SSAW 2000x500 Updated
SSAW 1200x675 Updated

Space Situational Awareness Workshop

February 6, 2024

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Allder Auditorium
7500 GEOINT Drive Springfield, VA 22150-7500

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Main Programming
Main Programming +
SECRET//Rel NATO Panel
Main Programming +
SECRET//Rel NATO Panel +

TS/SCI Panel

USGIF Member Rate
$149 $174 $199
Non-Member Rate $199 $224 $249
Government
Non-Profit
Academic
$0 $0 $0


Registration Closed on January 15 for International Attendees, January 22 for All Attendees.

Parking Information

Join us for an illuminating one-day workshop on "Space Situational Awareness: Bridging Government and Industry Collaboration" where experts, thought leaders, and industry pioneers come together to delve into the complex and ever-evolving frontier of Space Situational Awareness.

Space Situational Awareness has never been more critical to the GEOINT community than it is today. As our dependence on space technologies continues to grow, ensuring the safety and sustainability of GEOINT activities in orbit becomes paramount. This workshop aims to facilitate a constructive dialogue between government agencies and industry stakeholders, exploring collaborative strategies to address the increasingly challenging GEOINT space situational awareness environment.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is not just a concern for government or industry alone; it's a shared responsibility. Join us as we explore how collaboration can safeguard the space environment for generations to come.

CONFIRMED GUEST SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS

AGENDA 

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Hybrid Unclassified and Classified Sessions

8:00-9:00  Arrival, Breakfast and Exhibits 

9:00-9:15  Welcome Remarks: Robert Cardillo, Board Chair, USGIF

9:15-9:45  Keynote: Maj. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence, US Space Force

9:45-10:45  Panel: A Hybrid Approach to Space Situational Awareness

In this insightful panel, industry leaders and government experts will converge to discuss and dissect the innovative concept of a 'Hybrid Approach to Space Situational Awareness.' As the boundaries of space become more crowded and contested, it is imperative for both government and industry to forge collaborative strategies. This panel will explore how a hybrid model, combining the strengths of governmental initiatives and private-sector innovation, can enhance SSA. From leveraging cutting-edge technologies to establishing cooperative frameworks, the discussion will address the practical aspects of implementing a hybrid approach for SSA. Participants can expect to gain valuable insights into the synergies that can be achieved when government and industry collaborate, contributing to a safer and more secure space environment. 

Moderator: Victoria Samson, Director of Space Security and Stability, Secure World Foundation

Panelists:

  • Stewart Bain, Chief Executive Officer, NorthStar Earth and Space
  • Travis Langster, Principal Director of Space Policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Department of Defense
  • Sandra Magnus, Ph.D., Chief Engineer of the Traffic Coordination System for Space, MITRE/Office of Space Commerce, Department of Commerce

10:45-11:00 Networking Break 

11:00-12:00 Panel: Advancing SSA Tradecraft

In this pivotal panel, further explore aspects of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) by focusing on the critical elements of advancing related tradecraft. The discussion will orient on the future — how we recruit, train, and retain the next generation of SSA professionals. As we navigate the intricate and evolving landscape of GEOINT SSA, it is imperative to build a workforce that is not only skilled in current approaches and methodologies but also primed to innovate for the challenges ahead. This panel of thought leaders from government and academia, and industry will engage in a comprehensive dialogue, addressing the dynamic nature of SSA and the strategies required to ensure a robust workforce pipeline. From identifying key skill sets to innovative training methodologies, this session aims to provide actionable insights that bridge the gap between theory and practice in SSA. 

Moderator: Fred Pelletier, Co-Chair, USGIF Space Situational Awareness Working Group and Chief Scientist, NorthStar Earth and Space

Panelists:

  • Travis Blake, Ph.D., Space Traffic Coordination Program Officer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Christine Joseph, Special Advisor, Office of Space Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
  • Greg Miller, Ph.D., Dean of Space Education for the U.S. Space Force and Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

12:00-1:00  Lunch Break

1:00-1:15 Special Presentation by Stewart Bain, CEO, NorthStar Earth and Space

1:15-1:45 Keynote: Kevin O’Connell, Founder and CEO, Space Economy Rising, LLC

1:45-2:00  Networking Break and Security Reset 

2:00-2:45 Panel: Perspectives on Emerging Issues for Space Situational Awareness

This enlightening panel brings together action team leaders from USGIF’s Space Situational Awareness Working Group to highlight the matters their teams are working on. Against the backdrop of an ever-evolving GEOINT space situational awareness environment, this discussion will shed light on the ways in which the GEOINT community is working together to foster a shared commitment to space security and bring to the forefront matters that the community participants should consider. Our distinguished panelists will explore and explain the evolving and necessary mechanisms and initiatives that will promote security in the space domain.

Note:  This panel will be classified at the SECRET//Rel NATO level.

Moderator: Rob Zitz, Co-Chair, USGIF Space Situational Awareness Working Group

Panelists:

  • Ann Carbonell, Ph.D., Consultant, Senior Advisor to Riverside Research 
  • Stephen Hanna, SSA/SDA Product Manager, Maxar 
  • William “Hudson” Sutherland, Director, Consulting Services, CGI Federal 

2:45-3:00 Networking Break and Security Reset

3:00-4:00  Panel: The State of SSA

This dynamic panel, featuring leaders from both government and industry, will offers a comprehensive exploration of the current state of technology and practice for SSA. Our panelists will consider the cutting-edge technologies shaping the field, providing insights into the advancements that have propelled SSA capabilities to their current state. From ground-based systems to space-based assets, the discussion will encompass a holistic view of the tools and methodologies employed by both government agencies and industry leaders. In addition to highlighting successes, the panel will candidly address the existing capability gaps in SSA. By openly discussing these challenges, the session aims to foster a collaborative dialogue between government and industry stakeholders to identify innovative solutions and bridge the gaps that hinder optimal SSA effectiveness.

Note:  This panel will be classified at the TOP SECRET//SCI level.  

Moderator: Gary Dunow, Vice President for Strategic Development, USGIF

Panelists:

  • Greg Kuperman, Ph.D., Program Manager, Strategic Technologies Office, Defense Advanced Research Project Agency
  • Isaac Lowe, Program Director for Space and Counterspace, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
  • Alexis Truitt, Program Manager, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity

4:00-4:15  Closing Remarks 

*ALL TIMES ARE IN ET; AGENDA SUBJECT TO CHANGE

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

NorthStar Logo Black
rgi_logo_v2
maxar-gold