & CEO, Scout
  • Dr. Trevor Bennett, Co-Founder, Starfish Space
  • Dr. Clare Martin, Executive Vice President, Astroscale U.S.
  • Mariah Baker, AAAS Congressional Science & Technology Fellow, Office of Senator John Hickenlooper
  • A.C. Charania (Moderator), Chief Technologist, NASA
  • Alex Gilbert, Director of Space & Planetary Regulation, Zeno Power
  • Dr. Gary Li, Business Development Manager, Impulse Space
  • Marshall Smith, Vice President, Exploration, Voyager Space
  • Mike French (Keynote), Vice President for Space Systems, AIA
  • Dr. Tom Colvin (Keynote), Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS), NASA
  • Brandi Burnett, Sustainability Director, Northrop Grumman Space Systems

SGx SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in becoming a sponsor of SGx? Contact Ashley Peter ([email protected]) to start the discussion!