Space Development
The Future of Space Development – Expert Perspectives on Context, Capabilities, Actions and Requirements Needed to Support Humanity’s Expansion in Space
“Space is “cool” once again. With the advancements in commercial launch and similar technologies, “space” is closer than ever to be gripped by everyday people. Yet, getting into space is just part of the journey; there are numerous issues that have yet to be addressed, and equally as many ideas on how to address them. This session will pull on the expert talents of a diverse group of intellects who bring unique and thought-provoking concepts forth to help empower this discussion. Ranging from rethinking Space Medicine and economic considerations to leveraging space to improve socioeconomic conditions and shape geo-politics, this panel is certain to be the highlight of the conference.”
Moderator:
Karlton Johnson
Chairman
National Space Society Board of Governors
Moderator:
Karlton Johnson
Chairman
National Space Society Board of Governors
Karlton D. Johnson is the Chairman of the National Space Society’s Board of Governors. In this capacity, he provides overall senior executive leadership to enhance the effectiveness and performance of the Board of Governors in support of the Society’s goals, and he serves as the primary spokesperson for the Board of Governors shepherding strategic engagements with congressional leaders and C-suite senior executives. Mr. Johnson brings a wealth of expertise in several areas to include strategic leadership, partnership creation, organizational excellence, space operational support, and cybersecurity. A former Air Force Colonel, he has successfully developed solutions enabling business transformation globally for large, multinational organizations, led international development of aerospace and defense business partnerships in Fortune 500 companies, and managed resource asset portfolios up to $5.5B.
Panelists
Dr. Vanessa Farsadaki
President and Managing Partner
Space Exploration Strategies
Dr. Vanessa Farsadaki
President and Managing Partner
Space Exploration Strategies
Dr. Vanessa Farsadaki is the preeminent thought-leader towards advancing the discipline of Space Medicine. A proud American citizen of Greek descent and a Medical Doctor, Dr. “V” as she is known colloquially, is on-track to become Greece’s first-ever Astronaut in human history. As the President and Managing Partner of Space Exploration Strategies LLC, Dr. V’s impressive bona fides include advanced degrees in Biology, Genetics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Business Leadership. She has authored and co-authored a plethora of articles advocating for advancements her field of expertise, and her deep experiences with Radiation Exposure and Protection sciences have made her a sought-after advisor on high-end programs of note for the gravitas she brings to the discussions. Additionally, her fluency in 18 languages are a testament to her ability to engage with a broad range of audiences, and thus she continues to serve as a keynote speaker at numerous fora to include the prestigious Kings College in London, England and many other universities internationally.
Jose Ocasio-Christian
Chief Executive Officer
Caelus Partners, LLC
Jose Ocasio-Christian
Chief Executive Officer
Caelus Partners, LLC
Jose Ocasio-Christian is an energetic, innovative, agile, spiritually guided, and resilient leader focused on strategy development and industry disruption with a global reach in any sector. He leads three organizations focused on the commercialization of the space industry and bringing value to capital markets globally. He is the Chief Executive Officer for Caelus Partners, a strategic consulting firm focused on economic development, portfolio development and capital market to support local, regional, and national government and selected private firms from startups to mezzanine on a variety of financial opportunities and deals globally. He is also the Chief Executive Officer for the Community in Space LLC, a firm that analyzes, guides, invests, and manifests strategic financial outcomes for space and space related companies through the development and application of different financial vehicles. Lastly, he is the Chairman of the Board for the Caelus Foundation a foundation focused on educating and increasing dialogue globally on the matters associated with the commercialization of space. Prior to this work, Jose spent 22 years in military service as a US Army Infantry officer and strategist, managing accounts as large as $10.2B and strategies worth over $250B, impacting millions of individuals both in the United States, its military and many countries overseas. His thrive is to continue to excel in high stake, existential situations for companies and individuals in governed and ungoverned areas, where human survival and financial profits are required, as needed today in Space.
De’Schzunell “DJ” Catlin
Founder
Equity Space Alliance
De’Schzunell “DJ” Catlin
Founder
Equity Space Alliance
De’Schzunell “DJ” Catlin is a serial entrepreneur, engineer, and passionate leader. He has founded many impact-based ventures in parallel to assisting NASA accomplish missions that change the world. Ventures that include The Equity Space Alliance, an organization that works to help achieve an equitable space economy; Irawo Space Inc., an organization that leverages space-based technologies to solve socioeconomic problems in Africa; and The San Diego Black Investors Group Inc, an organization that works to deliver socioeconomic empowerment through financial literacy and community investment. At NASA, De’Schzunell works in Aerospace Research and Development serving as a senior flight test operations engineer, an engineering manager, and avionics technical lead. De’Schzunell studied Applied Physics at Morehouse College, received his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Antelope Valley, and is an Executive Master of Global Business Management candidate in Space Leadership, Business, and Policy at Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Kaylon Paterson, ME
Space Systems Engineer
Kaylon Paterson, ME
Space Systems Engineer
Kaylon Paterson, ME is a Space Systems Engineer with a passion for research, engineering and environmental conservation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Master of Engineering in Space Systems Engineering and is currently completing an Executive Masters Space Business, Leadership & Policy. He is a John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellow at the Chief Technology and Innovation Office at the United States Space Force. Additionally, he is the founder of Paterson Aerospace Systems, an organization dedicated to reducing the negative impact of human space exploration on the earth and other operational environments.