Big Science with Small Satellites
Track: ASCEND
Time: 1215-1340 ET
This session will provide a forum for expert small satellite researchers, scientists, NASA leadership, and launcher providers to engage in a wide-ranging discussion, debate, and exchange of perspectives on the future of science and exploration leveraging small satellites. The conversation will address what small satellites do, can – and should – contribute to our exploration goals. Discussion topics will range from the “pure science” of small satellite research; to ideas on policy, funding, and implementation of small satellite exploration; to experiences working across the small satellite mission pipeline – from design, to launch, to operations.
- Moderator: Shandy Asturias, Launch Service Manager, Virgin Orbit
- Kerri Cahoy, Associate Professor, Aeronautics and Astronautics and Co-Director, Space Telecommunications, Astronomy and Radiation (STAR) Lab, MIT
- Craig Hardgrove, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University
- Scot Rafkin, PhD, Program Director, Department of Space Studies, SwRI
- Florence Tan, Chair, Small Spacecraft Coordination Group, NASA





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