Monday, October 30 – 8:00am-9:15am
(Continental Breakfast Served 7:30am-8:00am)
E. Glenn Lightsey
David Lewis Professor of Space Systems Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology
Keynote Title: Small Satellites and the Future of Planetary Space Exploration
Abstract: Small satellites are redefining the way new technology is developed and infused into space missions. This talk will begin by describing the Lunar Flashlight mission-an advanced technology mission using a small satellite to look for ice at the Moon's South Pole. Lunar Flashlight is a NASA mission with university participation that was launched on a commercial rocket in 2022. Lunar Flashlight is an example of changes that are occurring in space technology across the space industry. We then discuss how these changes are influencing interplanetary space exploration to the Moon and Mars, and what could happen with planetary space exploration in the next 25 years.
Biography: Dr. Glenn Lightsey is the David Lewis Professor of Space Systems Technology in the School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech. He is the Director of the Center for Space Technology and Research, an interdisciplinary research center that facilitates space research at Georgia Tech. He is the Co-Principal Investigator for the Lunar Flashlight mission at Georgia Tech, which designed the propulsion system and conducts mission operations. Dr. Lightsey founded two companies that create space technology, and he has co-authored more than 160 technical publications. He is a member of the National Academy's Space Technology Industry, Government, and University Roundtable. Dr. Lightsey has received the AIAA's Mechanics and Control of Flight Award and the Institute of Navigation's Tycho Brahe Award.
Thursday, November 2 – 12:15pm-1:45pm
(Lunch Served 12:15-12:45pm) Closing Lunch Keynote
Eleanor Morgan
Program Manager & Habitation Architecture Lead
Lockheed Martin Space
Keynote Title: Architectures for Deep Space Missions
Abstract: Recent advancements in space transportation systems (such as reusable launch vehicles) and the successful completion of NASA's Artemis I lunar mission, have ushered in a new era of human spaceflight, enabling astronauts to once again travel beyond low earth orbit. With the burgeoning age of crewed space exploration, new technologies and support systems will need to be developed to sustain humans for longer periods of time in deep space. During this talk, Eleanor will discuss the mission architectures for future orbital, surface, and transport spacecraft that Lockheed Martin is working on in collaboration with industry, academia, and government partners, which will enable future expeditions to the Moon and Mars.
Biography: Eleanor Morgan currently serves as a Program Manager and Habitation Architecture Lead for Lockheed Martin’s space habitation development programs. In this role, she oversees the development and mission architecture for various orbital, surface, and transport spacecraft for low earth orbit and future expeditions to the Moon and Mars. Previously, she also led Lockheed’s joint partnership projects with Nanoracks and General Motors for the development of the next-generation commercial space station and lunar rover.
Her previous industry experience has included leading systems engineering and crew systems development for inflatable space habitats at Bigelow Aerospace, and conducting human spaceflight research at NASA’s Johnson Space Center as part of their Human Exploration & Research Analog (HERA) program. She also serves as member and technical session chair for the International Astronautical Federation's Human Spaceflight committee.
Prior to her space career, she was an active-duty combat aviator in the Air Force for 12 years and continues to serve today as a Major in the Air Force Reserve. Eleanor is also a recipient of two national awards for her contributions to military aviation, human space exploration, and her extensive youth and female STEM outreach and mentorship activities. She holds a bachelors in systems engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a masters in space studies from American Military University, and is currently an Executive MBA candidate at MIT's Sloan School of Management.