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The Future of the Space Economy

PAST EVENT VIDEO
Panel
Concurrent with the planned launch date of Inspiration4, a panel of experts and the SpaceX civilian astronauts discuss the new space industry.
Speakers
Michelle Larson
Bryan Bender
Christian Davenport
Sian Proctor
Chris Sembroski
Event Date

About This Event

On September 15, Elon Musk’s SpaceX makes history as the world’s first mission to send an all-civilian crew into space. The launch marks both a tremendous technological advancement and the first indication of an entirely new industry. As billionaires and corporations invest record levels of political and economic capital, what challenges will the US government and private industries face in the beckoning commercial space age? How will the burgeoning economy of private space exploration change the world around us?

This event coincidences with the planned launch date of Inspiration4, a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission to low earth orbit, and features pre-recorded interviews with the astronauts.

About the Speakers
President & CEO, Adler Planetarium
Michelle Larson is President and CEO of the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, leading a talented team that connects people to the Universe and each other under the sky we all share. Larson was formerly on the NASA Advisory Council (NAC) Science Committee, holding the public communications seat where she contributed valuable insights on engaging with the public.
Senior National Correspondent, POLITICO
Bryan Bender is a Senior National Correspondent for POLITICO, where he focuses on the Pentagon, NASA, and the defense and aerospace industries. He is also an adjunct professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and was previously the national security reporter for the Boston Globe.
Space Reporter, Washington Post
Christian Davenport covers NASA and the space industry for The Washington Post's Financial desk. He is author of "The Space Barons: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos", as well as producer and co-host of Discovery Channel’s “Space Launch Live,” the networks’ live broadcast of Space missions.
Inspiration4 Mission Pilot, SpaceX
Sian Proctor is a geoscientist, explorer, and science communication specialist with a lifelong passion for space exploration. Proctor uses her Space2inpsire Art to encourage conversations about creating a J.E.D.I. Space: a Just, Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive space for all of humanity. She has a TEDx talk called Eat Like a Martian and published the Meals for Mars Cookbook.
Inspiration4 Astronaut, SpaceX
Chris Sembroski works in the aerospace industry at Lockheed Martin. He previously served in the US Air Force. In his career, Sembroski has sought innovative, industry-disrupting methods to monitor and maintain mechanical equipment, making everything from data centers to hospitals more efficient.