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ASCENDxTexas
Strategic Transitions – Aligning Stakeholders for Giant Leaps
26–27 February 2025
South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center

Progress to achieve Human Space Exploration for LEO, Lunar and Beyond, is dependent on strategic alignment across all stakeholders. Now, as we move towards successive launch, lander, destination, and exploration thresholds, collaboration is crucial for continued success. This year is the year of transitions: political, strategic, acquisitional, and mission-driven. 2025 ASCENDxTexas will focus on the innovation and adaptation necessary to navigate the evolving space economy–from policy discussions to commercial challenges and changing timelines, the next giant leap starts here.

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Registration

Registration Opens 12 November

REGISTER NOW
Early Bird Rates
12 November – 28 January
Standard Rates
29 January – 27 February
AIAA Professional Member $349 USD $399 USD
AIAA Student Member $199 USD $299 USD
Government $299 USD $299 USD
Nonmember $399 USD $449 USD

Powered by AIAA, ASCEND is the world’s premier outcomes-focused, interdisciplinary space community designed to accelerate the building of our off-world future. The ASCENDx Series accelerates momentum toward the ASCEND apex event. ASCENDxTexas is an open summit bringing together a broad community of stakeholders from NASA, industry, academia, government, and private entities to help build connections into partnerships, and engage in continuous discussions on strategy, development, and implementation of our off-world exploration, national security, and commercial activities. As with all our ASCEND events, ASCENDxTexas will focus on impactful outcomes and identifying opportunities holistically as a mission rather than a solution.

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Agenda

Wednesday | 26 February

1 p.m. CT

Welcome and Opening Remarks

SPEAKER

a headshot of vanessa wyche

Vanessa Wyche
Director, NASA Johnson Space Center

SPEAKER

Clay Mowry 2022ASCEND

Clay Mowry
CEO, AIAA

1:15 p.m. CT

KEYNOTE: Transitions from the ISS and the Dawn of CLDs

As the era of the International Space Station (ISS) nears its end, the space industry faces a pivotal transition from government-based operations to industry-enabled leadership in low Earth orbit (LEO). This session will explore NASA’s roadmap for transitioning from the ISS to a new era of commercial LEO destinations (CLDs), emphasizing how private companies will assume a central role in sustaining human activity and research in space. The conversation will address technological, operational, and policy hurdles of this shift, and provide insights into how NASA is collaborating with industry to ensure a seamless handoff. With the growth of commercial space enterprises, the session also will highlight the evolving partnership between government and industry, and the transitions necessary during the pivot from a monolith to a multifaceted commercial ecosystem.

SPEAKER

Joel Montalbano 2024

Joel Montalbano
Deputy Associate Administrator, Space Operations Missions Directorate, NASA

1:45 p.m. CT

Building the CLD Future: Industry Insights and Steps Forward

Key players in the CLD industry will review their progress in creating space habitats and research platforms. Panelists will share updates on ongoing projects, discuss the long-term vision for LEO commercialization, and provide insights into the opportunities and challenges ahead. Learn about the opportunities for collaboration and innovation that CLDs offer, and how these initiatives are building the foundation for a thriving space economy.

MODERATOR

Camille Alleyne1 ASCEND2022

Camille Alleyne
Founder and CEO, Arusha Space

SPEAKER

KopraTim 2024

Tim Kopra
CEO, Starlab

SPEAKER

Randy Lillard 2023

Randy Lillard
Program Manager, Orbital Reef, Blue Origin

SPEAKER

George Motter 2024

George Motter
SVP, Station Program Chief Engineer, Axiom Space

2:30 p.m. CT

COFFEE BREAK

Sponsored by:

Barrios Logo 2024

3:30 p.m. CT

Policy in Orbit: Alignment for the Commercial LEO Market

As commercial destinations in LEO become a reality, the regulatory landscape is rapidly adapting to meet new challenges. This session will explore how shifting policies are affecting the commercial space industry, from safety protocols to international cooperation. Gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory changes that are shaping the growth of LEO-based businesses.

MODERATOR

BridenstineJim 2024

Jim Bridenstine
Former NASA Administrator; Managing Partner, The Artemis Group

SPEAKER

ColemanKelvin 2024

Kelvin Coleman
Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation, FAA

SPEAKER

StarzykJanice 2024

Janice Starzyk
Deputy Director, Office of Space Commerce
NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce

4:30 p.m. CT

Texas, State of Space

Hear an update on recent legislative actions in Texas designed to support and advance the space community. Gain insights into the evolving landscape, including the role of the Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium in fostering a robust, space-forward environment through innovative state enterprise mechanisms.

SPEAKER

GarzaNorman 2024

Norman Garza
Director, Texas Space Commission

5:00 p.m. CT

WELCOME RECEPTION

Sponsored by:

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Thursday | 27 February

7:15 a.m. CT

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Sponsored by:

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7:45 a.m. CT

WELCOME AND DAY 1 RECAP

8:00 a.m. CT

KEYNOTE: Giant Leaps: A Moon-to-Mars Update

Join us for an insightful update on NASA’s Moon to Mars initiative, showcasing the latest developments and milestones in this ambitious program. This session will cover mission objectives, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts across various sectors that are paving the way for sustainable human exploration of the moon and Mars, highlighting the strategic importance of these missions for future space endeavors.

SPEAKER

Amit Kshatriya NASA

Amit Kshatriya
Deputy Associate Administrator, Moon to Mars Program, NASA

8:30 a.m. CT

Day After Tomorrow: Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities in the Cislunar Ecosystem

Leading aerospace companies will delve into the imminent challenges and opportunities within the cislunar ecosystem. Hear insights into the evolving landscape of lunar exploration and development as industry experts discuss key obstacles such as regulatory hurdles, resource utilization, and infrastructure development. Participants will explore innovative strategies for leveraging emerging opportunities, including public-private partnerships, technological advancements, and international collaboration, to foster sustainable growth and ensure the successful establishment of a thriving cislunar economy.

SPEAKER

Chris Coker 2024

Chris Coker
Vice President, Civil Programs & Robotics, Maxar Space Systems

9:30 a.m. CT

Strategic Integrations: The Future of NASA’s Operations Strategy

Join us for a compelling discussion on NASA’s forward-looking approach to long-duration space exploration, focusing on the key considerations in designing missions before committing to specific infrastructure. This session will examine how purposeful research shapes the planning for lunar and Martian exploration, ensuring that each mission component is aligned with NASA’s long-term vision for a sustainable human presence beyond Earth. Attendees will gain insight into how NASA’s operations strategy is evolving to support these goals, creating a roadmap for a new era of exploration and international collaboration.

10:20 a.m. CT

COFFEE BREAK

Sponsored by:

JES TECH LOGO 2024 1

10:30 a.m. CT

The Many Facets of Lunar Infrastructure

This session offers a comprehensive look at the evolving infrastructure needs and missions necessary to support a sustainable lunar presence, from commercial lunar payload services (CLPS) to lunar terrain vehicles (LTVs) and paving the way for future adjacent industries to find a home on the lunar surface. Explore how lunar infrastructure will lay the groundwork for an interconnected lunar economy that will sustain human exploration and drive economic growth for decades to come.

SPEAKER

Headshot Placeholder Male

Jaret Matthews
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Astrolab

SPEAKER

Rob Meyerson 2022

Rob Meyerson
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Interlune

11:30 a.m. CT

INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION

12:00 p.m. CT

LUNCH

Sponsored by:

Cimarron logo 2023

1:00 p.m. CT

Expanding Texas’s Aerospace Horizon: The Texas Space Commission and TARSEC in Action

Join us for a comprehensive look at how the Texas Space Commission and Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium (TARSEC) will work together to advance aerospace and space economy in Texas. This session will delve into the roles each organization plays in promoting innovation, managing resources, and integrating industry and academia. Discover how strategic planning, funding opportunities, and educational partnerships are expanding Texas’ aerospace horizons.

SPEAKER

Gwen Griffin 2024

Gwen Griffin
Chair, Texas Space Commission Board of Directors

SPEAKER

Stephanie Murphy 2022ASCEND

Stephanie Murphy
Chair, TARSEC Executive Committee

2:00 p.m. CT

People, Processes, Facilities, and Tools for Success in Coordinating Partnerships

Discover how a thoughtful approach facilitates the successful establishment of aerospace operations and how it supports the Texas aerospace industry. This session will delve into key aspects such as recruiting top talent, engaging with local educational institutions to develop future industry leaders, and creative cooperation to utilize high-tech facilities.

MODERATOR

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David Ladewig
Director of Business Development, Manhattan Construction Company

SPEAKER

Dan Costello NASA 2024

Dan Costello
Deputy Director, Human Resources, NASA Johnson Space Center

SPEAKER

Kelly Page 2024

Kelly Page
Chief Executive Officer, Barrios

SPEAKER

PoggipoliniMichele 2024

Michele Poggipolini
CEO, Poggipolini S.p.A.

3:00 p.m. CT

From Blueprint to Blue Marble: Optimizing Aerospace Manufacturing and Production

This session will explore how companies are developing advanced frameworks and methodologies to enhance manufacturing processes, improve production efficiency, and drive technological advancements. Learn how aerospace companies are leveraging innovative strategies to stay at the forefront of the aerospace industry.

SPEAKER

BakerJim 2024

Jim Baker
Founder and CEO, Arrow Science and Technology

SPEAKER

Brice Howard 2024

Brice Howard
Co-Founder and President, Novium Designs

SPEAKER

NakanoseSho 2024

Sho Nakanose
CEO, GITAI

SPEAKER

Headshot Placeholder Male

Ernest Sanchez
Program Manager, Cargo Mission Contact, Leidos

3:50 p.m. CT

COFFEE BREAK

4:00 p.m. CT

REPORT-OUT FROM INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION

4:15 p.m. CT

Closing Keynote: The Intersection of National Space Policies and Texas Aerospace Innovations

Join us for a compelling wrap-up session that explores the intersection of national space policies and industry innovation, with a special focus on Texas’ contributions. We’ll delve into how Lone Star state advancements are aligning with national goals and driving progress in LEO, CLDs, and Moon to Mars strategies. Gain valuable insights into how Texas’ aerospace innovations are shaping U.S. space strategy and what this means for future developments in space exploration and commercialization.

4:45 p.m. CT

CLOSING RECEPTION

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