TC Sessions: Space 2020 - Exploring the Future of Space Tech

For a long time, the concept of humans living and working in space, beyond the unique environment of the International Space Station, was largely confined to the world of science fiction. However, this is rapidly evolving, as both governmental space programs, private enterprises, and the broader scientific community are actively investigating methods to ensure the safety and comfort of individuals during extended periods in space – and to expand access to space for those without traditional astronaut training.

At TC Sessions: Space, taking place on December 16 & 17, we will be featuring discussions with innovators dedicated to realizing the potential of space habitation and work, and those who are charting the course for the future of both commercial and scientific human space endeavors. These initiatives encompass the creation of life support systems for extended space travel, as well as the development of technologies necessary for long-term presence on celestial bodies with challenging environments, such as the Moon and Mars.

We are pleased to welcome Janet Kavandi of Sierra Nevada Corporation, Melodie Yashar from SEArch+, Nujoud Mercy from NASA, and Amir Blachman of Axiom to TC Sessions: Space on December 16 &17 to discuss the evolving landscape of human space exploration and commercial opportunities.

Janet Kavandi serves as executive vice president of Space Systems at Sierra Nevada Corporation. She was chosen as a NASA astronaut in 1994, joining the fifteenth class of U.S. astronauts. During her career, she participated in three space missions, contributing to space station payload integration, capsule communication, and robotics operations. She subsequently held leadership positions as director of flight crew operations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and as director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center, overseeing advanced research in aerospace and aeronautical propulsion, power, and communication technologies. She concluded her 25-year career with NASA in 2019.

Melodie Yashar is a design architect, technologist, and researcher. As a co-founder of Space Exploration Architecture (SEArch+), she contributes to the development of concepts that support human life during space exploration. SEArch+ achieved first place in both of NASA’s design competitions within the 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge. The team’s accomplishments in NASA’s Centennial Challenge resulted in consulting roles and partnerships with UTAS/Collins Aerospace, NASA Langley, ICON, NASA Marshall, and others.

Nujoud Merancy is a systems engineer with significant experience in human spaceflight and spacecraft development at NASA Johnson Space Center. She currently leads the Exploration Mission Planning Office as chief, overseeing the team responsible for the design, development, and integration of NASA’s human spaceflight programs beyond low Earth orbit. This includes mission planning for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, Space Launch System, Exploration Ground Systems, Gateway, and Human Landing System.

Amir Blachman is the chief business officer at Axiom, a leading company focused on the commercialization of space and the construction of the first generation of privately owned commercial space stations. He has dedicated much of his career to investing in and guiding early-stage companies. Prior to joining Axiom as its inaugural employee, he managed an investment group comprising 120 space investors across 11 nations. This group provided funding for lunar landers, communication networks, Earth-imaging satellites, antennae, and exploration technologies.

To benefit from the insights of these experts, secure your ticket to TC Sessions: Space. The event will also provide video on demand access to all sessions, ensuring you won’t miss any valuable perspectives, advice, and emerging trends from prominent founders, investors, technologists, government representatives, and military leaders across the public, private, and defense sectors. Discounts are available for groups, students, and military/government personnel.

The event will feature panel discussions, interviews, fireside chats, and interactive Q&A sessions covering a diverse range of topics, including mineral exploration, global Earth mapping from space, advanced software technologies, defense applications, 3D-printed rockets, and the future of agriculture and food technology. Don’t miss the dedicated breakout sessions focused on securing grant funding. Explore the event agenda now and begin planning your schedule.