What are the key topics discussed at the Space Tourism Conference 2023. How is the space industry addressing challenges in health, safety, and sustainability. What innovations are driving the future of space tourism and off-world living.
Designing Space Places: Where Luxury Meets Practicality in Cosmic Accommodations
The Space Tourism Conference 2023 kicked off with a fascinating session on designing habitable spaces beyond Earth. Industry experts gathered to discuss the intricate balance between luxury and practicality in cosmic accommodations. How can we create comfortable living spaces in the harsh environment of space?
Marie-Lise Baron, CEO of The Baron Institute and consultant for Axiom Space, shared insights on incorporating high-end amenities into space stations and lunar habitats. Barbara Belvisi, Founder of Interstellar Lab, presented innovative concepts for self-sustaining biospheres that could support long-term off-world living.
Hunter Stanchak, Founder of Colonize Mars, outlined plans for creating livable environments on the Red Planet, while Britt Duffy Adkins, a space urban planner, discussed the unique challenges of designing functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces in zero gravity and low-gravity environments.
Health, Safety, and Wellness: Addressing Critical Utilities for Space Travelers
One of the most crucial aspects of space tourism and long-term off-world living is ensuring the health and safety of travelers and inhabitants. How are experts tackling the challenges of providing essential utilities in space?
Grant Anderson, President and CEO of Paragon Space Development Corporation, presented cutting-edge life support systems designed to maintain breathable atmospheres and regulate temperature in space habitats. Dr. Shawna Pandya from the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) Space Medicine Group discussed the physiological challenges of space travel and innovative medical technologies being developed to address them.
Linda Fischetti, Director of the Health Innovation Center at MITRE, explored the potential of telemedicine and AI-driven health monitoring systems for space travelers. Dr. Larry DeLucas, SVP of Biologics at Predictive Oncology, shared insights on conducting medical research in microgravity environments and its potential benefits for developing new treatments.
Monetizing Diamonds and Dust: The Promise of Space Manufacturing and Mining
As we venture further into space, the potential for off-world resource extraction and manufacturing becomes increasingly apparent. What opportunities lie in the cosmic frontier for innovative industries?
Dr. Kirby Runyon, Founder and CEO of Planex, discussed the potential of asteroid mining and the valuable resources that could be harvested from celestial bodies. Joshua Western, Co-founder and CEO of Space Forge, presented groundbreaking technologies for manufacturing unique materials in the microgravity environment of space.
Melissa Roth, Lead Researcher at Off Planet Research, shared insights on simulating extraterrestrial environments to test mining and manufacturing processes before deployment in space. Jim Keravala, CEO of OffWorld, outlined ambitious plans for autonomous robotic systems capable of extracting and processing resources on other planets and asteroids.
Food and Drink Off-World: From Go-To Grub to Galactic Gourmet
As space tourism and long-duration missions become a reality, the importance of providing nutritious and enjoyable meals in space cannot be overstated. How are innovators reimagining food and beverage options for cosmic travelers?
Carla Uyeda, inventor of the CHEF space pressure cooker, demonstrated how astronauts and space tourists could prepare fresh, hot meals in microgravity environments. Chris Carberry, author of “Alcohol in Space” and CEO of Explore Mars, discussed the challenges and possibilities of producing and consuming alcoholic beverages beyond Earth.
Shahreen Reza, CEO of Astreas, presented sustainable food production systems designed for use in space habitats and on other planets. Colleen McLeod Garner from Sagamore Spirit explored the potential for creating unique, space-aged spirits that could become sought-after luxury items for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial markets.
Smart and Green: Building a Sustainable Galaxy for Future Generations
As we expand our presence in space, sustainability becomes a critical concern. How can we ensure that our off-world endeavors are environmentally responsible and sustainable in the long term?
Elizabeth Reynolds, Managing Director of Starburst Aerospace USA, discussed the importance of developing eco-friendly propulsion systems and reusable spacecraft to minimize space debris. Keegan Kirkpatrick, Founder of RedWorks Construction Technologies, presented innovative 3D printing techniques for creating sustainable habitats using local materials on other planets.
Jason Klassi, Founder of Expedition Earth, explored the potential of space-based solar power as a clean energy solution for both Earth and off-world colonies. Josh Schertz, Treasurer of the Planetary Sunshade Foundation, discussed ambitious geoengineering projects to mitigate climate change using space-based technologies.
Meagan Crawford, Managing Partner at SpaceFund, emphasized the importance of investing in sustainable space technologies and the potential for “green” space startups to drive innovation in multiple industries.
Marketing Space: Brands, Merchandise, and Driving Consumer Demand
As space tourism becomes a reality, marketing and branding will play a crucial role in shaping public perception and driving consumer demand. How are companies positioning themselves in this new frontier of travel and exploration?
Izzy House, author and host of the Space Marketing Podcast, moderated a panel discussing innovative marketing strategies for space-related products and experiences. Amy Imhoff, Director of Outreach for Explore Mars, shared insights on engaging the public and building excitement around space exploration initiatives.
Ben Haldeman, Founder of LifeShip, presented unique ideas for space-themed merchandise, including sending personal DNA samples to the Moon. Brian Weiner, CEO of The Illusion Factory, explored the potential of virtual and augmented reality experiences to market space tourism and off-world living concepts.
Nat Brown-Lennox, VP of Marketing at LeoLabs, discussed the challenges of marketing complex space technologies to both industry professionals and the general public, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and storytelling.
Sports and Fun: Playful Activities and Edutainment in Zero-G Environments
As we consider long-term space habitation and tourism, entertainment and recreational activities become increasingly important. What kinds of sports and leisure activities can we expect to see in space?
Sharon Hagle, Founder of SpaceKids Global and a Blue Origin astronaut, shared her vision for educational programs that inspire young people to pursue careers in space exploration. Larry Namer, Founder of E! Entertainment Television, discussed the potential for space-based reality shows and entertainment programming.
Linda Rheinstein, Founder of the Space Games Federation, presented plans for the first Terrestrial Astrolete® Training Competition, showcasing potential sports and games designed specifically for zero-gravity environments. These innovative activities could range from three-dimensional chess to complex acrobatic performances that take full advantage of the unique properties of microgravity.
Immersive Experiences and Virtual Reality
While not everyone may have the opportunity to travel to space in the near future, technology is making it possible to bring space-like experiences to Earth. How are companies leveraging virtual and augmented reality to create immersive space-themed experiences?
The conference featured demonstrations of cutting-edge VR simulations that allow users to experience walking on the Moon or floating in the International Space Station. These technologies not only serve as entertainment but also as valuable training tools for future astronauts and space tourists.
The Role of Art and Culture in Space Exploration
As we venture into space, how will art and culture evolve in these new environments? The conference explored the potential for zero-gravity sculptures, cosmic-inspired fashion, and even extraterrestrial musical instruments designed to take advantage of the unique acoustic properties of different planetary atmospheres.
Space Rocks: How Earth’s Cosmos-Themed Experiences Fuel Off-World Demand
The growing interest in space tourism is closely tied to terrestrial experiences that capture the public’s imagination. How are space-themed attractions on Earth helping to drive interest and investment in actual space travel?
Bob Rogers, Founder of BRC Imagination Arts, shared insights on designing immersive space-themed attractions and museums that educate and inspire visitors. Robert Ward, Executive Director of the United States Space Force Historical Foundation, discussed the role of preserving space history in fostering public engagement with current and future space initiatives.
Steven Franck, Founder of Pale Blue Dot Ventures, presented plans for developing space-themed resorts and entertainment complexes that simulate aspects of off-world living. These experiences serve as both entertainment and as a way to acclimate potential space tourists to the unique environments they might encounter beyond Earth.
The Impact of Space Tourism on Education
How can the growing space tourism industry inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers? The conference explored innovative educational programs that leverage the excitement surrounding space travel to encourage STEM learning and career development in space-related fields.
Producing Space Entertainment: Inspiring Creativity and Developing New Tools
As space tourism becomes a reality, the entertainment industry is poised to play a significant role in shaping public perception and driving interest. How are filmmakers, producers, and creatives approaching space-themed content?
Patricia A. Beninati, Founding Partner of Centerboro Productions, discussed the challenges and opportunities of producing “Helios,” a feature film showcasing Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef space station. Bill Borden, Chief Creative at Space Hero, shared insights on developing space-themed reality shows and competition series.
Bob Richards, Co-Founder of Artemis Music, explored the potential for creating and distributing music in space, including the possibility of hosting concerts in orbit or on the Moon. Chris Porter, Producer of the SOLAR podcast, discussed the growing interest in space-themed audio content and its role in educating and entertaining audiences about space exploration.
The Future of Space-Based Media Production
As technology advances, what new possibilities will emerge for creating content in and about space? The conference explored concepts such as filming movies in actual zero-gravity environments, developing new camera technologies for capturing the unique lighting conditions on other planets, and creating interactive, real-time experiences that allow Earth-bound audiences to virtually participate in space missions.
Cruising Space Highways: The Future of Interplanetary Transportation
As we look beyond initial space tourism flights, the development of reliable and efficient transportation systems becomes crucial. How are companies and researchers approaching the challenge of moving people and cargo through space?
Mark Siegfried, Director of Client Advisory Services at CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C., moderated a session on the future of space transportation. Experts discussed concepts such as space elevators, nuclear propulsion systems, and reusable interplanetary shuttles that could revolutionize travel between Earth, the Moon, and Mars.
The Economics of Space Transportation
What economic models will drive the development of space transportation infrastructure? The conference explored potential public-private partnerships, international collaborations, and innovative funding mechanisms that could support the creation of a robust interplanetary transportation network.
Navigational Challenges in Deep Space
As we venture further into the solar system, how will spacecraft navigate the vast distances and complex gravitational fields between planets? Experts discussed cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous navigation systems, artificial intelligence-driven route planning, and the potential use of quantum sensors for ultra-precise positioning in space.
The Space Tourism Conference 2023 provided a comprehensive look at the rapidly evolving field of commercial space travel and off-world living. From designing luxurious yet practical space habitats to developing sustainable technologies for long-term space exploration, the event showcased the incredible innovation and creativity driving the industry forward. As we stand on the brink of a new era in human spaceflight, the discussions and presentations at this conference offer a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that await us among the stars.
Space Tourism Conference 2023
FRIDAY, APRIL 28
All main programming and lunch are hosted in the Renaissance Ballroom.
7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Registration Opens
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Experience
SandboxLife ® Activity Pacific Room
Vanessa Valore, Inventor & Founder, SandboxLife®
Immersive Professional Development Experience
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Experience
Linda Rheinstein, Founder & CEO, Space Games Federation
SPACE GAME FEDERATION’S FIRST TERRESTRIAL ASTROLETE® TRAINING COMPETITION
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Session
DESIGNING SPACE PLACES: LUXURY MEETS PRACTICALITY
Moderator: John Spencer, Co-Founder & Chairman, Space Tourism Conference
Marie-Lise Baron, CEO, The Baron Institute (Axiom Space consultant)
Barbara Belvisi, Founder & CEO, Interstellar Lab
Hunter Stanchak, Founder & CEO, Colonize Mars
Britt Duffy Adkins, Founder, Celestial Citizen; Space Urban Planner
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Session
HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLNESS: ADDRESSING CRITICAL UTILITIES
Moderators: Josef Koller, Ph. D., Systems Director, The Aerospace Corporation
Angie Bukley, Technical Fellow, The Aerospace Corporation
Grant Anderson, President & CEO, Co-founder, Paragon Space Development Corporation
Shawna Pandya, MD, Intn’l Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) Space Medicine Group
Linda Fischetti, Director, Health Innovation Center, MITRE
Larry DeLucas, Ph.D., SVP, Biologics, Predictive Oncology
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Session
MONETIZING DIAMONDS & DUST: SPACE MANUFACTURING &
MINING
Moderator: Robert Jacobson, Partner, Space Advisors
Kirby Runyon, Ph.D., Founder/CEO, Planex
Joshua Western, Co-founder & CEO, Space Forge
Melissa Roth, Lead Researcher, Off Planet Research
Jim Keravala, CEO & Chief Architect, OffWorld
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Session
FOOD & DRINK OFF WORLD: GO-TO GRUB & GALACTIC
GOURMET
Moderator: Samuel Coniglio, Futurist & Inventor, Board Member, Space Tourism Society
Carla Uyeda, Inventor, CHEF (space pressure cooker)
Chris Carberry, Author, Alcohol in Space; CEO, Explore Mars
Shahreen Reza, CEO, Astreas
Colleen McLeod Garner, Director of Sales -West, Sagamore Spirit
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
PICNIC LUNCH & FIRESIDE CHAT
Host: Frank White, philosopher and author, “The Overview Effect”
Featured Guest: Sharon Hagle, Astronaut, Blue Origin; Founder, SpaceKids Global
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
Session
SMART & GREEN: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE GALAXY
Moderator: Paul Fuller, CFO, Trivium Corporate Solutions
Elizabeth Reynolds, Managing Director, USA, Starburst Aerospace
Keegan Kirkpatrick, Founder & CEO, RedWorks Construction Technologies
Jason Klassi, Founder, Expedition Earth
Josh Schertz, Treasurer, Planetary Sunshade Foundation; (SpaceX engineer)
Meagan Crawford, Managing Partner, SpaceFund
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Session
MARKETING SPACE: BRANDS, MERCH & DEMAND
Moderator: Izzy House, Author & Host, Space Marketing Podcast (and books)
Amy Imhoff, Director of Outreach & Strategic Partnerships, Explore Mars
Ben Haldeman, Founder & CEO, LifeShip
Brian Weiner, CEO/Founder, The Illusion Factory; Sizzle; IllusionQuest Studios
Nat Brown-Lennox, VP, Marketing, LeoLabs
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM
Session
SPORTS & FUN: PLAYFUL ACTIVITIES & EDUTAINMENT IN ZERO G
Moderator: Rick Loverd, Program Director, National Academy of Sciences,
Science & Entertainment Exchange
Sharon Hagle, Founder & CEO; Astronaut, SpaceKids Global
Larry Namer, Chairman, LJN Media/Founder, E! Entertainment Television
Linda Rheinstein, Founder & CEO, Space Games Federation
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Session
BREAK
5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
Session
SPACE ROCKS! EARTH’S COSMOS-THEMED EXPERIENCES
FUEL OFF-WORLD DEMAND
Moderator: Roberta Perry, Business Development Catalyst
Bob Rogers, Founder and Chairman, BRC Imagination Arts
Robert Ward, Executive Director, United States Space Force Historical Foundation
Steven Franck, Founder & CEO, Pale Blue Dot Ventures, Inc.
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Session
PRODUCING SPACE ENTERTAINMENT: INSPIRING CREATIVITY
& TOOLS
Moderator: Allison Dollar, Co-founder & Executive Producer, Space Tourism Conference
Patricia A. Beninati, Founding Partner & President, Centerboro Productions (Helios, a feature
film featuring Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef)
Bill Borden, Chief Creative, Space Hero
Bob Richards, Co-Founder & Partner, Artemis Music
Chris Porter, Producer/Director, CurtCo- SOLAR the Podcast
7:15 PM – 8:15 PM
Space Tourism Awards Reception & Awards Announcement
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SandBox Workshop
Vanessa Valore, CEO of SandBox
SESSION 5
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
CRUISING SPACE HIGHWAYS: FERRIES, TUGS & TRANSPORT
Mark Siegfried, Director, Client Advisory Services, CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
SESSION 7
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLNESS: ADDRESSING CRITICAL UTILITIES
Grant Anderson, President/CEO, Paragon
Josef Koller, Ph.
D., Systems Director, The Aerospace Corporation
Angie Bukley,Technical Fellow, The Aerospace Corporation
Larry DeLucas, Ph.D., Principal Scientist, Aerospace Corporation
SESSION 9
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
MONETIZING DIAMONDS & DUST: SPACE MANUFACTURING
& MINING
Robert Jacobson, Partner, Space Advisors
Kirby Runyon, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Planex
Joshua Wester, Co-founder & CEO, Space Forge
Jim Keravala, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of OffWorld, Inc.
SESSION 11
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
GREENING THE GALAXY: SMART SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES
Paul Fuller, CFO, Trivium Corporate Solutions
Jason Klassi, Founder of Expedition Earth, Inc., author of The Everyday Space Traveler and
an Emmy-nominated documentary producer.
2023 Friends & Family Sponsors — Hermits Lacrosse
the families of the class of 2022
the d’ambrosio family (cooper ‘23)
Tommy & Dani O’Neill (‘12)
the price family (nate ‘23, tyler ‘26)
the gounaris family (Jack ‘25)
Chris & Lauren hooven
the Wilkinson family (Jackson ‘25)
the field family (Luke ‘23, Kevin ‘20, Ryan ‘18)
The waddell family (jimmy ‘23)
jc & vanessa valore
kent & Jacqueline sutton
sean O’leary (‘09)
mike o’leary (‘10)
the alvino family (Ernie ‘15)
John & joyce valore
The Mcentee family (Mitch ’19)
The Hughes Family (Billy ‘23)
Dan & LAurie Clark
Adam & Dana Cummins
the quinn family (Carson ‘23 & rory ‘23)
the Varallo family (Sebastian ‘26)
chad and nicole flexon
the peters family (john ‘25, billy ‘22)
the daley family (tom ‘23)
the petrongolo family (gennaro ‘22, jeremy ‘19)
the wilkinson family (Jackson ‘25, cole ‘27)
mike sutton and Elizabeth kramer
the elentrio family (Nick ‘23)
the zaitz family (Ben ‘25)
the raucci family (mason ‘26)
the Farrell family (chase ‘26)
the menet family (quinn ‘22, jack ‘17)
the schnell family (Kevin & Nathan ‘25)
the gravenstine family (max ‘17)
the larosa family (Charles ‘22 / andreas ‘23)
ray weymer (danny ‘11)
the jentsch family (kaiden ‘25)
the Vanaman family (mikey ‘19, Matthew ‘22)
the johnson family (Hunter ‘24)
the jarrett family (cole ‘24)
the wodazak family (Ryan ‘26)
the morrison family (Alex ‘26)
the hooven family (chris, lauren, jax & robbie)
The Pontrello Family (Nikko ’11, Steve ’12)
the voumard family (MAx ’09, Marcel ’09, Gabe ’10)
the marengo family (ryan ‘23, justin ‘25)
the entress family (kevin ‘26)
the plenn family (noah ‘24)
the helphenstine family (kyle ‘26)
Mr.
bryce young (‘14)
the bader family (Zach ‘26)
Mr. & Mrs. Nick pison (‘07)
the dipalma family (macro ‘25)
Mrs. janet ludy
mr. & mrs. chad flexon (’03)
Mr. & Mrs. Nick pison (’07)
mr.& Mrs. dennis foreman (‘87)
mr. steve pontrello (‘12)
mr. & Mrs. thomas o’neill (‘12)
mr. & mrs. james Lanahan
MR. Michael McMenamin (‘11)
MR. MATTHEW SPIERS (‘14)
MR. ERNIE ALVINO (‘15)
DR. CHRIS BERKELBACH (‘10)
mr. & Mrs. kevin burke (‘01)
mr. brendan towell
Mrs. Caroline Chapman
Vanessa Harada on Apple Music
Vanessa Harada on Apple Music
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Benin
- Botswana
- Cameroun
- Cape Verde
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
- Egypt
- Eswatini
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- India
- Iraq
Israel - Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger (English)
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Qatar
- Congo, Republic of
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania, United Republic Of
- Tunisia
- Turkmenistan
- United Arab Emirates
- Uganda
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Australia
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- 中国大陆
- Fiji
- Indonesia (English)
- 日本
- Kazakhstan
- 대한민국
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- 澳門
Malaysia - Maldives
- Micronesia, Federated States of
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- 台灣
- Thailand
- Tonga
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
- Armenia
- Osterreich
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
Finland - France (Français)
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg (English)
- Malta
- Moldova, Republic Of
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal (Português)
- Romania
- Russia
Serbia - Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sverige
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina (Español)
- Bahamas
- Barbados
Belize - Bermuda
- Bolivia (Español)
- Brazil
- Virgin Islands, British
- Cayman Islands
- Chile (Español)
- Colombia (Español)
- Costa Rica (Español)
- Dominica
- Republic of Dominicana
- Ecuador (Español)
- El Salvador (Español)
- Grenada
- Guatemala (Español)
- Guyana
- Honduras (Español)
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Nicaragua (Español)
- Panama
- Paraguay (Español)
- Peru
- St.
