2023 Dr. Wernher von Braun Space Exploration Symposium

The 2023 von Braun Space Exploration Symposium was hosted by the American Astronautical Society (AAS), which leads and advances the discussion around space. Since 1954, AAS has been the premier network of current and future space professionals dedicated to advancing all space activities. The Society has long been recognized for the excellence of national symposia, technical conferences, and publications and for impacting and shaping the U.S. space program. This symposium serves to give opportunities for participants to meet and connect with leaders in the space industry to exchange information and ideas, discuss career aspirations, and expand their knowledge and expertise.

Theatre: Second Floor

• Ron Birk, President, American Astronautical Society
• Charles Karr, Pres, University of Alabama Huntsville
• Joseph Pelfrey, Acting Director, NASA MSFC

• Lakeisha Hawkins, Asst Deputy Associate Administrator, Moon to Mars Program, NASA (Introduction)
• Joseph Pelfrey, Acting Director, NASA MSFC (Moderator)
• John Honeycutt, Manager Space Launch Systems Program, NASA
• Howard Hu, Orion Program Manager, NASA Johnson
• Shawn Quinn, Program Manager, Exploration Ground Systems, NASA
• Jon Olansen, Gateway Program Manager, NASA
• Lisa Watson-Morgan, Human Landing System Program Manager, NASA

• Kurt Vogel, Director of Space Architectures, NASA (Moderator)
• Ken Bowersox, Associate Administrator, Space Operations, NASA
• Prausun Desai, Associate Administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA
• Nicola Fox, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA
• Jim Free, Associate Administrator, Exploration Systems Development, NASA

Theatre: Second Floor

• Jim Myers, Senior Vice President, Aerospace Corporation (Moderator)
• Shane Canerday, International Partnerships, NASA
• Justin Cyrus, Chief Executive Officer, Lunar Outpost
• Jaime Stearns, Cislunar Lead, Air Force Research Laboratory
• Seamus Tuohy, Senior Director of Business Development, Robotics & Space Operations, MDA
• Niki Werkheiser, Director of Technology Maturation, NASA

In Student Services Building

Luncheon Discussion 

• Lisa Watson-Morgan, Human Landing System Program Manager, NASA (Moderator)
• John Couluris, Senior Vice President Lunar Transportation, Blue Origin
• Benji Reed, Senior Director of Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX

Luncheon Keynote

• Bill Nelson, Administrator, NASA

• Mary Beth Koelbl, Director, Engineering Directorate, NASA MSFC (Moderator)
• Doug Bradley, Program Manager, SLS RS-25, Aerojet Rocketdyne
• Tabitha Dodson, Program Manager, DARPA DRACO
• Mark Fisher, Program Manager, New Glenn BE-4 Main Engine, Blue Origin
• Eric Paulson, Program Manager, Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine, Air Force Research Laboratory
• Jason Turpin, Senior Technical Leader of Propulsion, NASA MSFC

• Ed McLarney, Lead for Transformation Integration and AIML, Transformation and Data Division, NASA CIO (Moderator)
• Virgil Hutchinson, Senior Director, Sector Chief Engineering, Northrup Grumman
• Ron Keesing, Senior Vice President for Technology Integration, Leidos
• Lee Wilbur, Managing Director, Deloitte
• Ana Wooley, Assistant Professor, University of Alabama Huntsville

Theatre: Second Floor

• Kristina Hendrix, Vice President for Strategic Communications, University of Alabama Huntsville (Moderator)
• Marcia Dunn, Aerospace Writer, Associated Press
• Jeff Foust, Senior Staff Writer, SpaceNews
• Lee Roop, Reporter, AL.com

• Mallory James, Aerospace Engineer, NASA MSFC (Moderator)
• Alex Bernhardt, Thermal Fluids Analyst, Sierra Lobo Inc.
• Brandon Burroughs, Business Development Lead, In-Space Propulsion, The Boeing Company
• Ashley Kowalsi, Project Leader, International Partnership, Aerospace Corporation
• Avery Web, Space Software Systems Engineer, Argo Navis Technologies

• Afterburner, University of Alabama Huntsville

• Destin Sandlin, Host, Smarter Every Day

In Student Services Building

• Presenter: Lori D. Coombs, CEO: WWCM, Director: WWCM Academy, Sr. Technical Manager: NASA GSFC
  • "Understanding the Implications of Cyber-relevant Cognitive Vulnerabilities and Their Impacts on Protecting Space and Flight Systems from Cyber Attacks"

Theatre: Second Floor

• Kanak Parmar, Auburn University

• Dayna Ise, Deputy Manager, Science and Technology Office, NASA MSFC (Moderator)
• Rob Chambers, Director, Mission Strategy, Lockheed Martin
• Brett Denevi, Planetary Scientist, Johns Hopkins University APL
• Joel Kearns, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA
• Renee Weber, Chief Scientist, NASA MSFC

• Wayne Hale, Director of Human Spaceflight/Director of Energy Services, Special Aerospace Services LLC (Moderator)
• John Cannaday, Director, Office of Procurement, NASA MSFC
• Trent Martin, Vice President of Lunar Access, Intuitive Machines,
• Nathan O'Konek, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Redwire Space
• Kelly Page, President, Barrios Technology
• Kirk Shireman, Vice President, Lunar Exploration Campaign, Lockheed Martin

Theatre: Second Floor

• David McCord, Harvard Kennedy School

• Hank Alewine, Associate Professor of Accounting, University of Alabama Huntsville (Moderator)
• Dan Hendrickson, Vice President of Business Development, Astrobotic
• KenShields, Senior Director Business Development of In-Space R&D, Manufacturing, Emerging Markets, Sierra Space
• Jana Spruce, Vice President of Spacecraft, Firefly Aerospace
• Daniel Tani, Former Astronaut and Director of Business Development Operations, Northrup Grumman

In Student Services Building

• Michael D. Griffin, Co-President, LogiQ, Inc.