Big Science with Small Satellites

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

Shandy Asturias, Launch Services Manager, Virgin Orbit

Kerri Cahoy, PhD, 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