Wojtek Walniczek is a partner at a European DeepTech VC fund OTB Ventures, with key focus areas including SpaceTech / NewSpace, FinTech Infrastructure, Enterprise Automation and Cybersecurity. The fund is an early backer of Iceye, Hydrosat, Clearspace Today, SpaceKnow, among others. His previous experience includes MCI Capital, McKinsey&Company and Credit Suisse Investment Banking. As a Harvard Business School alumnus (MBA 2014) Wojtek serves on the Board of Harvard Club of Poland, focused on mentoring “Path to Harvard” laureates, some of the most talented Polish youth. In his free time (although that’s very rare with 2 small kids), he is an avid traveler searching for the best street food in the world, as well as keen student of geopolitics, military special operations, social psychology and everything technology-related.

Justyna Redelkiewicz is an EU Space applications pioneer and a serial business developer. For over 14 years, Justyna has been working for the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), developing the European Space Programme from service provision to applications and market, and forging an unparalleled business intelligence. She has helped hundreds of EU start-ups and entrepreneurs leverage space-based investments and build disruptive applications that benefit European business and growth. At EUSPA, Justyna is currently leading Cassini, the 1bln EUR EU initiative to bolster entrepreneurship in the space sector, including hackathons, competitions, acceleration program, funding and matchmaking with private investors. She is also in charge of EU Space downstream market and technology intelligence, leading the publication of two flagship reports such as the EUSPA GNSS and EO Market Report, with a readership of over 100 000 professionals globally. Justyna’s work was commended by the United Nations for her contributions to the UN-EUSPA report European Global Navigation Satellite System and Copernicus supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, looking at EU space services and applications to accelerate progress towards the UN 2030 Agenda. Justyna was featured as “Strong Woman in IT” among 200 leaders promoting new technologies, and is a member of the Space Executive Committee of the European Business Angel Network. A personal growth addict, Justyna is a graduate of Columbia Business School, Leipzig Gradutate School of Management, ESAN Business School in Lima and the Poznan University of Economics and a visiting lecturer at International Space University.

Daria Serafin is a specialist in materials engineering and her particular interest is related to corrosion protection of materials used in the aviation industry. She defended her doctoral thesis on high-temperature corrosion in 2022 at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics of the Rzeszow University of Technology (Poland). Her scientific activities, initially related to the topic of diffusion phenomena in solid state, were supported by participation in numerous research projects, foreign industrial and scientific internships, and speeches at national and international conferences. After completing her doctoral studies, Daria started working in the energy sector as a technical specialist and technologist. There, she analyzed the demand and energy consumption of companies in various industries, developing solutions to improve their energy efficiency. Currently, she uses her previous scientific and research experiences as Chief Specialist in the Research and Development Department of New Technologies at Łukasiewicz-WIT, searching for new material solutions for modern energy and sustainable economy. In her professional career, Daria from the very beginning combined her passion for science with teaching, conducting classes with students at the Rzeszow University of Technology and physics lessons in high school. Currently, as part of cooperation with the Children’s University Foundation, she works with children aged 6-11, inspiring young minds to discover the fascinating world of engineering. She is also active in the Social Responsibility in Science Team at Łukasiewicz-WIT.

Maria Antonietta has got a Degree in Nuclear Engineering at the Politecnico di Torino. In 1988 she attended the International Space University (M.I.T., Boston, USA) and became Faculty Member. She is currently member of the Academic Council. Maria Antonietta works at Thales Alenia Space as Director for Space Economy Exploration and International Network. She is involved in different activities promoting the development of young professionals in the space industry. Author of several publications, papers, and reports, and Acta Astronautica Co-Editor. Member of the Académie de l’Air et de l’Espace and of the International Academy of Astronautics, and former IAF Bureau Vice President. She is President of Explore Mars Europe. Awarded “Woman of Excellence 2010” by AIDDA and “Stella al Merito del Lavoro” by the Italian Republic President. Thales Alenia Space (a Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to its diversity of skills, talents and cultures, its customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate. Thales Alenia Space also team up with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of solutions including services. Company is willing to have a win-win approach shared both with its partners and customers. The company recorded consolidated revenues of 2.2 billion euros in 2023 and has 8,600 employees. Thales Alenia Space operates in ten countries, with 17 facilities in Europe and an industrial plant in the United States.

Professor of the Kozminski University, expert in risk management, insurance and space law. Author of at least several dozen publications in this field. She is currently researching the risk management and insurance of in-orbit maintenance projects. Frequent speaker at Polish and international conferences. Director of the Space Studies Center at the Kozminski University and head of postgraduate studies in “Entrepreneurship in the space industry”.

Janet Ivey, creator and CEO of Janet’s Planet, Inc., is a trailblazer in children’s education and space advocacy. With over 27 years dedicated to enriching young minds through innovative TV, online programming, and live performances, she has made significant contributions to STEM/STEAM education. Ivey’s commitment to fostering a love for science and exploration has earned her numerous accolades, including the American Astronautical Society’s 2023 Sally K Ride Excellence in Education Award and 12 Regional Emmy Awards. As the Director of Education at Explore Mars and a valued member of the Board of Advisors for both Above Space and the Cosmic Girls Foundation, her influence extends across the space exploration community. Additionally, Ivey’s role as a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador and her authorship of the “Unsung Genius” book series highlight unsung women in science, reinforcing her dedication to promoting science literacy and female mentorship globally. A recipient of 5 Gracie Awards and a speaker at two TEDx Talks, Ivey is a revered figure in space education, committed to inspiring the next generation of space explorers and women in science.

Martin Görner is a robotics researcher at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics of the German Aerospace Center. In his work he focusses on the mechatronic design and control of legged and wheeled mobile robots with applications to planetary exploration as well as the factory of the future. During his time at DLR he served in different roles and developed various systems. Just recently, he was the project lead for the new Moon-Mars test-site of the institute and is currently responsible for the systems engineering of LUNA TRP – a new hybrid legged-wheeled rover platform.

Jakub Stojek is CEO and co-founder of Orbital Matter: The Space Construction Company, which aims to change the way space infrastructure is built, thanks to their proprietary low heat 3D printing process designed to work directly in exposed space which will simplify and miniaturize rocket payloads while maximizing the size of the deployed satellites and structures in orbit. Previously, Jakub ran other manufacturing companies and at the age of 29 has 12 years of entrepreneurial experience. One of his manufacturing companies was the 22nd fastest growing company in Europe in 2020, according to FT1000, and he appeared on Forbes 30 under 30 list. Having successfully exit of his previous companies, Jakub met Robert Ihnatisin, with whom he realized they can combine their expertise and revolutionize manufacturing operations in the space industry.

Sonia Bazan is the Manager of Technology Incubator at Krakow Technology Park working on a daily basis with 40 startups and conducts activities supporting young technology entrepreneurs in the region. In 2019-2023, she was the coordinator of KTP cooperation with the European organization EIT Digital, organizing an 8-week, intensive pre-acceleration program EIT Digital Venture Program for startups at an early stage of development and helping mature startups build a foreign expansion strategy. She acted as a startup mentor in many international projects. For 3 years, she ran her own technology startup, thanks to which she is aware of the needs of young entrepreneurs. Author of the Expand your startup. Build the strategy podcast.

Szilvia Szilagyi is the founder of Drone Design Lab. A Hungarian native with a dynamic and passionate career in the field of GIS. With more than nine years of international experience, she has become a driving force in supporting underrepresented individuals in the aerospace and geospatial industries. Her dedication to spatial thinking and system thinking is matched only by my commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Dr. Noemi Zabari, an astrophysicist, entrepreneur, and leader, bridging the gap between the scientific and business communities. In 2023, she was recognized as a Strong Woman in IT, in 2024 she received the Kazimiera Bujwidowa Award and the title of Businesswoman of the Year of Success Written with Lipstick in the Leader in New Technologies category. She completed her Ph.D. in Astrophysics at the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Krakow. Previously, she pursued simultaneous studies in Applied Mathematics at the University of Science and Technology and Technical Physics at the Cracow University of Technology. During her academic pursuits, she worked at a company developing a nanosatellite constellation for a telecommunications network. Inspired by her scientific explorations and her involvement in a company focused on the impact of space weather on satellite electronic subsystems, she founded and currently is the CEO of Astroteq.ai, a company dedicated to researching cosmic radiation in relation to seismic activity. She is also a co-Lead of cosmo-seismic research group in CREDO project (credo.science) and member of Polish Space Technology Cluster.

Remco Timmermans is an independent online marketing and social media specialist for the international space sector. He is a well-known space influencer and mentor to aspiring space communicators. He is the founder of his own space marketing agency Spaceside OÜ, a faculty member of the International Space University and a vice chair and symposium chair of the IAF Space Education and Outreach Committee. Remco designs and runs creative online campaigns for space organisations, both in academic, government and commercial space. He is a founding member of the Space Communications Alliance, that brings together media, PR and communications professionals in the space industry. Remco has an undergraduate degree in business administration and mechanical engineering, a master’s degree in business sciences, and he is a graduate of the International Space University Space Studies Program, where he also periodically teaches space management and business, with an emphasis on marketing and communication.

Artemis Westenberg is CEO of Explore Mars, Europe, a position she took in 2019, when she stepped down as president and board of director member of Explore Mars, Inc. in the USA. Artemis handed the presidency over to Janet Planet and in Europe Artemis found a European Explore Mars president in Maria Antonietta Perino. At present, Artemis also serves as the mentor / advisor of a number of smaller Mars projects or Space research projects: Artemis serves as Human Exploration Project Mentor at Team Tumbleweed with its winning entry for the Odysseus Space Contest in 2017. The Tumbleweed Mars rover leaves is a non-traditional mars rover with a spherical design aimed at the fast exploration of large areas, making use of the strong Martian winds. For the research project on Space Crime (control) and Security (governance), carried out by Dr Yarin Eski of the VU Amsterdam in the field of public administration, Artemis serves as advisor and intermediary to enable this project to find the right interviewees and collaborators. Artemis serves on the advisory board of a large number of organizations, e.g. the Lifeboat Foundation as well. In 2022, Artemis Westenberg functioned as Mission Director of the Stardust Research Station and Space Centre in Cochrane, First Nation country, Ontario, Canada. This initiative by Jason Michaud, the Founder and CEO of Stardust Technologies in Cochrane & Toronto, aims to have a seamless working relation between all inhabitants of Canada in this Arctic Analogue Research Station. In June 2020 Artemis joined Carbon Capture Coatings in a consultancy capacity with the aim of harvesting the CO2 and N from the atmosphere with the help of lichen (algae). As CO2AT – team this company entered the X-Price Carbon Removal competition in 2021. CO2AT believes that its natural solution of CO2 scrubbing from the atmosphere will save humanity within a decade. From the start of the COVID19 lockdown in March 2020 – 2022 Artemis joined Janet Ivey (of Janet’s Planet, a STEM education company) living her passion of teaching in daily online zoom classes free for any kid (ages 7-19) that wanted to satisfy her/his curiosity. Together with Janet she had an incredible string of Scientists, Astronauts, Engineers and other amazing people give the class insight in their specialties and lives. During those years Artemis also served as CFO of MMAARS (Moon Mars Analog Academy & Research Science) at Spaceport USA in California, where she also educated analogue astronauts in concert with the founder of MMAARS, Dr. Susan Ip-Jewell. From 2010-2019 Artemis was president, also co-founder, of Explore Mars, Inc., as well as a member of its Board of Directors. EM Inc set up the Humans to Mars Summit among other projects to ensure humans will step on Mars by 2033, a goal that is set by NASA since 2017. Explore Mars Inc. surveyed the American population in February 2013 to find out what does the American wants with space. From this first survey (and two consecutive ones) the USA Congress learned that Americans should walk on Mars in 2033 and that the American public is fine with doubling the NASA budget of 2013 ($18 Billion to $36 Billion) as long as ‘putting humans on Mars is the overarching goal of NASA. It resulted in the Artemis Missions to the Moon and Mars. Artemis has been a lobbyist for various causes and organizations for over 40 years. Since 2000, Artemis has been involved in space exploration advocacy, as President of the Mars Society Netherlands and Steering Committee member of The Mars Society Inc. After serving as crewmember in a number of MDRS (Mars Desert Research Station) crews and consequently as CapCom for MDRS and FMARS (Flashline Arctic Research Station), also as logistics manager, for the 4 month FMARS crew in 2007, Artemis took on the responsibilities of Mission Director, managing the MDRS since August 2008, which she turned into a financially independent and self-sufficient project. She intends to establish a European Mars analog station, in which design she has been involved from the start. Artemis has organized (inter)national conferences since 1980, among which several conferences for the Mars Society in the Netherlands and Europe. Artemis is an expert on women’s rights, a well-known feminist, and the NGO representative to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) where she is able to insert new ideas and better policy initiatives into the governments of many countries, besides her own, the Netherlands. She advices on the UN CSW documents, the NAP1325 agreement, the Istanbul Convention’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, social security policy of the Netherlands, and a host of other policies which directly impact the lives of the Dutch citizens. Artemis is an expert on poverty and has been working with various groups to grant all humans in the Netherlands agency over their lives, including enough money to make that a reality. Recently, Artemis joined Single SuperMom, an organization aimed at supporting and advising the 540,000 single mothers in the Netherlands, in the role of Ambassador, with the aim to lobby for a single-parent institute to address all needs of single parents, whether female or male. Her former employment includes management in technological multinationals such as Honeywell (in public affairs) and THORN EMI (in business administration), and as president of the Council of Women for Rotterdam. Artemis is a nationally decorated feminist in her home country and started her feminist career as a member of the Dutch government delegation to the UN conference on the status of women, Copenhague 1980. In 2021 Artemis was awarded the high honor of ‘officer in the Order of Oranje Nassau’ by the king of the Netherlands in recognition of over 4 decades of unpaid efforts to better society for all, and especially for women. As president of the Women’s rights organization of the Netherlands, as board member of the International Alliance of Women, as NGO delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN HQ, Artemis still works actively to improve the lives of all, men and women. In the Netherlands, Artemis is often the spokesperson for the space community when Mars is in the Media. She has been quoted in numerous national and international newspapers and magazines and has appeared on national and international television and radio. Artemis enjoys her work as space ambassador giving lectures for any age about space exploration and Mars. She holds an M.A. in Ancient History and Islam, with minors in International Relations, and in Classical Studies from Leiden University, the oldest university of the Netherlands (1575), and a degree in General Management, from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Society. In 1990 she won an MBA fellowship MBA at the Rotterdam School of Management, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Irene Sanchez Cebrian is Policy Officer and Policy Assistant to the Head of Unit in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS), in the Unit responsible for Innovation & New Space – Space Defence. She supports the implementation of key initiatives such as CASSINI, the Commission’s Space Entrepreneurship Initiative; the EU Space Law; and Synergies Space Defence, including the EU Space Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC).

Krzysztof Kanawka, PhD, graduate of AGH, Fachhoschule Muenster and Imperial College London. Currently, he serves as the president of the management board of Blue Dot Solutions, an SME operating in the space sector in Poland. Krzysztof’s activities focus mainly on the practical use of satellite data, i.e. on telecommunications applications, GNSS, EO and technological analyzes of the space sector. Moreover, since 2016, Krzysztof and his team have been supporting other technology startups in the form of the Space3ac business accelerator. Since then, the accelerator has supported over 150 technology startups from around the world. The accelerator usually operates in an “equity-free” form and provides contacts with the industry.

Raphael Roettgen is the founder of E2MC Ventures, a space-focused early-stage venture capital firm. He is also the co-founder of Prometheus Life Technologies, a space biotech startup that was the first startup to win the Orbital Reef innovation challenge. He lectures on space entrepreneurship and finance at several universities including the International Space University (ISU) and the Swiss Institute of Technology at Lausanne (EPFL), hosts the popular Space Business Podcast, and is the author of “To Infinity”, an introductory book on the space economy. Previously, Raphael Roettgen held senior roles at global investment banks and hedge funds and was also a fintech entrepreneur in Brazil. He holds degrees in finance from Wharton, machine learning from PUC-Rio and space studies from the International Space University, where he also serves as a governing member.

Head of System and Applications Engineering Division in European Space Agency, where her main areas of responsibility is driving development of innovative solutions for ground segment data systems. Spent her professional career in IT, creating data, analytics and AI for mining, finance and retail industries across Americas and Europe. Throughout the career, have held various leadership positions in renowned multinational companies, having played a significant role in driving innovation and digital transformation. She holds MSc in Technology and Innovation Management from University of Sussex.

Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund is the President of the Committee of Space Research (COSPAR) and Research Professor of Space Policy and International Affairs at the Space Policy Institute/George Washington University in Washington DC. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Space Foundation, as Co-Chair of the Global Future Council on Space of the World Economic Forum and as Member of the Advisory Council of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For three decades she contributed as Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator and Team leader to ESA and NASA astronomy and planetary missions as well as experiments in low Earth orbit and on the International Space Station. Pascale Ehrenfreund was the President of the International Space University (2021-2023), the President International Astronautical Federation (2019-2022), the Chair of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) (2015-2020) and the President of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) (2013-2015). Pascale Ehrenfreund is enlisted in the Stanford World Ranking Top 2% Scientists 2022 and holds a Master degree in Molecular Biology, a PhD in Astrophysics, and a Master degree in Management and Leadership. The asteroid “9826 Ehrenfreund 2114 T-3” bears her name.

Michał Chwieduk is the head of the ESA BIC Poland incubator – the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre established in Poland to support start-ups creating and based on space technologies. ESA BIC Poland started its operation in 2023 and it will sign first Incubation Contracts this year, it is operated by Industrial Development Agency JSC. Michał is a power and physics engineer by education, who came to the Industrial Development Agency (ARP) for the technical evaluation of investment projects. For several years, he has been involved in the space sector support program implemented by the Industrial Development Agency. He has gone through a long career path from a specialist through a technology broker to a project manager. A project in which technology transfer is one of the key issues.

Simon Jenner makes space more accessible for individuals, companies, and countries around the world. Australian born and raised, he now lives in Sofia, Bulgaria and works for Axiom Space – who are building the world’s first commercial space station, building the spacesuits for humanity’s return to the lunar surface, and is the only organisation in the world sending private astronaut missions to the International Space Station. His day job at Axiom is to lift the global space ecosystem through the company’s unique position as the only commercial entity able to undertake these private missions, getting countries, individuals, corporations or academic institutions to space. Simon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Adelaide, Australia, and a Masters of Space Studies from the International Space University in Strasbourg, France. In a past life in Australia, Simon was a leader within the waste management and recycling industry, working in numerous sales, innovation and management roles for Cleanaway Waste Management, as well as Board positions on the Waste Management Association of Australia and the Landfill Owners Association.

Bruno is the Executive Director of Clay, the AI for Earth nonprofit, where he focuses on making AI learn Earth with open-source, open-data and open for business. He co-founded and leads the project. Previously, Bruno co-founded and directed the Planetary Computer at Microsoft. His past roles also include leading data projects at the World Bank and Chief Scientist at Mapbox, emphasizing his extensive experience in technology, and environmental and social impact. Bruno’s authorship of “Impact Science: The science of getting to radical social and environmental breakthroughs” highlights his commitment to science for social good. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Bruno’s contributions to science and policy have been widely acknowledged. Bruno also provides consulting services through ImpactScience.dev. His work spans multiple global locations. Originally from Asturias, Spain, Bruno currently resides in Copenhagen with his family.

Joe Cassady is the Director of Civil Space Programs in the Washington DC Operations for L3Harris where he helps oversee strategy development and architectures for future space and launch systems. He obtained his BS (1981) and MS (1983) in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University as well as a Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering at the George Washington University in 2005. His current interest areas include architectures for human missions to Mars, Space Mobility and Logistics (SML) and space debris remediation. Mr. Cassady holds five U.S. Patents for Electric Propulsion (EP) technology. He has four decades of experience in propulsion development, flight operations, mission architecture and systems analysis. He has authored more than 75 technical papers dealing with EP, power systems, attitude control systems and mission analysis and recently co-authored a textbook, Rocket Propulsion, with Professors Heister, Anderson, and Pourpoint of Purdue University. Prior to joining the Washington office, Mr. Cassady held roles in Development Engineering, Project Management, and Business Development and led flight project teams for the 26 kWe ESEX arcjet system (which still holds the record as the highest power EP system flown) and the EO-1 Pulsed Plasma Thruster system. In addition, he has served on a number of advisory groups for NASA and the DoD. Currently he is a member of the National Academies Space Technology Industry Government and University Roundtable (STIGUR), which advises and reviews the NASA technology portfolio. He is an Associate Fellow of the AIAA, is vice-president of the Electric Rocket Propulsion Society and serves as Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Directors for ExploreMars, a 501c(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting STEM and human Mars exploration. In 2021, he was named as an Outstanding Aerospace Engineer by the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue and he was elected as a Corresponding Member of the International Academy of Astronautics in 2022. It is his lifelong goal to see humans join their robotic precursors on the surface of the Red Planet.

Co-founder of the European Space Foundation. The originator of the European Rover Challenge project. Experienced dot-connector and communication consultant specializing in technology and innovation (data and content-driven communication). Owner of a PR consultancy working in the CEE region. Very committed space advocate. Author of articles and whitepapers on science and technology. Media pundit on the topics of space exploration and space technology transfer. Speaker and lecturer, organizer and moderator of conferences and events. In the past European Coordinator of The Mars Society and spokesperson of TMS in Poland. For his space advocacy work, Lukasz was awarded a unique award Tiuterra Crystal created by the Austrian Space Forum in collaboration with Swarovski. He joined the previous winners’ ranks, such as Head of SpaceX Elon Musk, former head of NASA Charles Bolden, or head of the UN space sector agency, Dr. Simonetta di Pippo and European astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. After hours, he explores programming, viewing it as learning a new foreign language of the future.

Joost Vanreusel is the Head of the ESA Academy at the European Space Agency, offering opportunities to universities to engage in space-related training and space projects such as small satellite missions, ISS experiments, sounding rockets, and more. Prior to his current duties Mr. Vanreusel lead the development of a CubeSat integration and test facility at ESA, and worked as satellite system engineer for ESA’s university CubeSat programme.

Dr. Anna Fogtman is a member of the Space Medicine Team of the European Space Agency (ESA). She leads radiation protection operations at the European Astronaut Centre of the European Space Agency (ESA) in Cologne. She is responsible for radiological safety of ESA astronauts flying to the International Space Station (ISS) at the Low Earth Orbit. Anna works with ESA’s external partners preparing and securing joint missions to the Moon’s orbiting station: Gateway and to lunar surface. She prepares and implements the radiation protection strategy in exploration-class space missions of ESA crews. Anna also supports the ESA Science in Space Environment (SciSpacE) Team in coordinating European radiation research on ESA’s scientific platforms, including the International Space Station (ISS) and Gateway, and setting the ESA research strategy to enable human exploration of deep space. She cooperates with top European scientific institutions to conduct research aiming to improve space medicine operations.

Sara Khan is a Biomedical Engineer on the Space Medicine Team at the European Space Agency (ESA). In addition to her engineering role, she serves as a space-to-ground communicator, EUROCOM, providing real-time support to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Her responsibilities encompass overseeing medical operations for both long- and short-duration missions, covering the pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight phases. Sara collaborates with ESA’s external partners to ensure all necessary medical activities are conducted on the station, safeguarding the astronauts’ health and well-being. Following an astronaut’s return, she works closely with specialists and scientists to plan and execute the rehabilitation phase, known as Direct Return. Additionally, Sara coordinates the development of medical technologies for the Artemis missions, ensuring that astronauts remain healthy throughout their journey.

Dr. Armin Wedler received his diploma and bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and robotics in 2004 and his doctorate on “Adaptive passive compliant systems for use in robotics” in 2010 from the University of Hannover. Mr. Wedler started his professional career in 2006, also at the university as a research assistant, and moved to DLR German Aerospace Center, Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics in 2008. He focused his research and activities to enhance the capabilities of autonomous and teleoperated mobile robots. With the design and development of advanced mobile systems for space and planetary exploration his career has been started, while Mr. Wedler is convinced to support with his work sustainable technologies for humanity. This includes the use of robotics for crises regions, to support humanitarian organisations in food supply chains or to detect and observe climate change in agriculture and enhance the modern food production by the use of sustainable advanced robotic systems in agriculture. With his contributions to national and international projects such as EXOMARS (ESA), DEXHAND (DLR-ESA), Mobile Payload Element (DLR- MPE), Next Lunar Lander (ESA-NLL), ROBEX (HGF), ARCHES (HGF), MASCOT (DLR, CNES, JAXA), Rover for MMX (DLR, CNES, JAXA) he was able to further expand his expertise, experience and knowledge base in space projects. With the coordination of the AHEAD (autonomous humanitarian emergency aid devices) Project within (DLR), Mr. Wedler has increased the external funding for this last mile delivery in humanitarian areas and has extend the activity by the KI4HE (12/2021) and MaiSHU (01/2022) projects. Furthermore, with the HGF funded iFOODis project (2023-2027) he will focus the work on intelligent robotic systems to increase sustainability of food cycles. Mr. Wedler is also active in various committees, e.g. ISCEG as well as in scientific and technical topic groups for robotics in harsh environments.

Grzegorz Wrochna serves as the president of the Polish Space Agency since February 2021. He is a professor of physics. From 1986 to 1991, he worked at the Faculty of Physics of the Warsaw University, cooperated with the DESY research centers in Hamburg and CERN in Geneva. He participated in the design and construction of the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider LHC at CERN between 1991-1998. During his professional career, Prof. Wrochna served at the Institute for Nuclear Studies, as director of the Institute, following his leadership of the Astroparticle Apparatus Laboratory. He was the initiator of the establishment of the National Center for Nuclear Research in 2011 and its director until 2015. Prof. Wrochna represented Poland in the EURATOM program committees, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency committees, the Supervisory Board of the EU Joint Research Center (since 2019). Between 2017-2018 he was the chairman of the Science Policy Committee. He served as the President of the Scientific Policy Committee and as Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, where his responsibilities included overseeing cooperation with the European Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Milena Ratajczak is an astronomer, assistant professor at the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Warsaw. She completed her Master’s degree at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, earned her doctorate at the CAMK PAN in Toruń, and was scientifically connected with the University of Wrocław and Charles University in Prague. Her scientific interests focus on the subject of double stars and extrasolar planets. She is a member of the OGLE group – a large-scale sky survey using a Polish telescope located in Chile, and the Solaris project – aimed at searching for exoplanets using a network of robotic telescopes in the southern hemisphere. Milena collaborates with the international consortium of the BRITE program, which uses a constellation of nano-satellites to observe the brightest stars in our Galaxy. In her free time, Milena popularizes science as a coordinator of the UNAWE educational program in Poland and a board member of the New Space, MultiŚwiat foundations, and the Polish Astronomical Society. She collaborates with popular science magazines, edits books and games on astronomy. On weekends, Milena runs, preferably in the mountains.

Prof. Bernard H. Foing, Executive Director of ILEWG, CEO LUNEX EuroMoonMars, President Space Renaissance International, Special Professor of the Leiden Observatory, IPSA, Riga U, and formerly VU Amsterdam, ISU, EPFL and Florida Tech. Full member IAA International Academy of Astronautics since 2010, vice-chair COSPAR planetary committee and PEX Planetary Exploration Panel, co-director IMA International Moonbase Alliance, founder Moon Village & MV Association Former ESA Chief Scientist and Chair of ESTEC staff association committee (2012-2017) and SMART-1 Lead scientist. Chair IAF ITACCUS, member IAF committees (TAC, GLEX IPC, space exploration, astronomy, space habitats, traffic management). Worked at ESA ESTEC (1989-2020), as ESTEC staff Committee Chair (2012-2017), senior scientist, advisor to DG, Chief scientist, Head of Research Division, study lead (SIMURIS, MORO lunar orbiter, EuroMoon lander), staff, visiting scientist fellow. Co-Investigator of SOHO, XMM, BIOPAN, SMART-1, Mars Express, COROT, ISS/Expose, ExoMars. Author of 930 articles, including 230 refereed papers. Earned his habilitation in 1990. He has been working at CNRS, and as post-doc astronomer ESO European Southern Observatory Chile, PhD astrophysics and space techniques (CNRS, Lockheed, SacPeak, Boulder, Harvard), Professor agrégé Physics, Ecole Normale Supérieure ENSET Paris-Saclay.

Dr. Paweł Brusiło – member of the European Commission’s Team Europe Direct Experts Network and research and teaching fellow at the Wrocław University of Economics and Business. Scholarship holder of the prestigious Fulbright-Schuman Award 2022/2023 at the University of California, San Diego (funded by the US Department of State and the European Commission). He has also conducted international collaborative research in Germany and Japan. He specializes in the area of the European Union’s energy transition policies and strategies, particularly in deploying hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in transportation.

Xiao-Shan Yap is Assistant Professor of Innovation and Global Governance at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University. Yap is the Principal Investigator and director of ‘PLANETSTEWARDS’, a five-year research program funded by the European Research Council (ERC) on ‘Planetary Stewardship in view of Earth-Space Sustainability’. In 2020, Yap founded ‘Earth-Space Sustainability’, the first science and policy initiative aiming at addressing environmental and social challenges for a sustainable and functional earth-space future. She is also Co-Director of the Working Group on Earth-Space Governance at the Earth System Governance Project, Chair of the 2024 Earth-Space Symposium, and a senior member of the Steering Group at the Sustainability Transitions Research Network (STRN).

Ziemowit Stolarski is an electronics engineer at Thorium Space. For many years he worked at the Telecommunications Research Institute (currently PIT-Radwar) in research projects in the field of radiolocation. He has extensive experience as a designer of electronic devices and subsystems for various purposes – e.g. for… tower clocks! He has always been passionate about the history of space exploration, which resulted in his current position. On a daily basis, he designs and tests “space” electronics, and recently coordinates work on telecommunications payloads for new generation satellites (Software Defined Satellites). In his free time, he is involved in amateur radio or repairs old motorcycles and checks if they are able to reach Transylvania.

Olga Sztuba is the Communications Manager at Google in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. At Google for almost 10 years. She gained professional experience, among others, at the Polish embassy in Vietnam, at a Polish media startup in Spain, a network PR agency and as the founder and CEO of a communication boutique. She gained life experience (always combined with professional) in Madrid, Barcelona and Hanoi. Olga knows four foreign languages, completed postgraduate studies in artificial intelligence in Helsinki and deeply believes that “The best way to predict your future is to create it”. Although the quote is attributed to Lincoln, Olga thinks that she was the first to come up with it.

Dr. Krzysztof Walas (IRMI, PUT) graduated from Poznan University of Technology (PUT) in Poland, obtaining an MSc in Automatic Control and Robotics. He received a Ph.D. in Robotics in 2012 (with honors) for his thesis on legged robot locomotion in structured environments. He completed his postdoc at the University of Birmingham, School of Computer Science, and the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory. He is a recipient of the LIDER project from the National Center for Research and Development and was a Principal Investigator (PI) in the THING project on subterranean-legged locomotion within Horizon 2020. He also serves as a PI in the REMODEL project on deformable object manipulation within Horizon 2020. Presently, he holds the position of Robotics Team Leader at IDEAS-NCBR and Assistant Professor at the Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence at PUT, Poland. Krzysztof Walas has been a European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS) member since February 2024. In June 2024, he was elected to the board of directors of the AI, Data, and Robotics Association (ADRA). His research interests revolve around robotic perception for physical interaction, applied to both walking and grasping tasks. He was co-PI at ESA OSIP Cognition – Distributed Data System for Lunar Activities Processing. He is also involved in ESA&POLSA Polish activities to fly on ISS, with a scene reconstruction experiment on a space-grade Data Processing Unit. Finally, he is co-leading the creation of ESA SpaceShip at PUT.

Anna Krzyzanowska is an electrical engineer, working as a Senior Specialist in Printed Electronics group at Danish Technological Institute. She has acquired several years of experience in various aspects of electrical engineering and printed electronics. Trying to create a bridge between standard and printed technology. From programming programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to designing PCBs, working with printed technology, her technical prowess allows her to navigate the complex challenges with ease. One of her focus areas is structural monitoring using printed sensors for drones and airplanes. Being a specialist in this field enables me to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in the aerospace industry. For example: her role in the avatar project is to design, produce and test a multi-sensing skin for structural monitoring for drones and airplanes. Using her excellent expertise in the field of sensors and nanotechnology, allows her to prepare the best possible solution. One of Anna’s standout areas of specialization is wearables technology and digital health, particularly in the realm of remote patient monitoring. Her in-depth knowledge and experience in this field have enabled her to contribute significantly to advancements in healthcare technology, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Anna’s passion for space exploration is truly awe-inspiring. She has been actively involved in various Space projects, collaborating with prestigious organizations such as the European Space Agency. Apart from working at the Institute, Anna is part of a project aimed at building a launchpad for space rockets in Europe. Her diligent work and technical acumen have solidified her position as a specialist in space electronics.

Dr Joanna Jurga’s main interest and specialism is the relationship between humans and their surrounding spaces and objects. She consults on and teaches how to design spaces which improve comfort of living, efficiency and mental wellbeing. She focuses on design solutions which improve the feeling of safety of people living in isolation. Joanna follows and supports the idea of neuroarchitecture and synaesthetic design, i.e. design which would take into account and cater for all the sense. She also has an interest in speculative design which has as its focus finding solutions for the future. She use the knowledge of human biology when looking for architectural solutions which would meet the needs of a human body to function well in a given space. She firmly believes that a well-designed space has to be comfortable and provide appropriate conditions to fulfil its function. Joanna explores the relationship between humans and their surrounding spaces in radically changing times and external circumstances.

Dr. Swati Mohan joined NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory first in 2004, after completing her B.S from Cornell University in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. After working as a mission operations systems engineer on Cassini during Saturn Orbit Insertion and Huygens Probe release, she returned to graduate school in 2005 to MIT. Dr. Mohan received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Aeronautics/Astronautics from the MIT Space Systems Laboratory. Since her return to JPL in 2010, Dr. Mohan has worked on multiple missions such as GRAIL and OCO-3. Swati also co-founded and manages the Small Satellite Dynamics Testbed. She was the Lead Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Systems Engineer and Operations Lead for Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, focusing on Cruise and EDL. Dr. Mohan was the mission commentator for the landing of the Perseverance rover on February 18, 2021. Since then she has been the supervisor for the Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Systems Engineering group, Psyche GNC lead through Psyche’s launch slip, and a Chief Engineer for Psyche in the MSA for launch. Currently, she is working on Mars Sample Return as one of the Chief Engineers, and is Assistant Section Manager for the Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Section at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Oskar Zdunek is the Business Development Manager at Scanway S.A. responsible for development of Space branch of C. Previously, Chief Specialist in Strategy and International Cooperation Department of Polish Space Agency, Industrial Liaison Officer of European Southern Observatory and EUMETSAT Contact Point in Poland. At the Polish Space Agency, he was responsible for activities related to satellite navigation, Earth observations, cooperation in the preparation of documents and positions within the work of national, EU and international teams and working groups related to industrial policy and development of the space sector, as well as involved in the SUN project from H2020. He was appointed as expert of the Polish delegation to the European Space Agency in the field of satellite navigation and international relations, as well as an advisor in the EUSPA Administrative Board. Before Polish Space Agency – Office Manager of the Polish Space Industry Association, where he was responsible for disseminating knowledge about the space sector, managing relations with union members, organizing events, conducting internship competitions, and managing projects. He is also Member of the Board of Polish Space Professionals Association. He graduated with honors from Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw.

Tomas Jonsson is the CASSINI Team Leader at the European Commission, implementing the European Union’s space programme. CASSINI is the EU’s initiative that aims to boost investment and entrepreneurship in the European space industry. Tomas brings a wealth of experience from venture capital investments in Sweden and has a strong background in business development, working with both early-stage start-ups and growth-stage companies. In his previous roles at the European Commission, Tomas implemented the EU’s strategy for life sciences and bio-based products.

Justyna Średzińska is an education expert with a specialization in astrophysics at the European Space Education Resource Office ESERO-Poland, coordinated by the Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw. A graduate of the University of Bialystok, with specialization in theoretical physics. In the years 2013-2018, she conducted research in the field of astrophysics at the Astronomical Center of Nicolaus Copernicus PAS. Member of the Polish Astronomical Society and the Polish Space Professionals Association. Analog astronaut. In 2021 she trained at the Analog Astronaut Training Center in Krakow, as a member of the Kepleria mission. As part of the European Space Education Resource Office, ESERO-Polska organizes conferences, workshops, series of meetings for teachers in Poland. Facilitator of space topics at all stages of formal and informal education. Justyna leads a team of several dozen educators as part of the Space Education Ambassador Program. She prepares educational materials and conducts various activities to develop knowledge in the field of astronomy, astrophysics and space technologies, as well as competitions of the European Space Agency (ESA) addressed to children and teenagers. She coordinates the European Astro Pi Challenge, in which children and teenagers send their own codes to the International Space Station, and the European Moon Camp Challenge, in which children and teenagers design lunar habitats in 3-D technology. An important element of her work and taken actions is the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Especially goal no. 5 – gender equality. Justyna conducts a series of meetings called “Galaxy of Women”, during which she talks with experts in the fields of STE(A)M and business, with particular attention to the space sector. These interviews become an inspiration for young women and a base for interesting and diverse career paths. Last year, together with experts from the space sector, she developed workshops “Career in the space sector” addressed to secondary schools students, and now she organises them in different Polish cities. Justyna combines work with her passion for night sky observations, painting and photography of extreme natural phenomena such as lightning.

Jarosław Chojnacki is a Technology Broker at the European Space Agency. He has been actively supporting start-ups at the Krakow Technology Park for over seven years. He helps companies transfer dual-use space technology to commercialize innovative solutions for applications useful on Earth. Jarosław coordinates activities and projects aimed at promoting technological progress and supporting companies and start-ups in the area of cutting-edge technologies, in Poland and abroad. He has served as a mentor in acceleration programs such as EIT Digital, KPT ScaleUp, IDA Bootcamp, BSA SpaceUp and many hackathons. Co-author of articles and e-books on aspects related to the development and support of start-ups.

Experienced Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the aerospace, research&development and energy industry. Skilled in Project Management, Engineering Management and Proposal Management. Motivated Business Development Support always looking for new business opportunities.

Shelli Brunswick is an eminent figure in the realm of space exploration and innovation. With a wealth of experience spanning across a dynamic career, Shelli’s profound insights and visionary perspective have established her as a guiding force within the global space community. Having embarked on a remarkable journey from distinguished roles within the U.S. Air Force to her current position as the CEO & Founder of SB Global, Shelli’s leadership acumen is nothing short of exceptional. Her focus on strategic engagements and advocacy reflects a deep understanding of the intricate tapestry that constitutes the global space ecosystem. Championing key values nurtured during her military service, Shelli is a fervent advocate for space technology innovation, diversity, and inclusion. Her collaborations worldwide, uniting the commercial, governmental, and educational sectors, underscore her commitment to fostering a harmonious and progressive space landscape. A prolific author and sought-after keynote speaker, Shelli’s impact is truly global. She has delivered over 100 speeches and presentations in a single year, addressing audiences across continents on themes of career success, leadership, and workforce development. Her role as a thought leader and her engagement with esteemed think tanks such as the Hudson Institute and the Wilson Center, as well as, being the BIED Society Executive Director for the Center for International Space Policy, illuminate her capacity to shape conversations around innovation and technology. Notably, Shelli’s influence extends to the future as well. She has contributed her expertise to research initiatives for NASA and ESA, shaping our understanding of the evolving global space paradigm. As a stalwart advocate for women in space, her accolades- Top 100 Women of the Future in Emerging Technology, the Chief in Tech Award, two lifetime Achievement awards, the DEI and Role Model of the Year, and more -aptly reflect her impactful presence. As a global champion, she was selected as one of the 100 Voices for Our Planet by the United Nations, demonstrating her impact across a diversity of stakeholders and economic sectors. Beyond her professional achievements, Shelli’s leadership spans international organizations, further amplifying her reach. Her involvement with entities like UNOOSA Space4Women Mentoring Program, WomenTech Network, World Business Angeles Investment Forum, and G100 Global Chair for Space Technology and Aviation underscores her dedication to nurturing talent and fostering global collaboration.