Reflecting on a Successful COSMIC Kickoff
Thank you to everyone who made the COSMIC Kickoff an extraordinary event! We’re delighted to share the highlights and key moments from this groundbreaking gathering that brought together over 500 participants from academia, industry, and government, both in-person and virtually.
The COSMIC Kickoff surpassed our expectations, showcasing the incredible diversity and passion of America’s space community. With participants joining us from across the nation, this event marked the start of something big!
Keynote Speakers
Our speakers each delivered insightful presentations, contributing to the balance of the event:
NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy discussed her history with In-space Assembly, Servicing, and Maintenance (ISAM) missions as an astronaut and the importance of ISAM beyond low Earth orbit, emphasizing its role in future lunar and Martian exploration. She stressed the need for advancements in autonomous robotics, manufacturing, and construction. She also outlined the significance of developing infrastructure to support sustained human presence for science and exploration throughout the solar system.
Maj. Gen. John Olson highlighted the Space Force’s dedication to ISAM and its significance in ensuring a secure and sustainable space domain. The speech underscored ISAM’s central role in safeguarding the nation’s interests in space, fostering international collaboration, and building a resilient space infrastructure to support global security and prosperity. He also discussed the Space Force’s theory of success, centered around competitive endurance, and seeking a safe, stable, secure, and sustainable space domain.
Dr. Ezinne Uzo-Okoro emphasized the importance of U.S. preeminence in space, particularly in the realms of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), lunar exploration, and beyond. She highlighted the critical role of ISAM capabilities, framing them as essential tools for our nation’s sustained space operations. The speech also touched upon the evolving space landscape, emphasizing the need for innovation, collaboration, and a strategic role for the United States in global space endeavors.
The agenda and speaker roster are available here: Fall 2023 Speakers
You can revisit these inspiring talks on our YouTube playlist.
Pam Melroy
NASA Deputy AdministratorPanel Discussions, Breakout Sessions, and Networking
Attendees engaged in dynamic breakout sessions, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborative activities. The event provided valuable networking opportunities, created new connections across the COSMIC community, and laid the foundation for the vital work that is to come.
Membership is Now Open!
And some of the most exciting news to come out of the Kickoff: COSMIC is now accepting membership applications! Organizations interested in shaping America’s future of sustainable space operations are encouraged to apply. Best of all, there is no cost to join!
Questions? Contact us at membership@cosmicspace.org.
Once again, a heartfelt thank you to all participants, speakers, and contributors. Your dedication and enthusiasm have set the stage for COSMIC’s exciting journey ahead. We encourage you to stay engaged, share your COSMIC experience with your networks, and connect with us on LinkedIn for real-time updates and announcements.
The journey has just begun, and we’re thrilled to have you with us.