AN IMPACTFUL FIRST YEAR FOR OTPS

a letter from associate administrator bhavya lal

In October 2021, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson sent a letter to the White House and Congress requesting the creation 

of a new office. His goal was to enable more focused NASA leadership on technology, policy, and strategy matters.

The Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) was subsequently established within the 

Office of the Administrator from the merger of the previous Offices of the Chief Technologist and 

Strategic Engagement and Assessments. The chief technologists at all 10 NASA Centers are part of 

the OTPS extended family. The overarching goal of OTPS is to provide strategic advice, supported 

by independent assessments and rigorous analysis, to inform NASA senior leadership on key areas 

to align mission and agency-level activities. Working transparently across NASA and collaborating 

with the broader space community, OTPS research and analysis informs NASA’s most consequential 

decisions about its future.

Soon after the creation of the Office, the OTPS team came together to articulate five principles to guide our day-to-day 

activities and long-term outlook. Building on the NASA values of safety, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and inclusion, 

we adopted the following: 

• Customer Focus: OTPS provides objective, evidence-driven analyses to drive technology, policy, and strategy 

decisions through focused projects with defined questions and deliverables that are responsive to the needs 

of NASA’s leaders. 

• Focus on the Future: We deliver analyses on emerging issues that will profoundly impact NASA across 

multiple time horizons and help shape the future of space exploration. 

• Collaboration: Our diverse team of experts in technology, policy, and strategy work in partnership with each 

other, NASA Mission Directorates, centers, and the broader space community. 

• Transparency: When our final deliverables are complete, we commit to sharing our work as broadly as possible.

• Growth Mindset: All OTPS team members can contribute to NASA’s goals and develop professionally. 

With rotating study roles, they can display leadership, grow their skills, and engage with the external 

space community.

In our first year, OTPS came together as a high-performing team to complete more than 15 rigorous, unbiased, 

data-driven studies, with over two dozen more in progress. Each study involves colleagues from around NASA as 

either study team members or reviewers. This significant work supports key agency initiatives such as the Moon to 

Mars blueprint objectives, space sustainability, and the future of NASA. We disseminated our work far and wide. In 

the last year, our team represented NASA at more than 100 events within NASA and across the space community. 

We established formal partnerships and engaged in informal discussions with academia, other government agencies, 

and commercial partners. We have inspired the next generation of space explorers through internships and university 

capstone projects. 

I am honored to present the inaugural OTPS Annual Report, in which we share some of our proudest moments and 

biggest wins from our first year. As we look back, our excitement for what lies ahead only grows, and I can’t wait to 

see what the future brings. 

I would like to thank Administrator Bill Nelson, Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, and Associate Administrator Robert 

Cabana for their confidence in and support of our work. My deepest gratitude is reserved for the OTPS team for their 

tireless efforts to become a high-performing, mission-driven, and cohesive team that will inspire and inform future 

NASA decisions. 

Bhavya Lal

Associate Administrator and Agency Chief Technologist (Acting)

NASA Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy

INDEX

1 INTRODUCTION—A LETTER FROM OTPS ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR BHAVYA LAL

2 MAKING AN IMPACT: THE OTPS TEAM’S FOCUS ON THE WHAT, THE WHY, 

 AND THE HOW OF NASA

3 THE FACES OF OTPS

6 HELPING NASA SOLVE COMPLEX PROBLEMS: EXPLORING OTPS FOCUS AREAS

10 APPENDIX A: INVENTORY OF OTPS STUDIES, PROJECTS, ACTIVITIES, AND INITIATIVES

18 APPENDIX B: OTPS INTERN PROJECTS

20 APPENDIX C: OTPS PARTICIPATION IN EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

All the photos in this report are from NASA unless otherwise indicated.

1
MAKING AN IMPACT: BRINGING TOGETHER 

DIFFERENT CAPABILITIES TO FOCUS ON THE 

WHAT, THE WHY, AND THE HOW OF NASA

OTPS has brought together a diverse team of experts from within NASA, other federal 

agencies, and research organizations with a wide range of skills and capabilities. Our 

subject matter experts specialize in technology assessments, cost-benefit assessments, 

space policy, emerging markets, legal analyses, and international partnerships. We perform

unbiased, non-advocacy research and analyses that informs key decision-makers in taking 

appropriate action. 

In our first year, we helped NASA leadership untangle issues around in-space authorization 

and the supervision of novel activities. We addressed policy challenges related to Moonto-Mars exploration, including those associated with the deconfliction of lunar operations. 

We cultivated innovative ways to build an international coalition, perform Artemis Accords 

outreach, and deliberate commercial norms of behavior. We advised leadership on challenges and ways forward related to space nuclear power and propulsion.

OTPS led NASA’s support of White House initiatives related to the Cancer Moonshot, 

artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and quantum science. We also supported 

colleagues around NASA on White House strategies related to in-space servicing, assembly, 

and manufacturing, and orbital debris mitigation and remediation. 

In the following pages, we highlight the many ways OTPS works across NASA to help 

the agency achieve its mission.

COLLABORATING ACROSS NASA AS PART OF A BIGGER TEAM

In addition to supporting NASA leadership, OTPS and center-based chief technologists serve 

as a resource for NASA’s mission directorates and centers. Working in partnership across 

NASA expands our point of view and enables us to understand the implications of what 

we propose. It also allows OTPS to share policy learnings with other parts of the agency 

that may not fully realize the role policy plays in our operations. Through a series of 

capacity-building initiatives, OTPS is working to increase policy practice and strengthen 

the workforce at NASA.

DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES IN-HOUSE AND OUTSIDE NASA

OTPS created a residency program so NASA employees could have the space to explore 

emerging or disruptive ideas away from their day jobs. The Solver-in-Residence will use 

analytic methods to tackle issues that will transform the future of NASA. This year, OTPS 

welcomed its first Solver-in-Residence, who will spend the next year focusing on a selfdefined project to develop quantitative approaches to technology investment.

OTPS also welcomed its first Policy Fellow, who will support our work on policy implications for NASA’s Moon to Mars objectives and other projects. The fellowship trains future 

NASA leaders to better understand, navigate, and inform the technology, policy, and strategy 

landscape where they work. The Fellow reciprocally provides OTPS with relevant technical 

subject matter expertise.

PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH REAL-WORLD, HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

OTPS kicked off its University Capstone Program this year with three small, rural, or minorityserving institutions. OTPS team members provided project topics in technology, policy, and 

strategy and are mentoring students working on topics with technology and policy implications from the University of Texas at El Paso, Prairie View A&M, and John Carroll University. 

Students picked from one of two projects related to climate and environmental science or 

early-stage technology. They could write a data-driven report on the implications of increased 

in-space activities on Earth’s environment, or students could develop a framework for how 

large organizations such as NASA should decide between competing investments in multiple 

early-stage technologies. 

OTPS offers paid full- and part-time internships to undergraduate and graduate students to 

work on meaningful projects aligned with the OTPS focus areas. In its first year, OTPS welcomed seven interns who brought their valuable outside interests and expertise to the office. 

They have shared their knowledge and perspectives through formal and informal presentations. All interns have contributed to ongoing OTPS studies and led independent review 

projects on important, relevant topics, including wildfires, orbital debris mitigation, quantum 

sensing, and space settlement. 

FLUENCY ACROSS THE AGENCY AROUND POLICY ISSUES

NASA’s work affects and shapes a range of space policies internally and externally to NASA. 

In OTPS’ first year, Associate Administrator Lal and our team members visited all 10 NASA 

centers. Lal and Gertsen routinely brief senior agency leaders on OTPS’ vision, mission, 

and ongoing activities. 

OTPS is building agencywide awareness of space policy issues and developing a cohort of 

learners and enthusiasts within NASA through an informal network. Together with our colleagues around NASA, OTPS created a forum called the Informal Space Policy Network 

(ISPN) that meets monthly to share priorities and ongoing work, address challenges, and 

exchange ideas about space policy issues. It’s also a forum to discuss and learn about topics 

of interest through invited, topical presentations.

OTPS hosts its Seminar Series with disruptive, innovative thinkers to inspire and ignite 

the minds of OTPS staff, NASA leadership, and the broader NASA workforce. Guests have 

included world-renowned economists, technologists, innovation 

experts, and industry leaders such 

as Arati Prabhakar, Phillip Tetlock, 

Marianna Mazzucato, William 

Bonvillian, and Eric Schmidt, 

among others. Seminar topics 

spanned space policy and technology analysis, American innovation 

preservation, evolving government innovation and investments, 

changes to government industrial 

policy approaches, and more. OTPS at SpaceX.

2 3
THE FACES OF OTPS

The OTPS Team celebrates the 2022 holiday season.

4 5

THE FACES OF OTPS

Alyse Beauchemin** Patrick Besha Trina Braxton* Tom Colvin* 

Ellen Gertsen Elaine Gresham** Laura Delgado Lopez* Jason Hay** 

Amanda Hernandez** Shanee Hill Amanda Hirsch** Nikolai Joseph

John Karcz* Ave Kludze Renata Kommel** Bhavya Lal

Katie McBrayer* Amber McIntyre* Gabe Merrill* 

Ulcka Patel* Zach Pirtle* Maia Robakidze** Erica Rodgers

Peter Schemmel* Jordan Sotudeh** Gabriel Swiney* Emily Sylak-Glassman*

Debi Tomek* Ken Wright Grace Wusk

 *Detailee

**Contractor
HELPING NASA 

SOLVE COMPLEX PROBLEMS

In its first year, OTPS focused on several areas of importance 

to NASA leadership.

1 FOCUS AREA

MOON TO MARS EXPLORATION

In NASA’s first-ever annual Administrator’s Intent 

memorandum, Administrator Nelson declared Moon to 

Mars exploration as one of his overarching priorities. 

Some notable OTPS studies focused on NASA’s Moon 

to Mars objectives over the past year include: 

ARTEMIS SOCIETY AND ETHICS WORKSHOP

The 1958 Space Act states that “space activities should 

be devoted to peaceful purposes for the benefit of all 

humankind.” Assessing how NASA’s Moon to Mars 

campaign benefits “all humankind” is complex and raises 

ethical questions that NASA has not yet systematically 

addressed. OTPS has begun to examine this topic 

through a series of workshops. 

The first workshop will convene global experts to begin 

discussing how NASA and its partners should operationally consider the long-term consequences of Artemis. 

Participants will reflect on lessons learned from past 

government-funded efforts to examine ethical and societal 

implications. Expert talks and research presentations will 

include topics such as the risks and benefits of commercial 

services and broader public-private partnerships. 

CISLUNAR EXPLORATION OF ARCHITECTURES (CLEAR)

The CLEAR study looked at overlapping architecture needs and technologies that can increase 

the survivability and sustainability of future operations beyond geosynchronous orbit. 

The study resulted in two products. The first is a descriptive framework for assessing resiliency 

and enabling technical capabilities in future space architectures. The second highlights crosscutting objectives and potential areas that could benefit from coordination and/or collaboration 

between NASA and the United States Space Force.

LUNAR LANDING SITES AND OPERATIONS POLICY ANALYSIS

OTPS conducted a study to develop options that answer questions related to the upcoming 

Moon missions between now and 2026. With more than 20 domestic, international, and 

commercial lunar missions planned, humanity will face new challenges that arise.

Working collaboratively with and building on the technical expertise of NASA scientists and 

engineers, OTPS identified policy options that might address these challenges. Solutions that will 

allow NASA–and all humanity–to live, work, and collaborate on the Moon in a safe, sustainable, 

and predictable way. 

POLICY ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE MOON TO MARS OBJECTIVES

In September, NASA released 63 technical, operational, and scientific objectives for the agency 

as part of our campaign to explore the Moon and Mars. Some objectives involve establishing 

fixed, long-term facilities on the Moon and Mars. This action prompts questions of how to ensure 

safety and control over NASA facilities while allowing other actors freedom of access to those 

areas. In 2022, OTPS began a new project to identify policy issues that may develop and require 

attention when implementing the objectives. The report intends to provide options for how NASA, 

the U.S. government, and our commercial and international partners can potentially address them.

SUPPORTING THE DIRECTOR FOR SPACE ARCHITECTURES 

OTPS collaborates with NASA’s Director of Space Architectures, who chairs the Agency CrossDirectorate Federated Board, a NASA-internal leadership group working on the Moon to Mars 

strategy. In its first year, OTPS supported the Executive Secretariat of the Federated Board and 

piloted the development of a framework to analyze spaceflight architectures.

2 FOCUS AREA

SPACE SUSTAINABILITY

Maintaining our long-term ability 

to utilize space for science, 

exploration, national security, 

and commercial activities is the 

essence of space sustainability, 

playing a critical part for NASA as 

a global role model in space. OTPS 

conducts activities and projects 

focused on meeting the needs 

of the present space community 

while preserving the ability of 

Deployment of the NanoRacks-Remove Debris Satellite from the future generations to meet theirs. 

International Space Station (ISS). Photographer: Drew Feustel

In 2022, we briefed NASA leadership on the structure and organization of the agency’s 

sustainability-related organizations and proposed alternative models for improvement. 

We also responded to the NASA Administrator’s questions on which federal agency should 

provide on-orbit authority for private sector activities in space, business cases for spacebased commercial constellations, and policy concerns around commercial space traffic.

OTPS has had several accomplishments in space sustainability during our first year: 

OTPS team members visit NASA’s 

Kennedy Space Center.

6 7
SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF NASA CONCEPTS RELATED TO ORBITAL 

DEBRIS MITIGATION AND REMEDIATION 

OTPS created a NASA-wide internal working group and coordinated inputs to develop solutions 

for orbital debris mitigation and remediation. As part of the evaluation process, we solicited feedback from industry and other government agencies on proposed NASA solutions.

COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS (CBA) OF ACTIVE DEBRIS REMEDIATION (ADR) 

OTPS is conducting an analysis of the costs and benefits related to Active Debris Remediation 

(ADR). The primary goal of this project is to inform the U.S. government’s long-term Orbital Debris 

Research and Development Strategy. When complete, the study will identify the most costefficient approaches to remediate orbital debris risks and prioritize promising ADR technologies.

COLLABORATIONS WITHIN NASA

OTPS partnered with the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) on Active Debris 

Removal activities, including the review of Tipping Point proposals related to debris remediation. 

OTPS also contributed as a Topic Author for a Small Business Innovation Research Ignite 

proposal on the Commercial Development of Active Debris Remediation Services.

COLLABORATION WITH THE BROADER SPACE SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNITY

In our first year, we funded external research on the economic, social, and political elements of 

orbital debris and space sustainability through a call for NASA’s Research Opportunities in Space 

and Earth Sciences (ROSES)-2022. The research will inform a strategic NASA and/or United 

States government approach to orbital debris and international space sustainability efforts. We 

were also part of the NASA team that worked with the Office of Science and Technology Policy 

(OSTP) to develop an orbital debris implementation plan. Currently, we are collaborating with the 

Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in sustainability-related 

activities, including complementary international research projects, briefings, and publications. 

3 FOCUS AREA

THE FUTURE OF NASA AND OTHER AD HOC ACTIVITIES

OTPS conducts projects to assess how the space sector considers the future. We examine 

trends across NASA, domestic and foreign government partners, and industry to help the 

agency operate effectively and strategically for decades to come. 

OTPS is proud to share some of the impactful ways we helped NASA prepare and plan for 

the future this past year: 

EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF THE SPACE SECTOR 

The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel recommended that NASA develop a strategic vision 

for the future of space exploration and operations. In collaboration with Aerospace Corporation’s 

strategic foresight team, OTPS conducted eight futures roundtables with more than 200 internal 

and external agency participants to develop a report on potential scenarios for 2040 and beyond. 

The report also investigates strategic options resilient to these scenarios and key questions NASA 

may consider when developing strategic plans today.

Aft view of the International Space Station.

A REVIEW OF OPTIONS FOR A NATIONAL LAB FOR MICROGRAVITY/

ORBITAL ACTIVITIES IN LEO

NASA is preparing to retire the International Space Station (ISS) and transition low-Earth orbit 

(LEO) activities to one or more Commercial LEO Destinations (CLDs) by 2030. This study helps 

NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate elucidate NASA’s options for facilitating government-funded activities in the post-ISS LEO ecosystem. It provides potential models for an ISS 

National Lab facilitating government-funded or subsidized activities on a commercial LEO platform. The study also suggests modifications to the current model that ensures a smooth transition.

EVALUATING PROSPECTS FOR SPACE-BASED SOLAR POWER

Space-based solar power (SBSP) is the concept of gathering power in space and transmitting 

the power wirelessly to users on Earth or elsewhere in space. Advocates of SBSP note that it 

promises 24/7 energy generation capability with minimal pollution. Detractors believe the benefits of SBSP are exaggerated and will exceed costs. Other government agencies, such as the 

U.S. Department of Defense, the European Space Agency, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, have recently shown a resurgence of interest centered around SBSP to minimize 

greenhouse gas emissions associated with grid-level power generation. This study assesses the 

costs and benefits of SBSP in attaining net zero emissions. The study also evaluates the degree 

to which NASA should support the development of SBSP if the benefits exceed costs.

SUPPORTING NASA’s SPACE SECURITY INTERESTS 

OTPS provides subject matter expertise, insights, and analysis on geopolitical issues that helps 

NASA leadership evaluate global space programs and strategies related to our exploration goals. 

Examples include deep-dive analysis of strategic competitors and risk assessments of International Space Station partners. In 2022, we supported our NASA and White House colleagues 

in the development of new initiatives that promote the peaceful use of outer space, like the 

International Lunar Year.

8 9
APPENDICES

What a year for NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and 

Strategy! In our first year, we led almost 40 projects and spoke 

at 100 events and conferences. From keynote speeches and 

panel discussions to poster presentations and session chairs, 

OTPS team members represented NASA across the globe.

A INVENTORY OF OTPS STUDIES, 

PROJECTS, ACTIVITIES, AND INITIATIVES

Title: A HOLISTIC ASSESSMENT OF NASA’S SPACE INDUSTRIAL BASE/

SUPPLY CHAIN REQUIREMENTS AND CAPABILITIES

Project Lead: Ave Kludze

Status: In progress

Summary: This agencywide survey will assist in the identification and documentation 

of the current and emerging Industrial Base/Supply Chain related activities, 

challenges, gaps, and risks that NASA must consider. The study will also 

develop comprehensive recommendations to satisfy the agency’s future 

needs and requirements. 

Title: A REVIEW OF OPTIONS FOR A NATIONAL LAB 

FOR MICROGRAVITY/ORBITAL ACTIVITIES IN LEO

Project Lead: Erica Rodgers

Status: Complete

Summary: NASA is preparing to retire the International Space Station (ISS) and transition 

low-Earth orbit (LEO) activities to one or more Commercial LEO Destinations 

(CLDs) by 2030. This study helps 

NASA’s Space Operations Mission 

Directorate elucidate NASA’s options 

for facilitating government-funded 

activities in the post-ISS LEO ecosystem. It provides potential models 

for an ISS National Lab facilitating 

government-funded or subsidized activities on a commercial LEO platform.

The study also suggests modifications to the current model that ensures a 

smooth transition. 

the International Space Station

Title: ARTEMIS SOCIETY AND ETHICS WORKSHOP

Project Lead: Zach Pirtle

Status: In progress

Summary: The 1958 Space Act states that “space activities should be devoted to 

peaceful purposes for the benefit of all humankind.” Assessing how NASA’s 

Moon to Mars campaign benefits “all humankind” is complex and raises 

ethical questions that NASA has not yet systematically addressed. OTPS has 

begun to examine this topic through a series of workshops. 

The first workshop will convene global experts to begin discussing how NASA 

and its partners should operationally consider the long-term consequences 

of Artemis. Participants will reflect on lessons learned from past government-funded efforts to examine ethical and societal implications. Expert talks 

and research presentations will include topics such as the risks and benefits 

of commercial services and broader public-private partnerships. 

Title: ARTICULATE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF THE ARTEMIS PROGRAM 

FOR A BROADER AUDIENCE

Project Lead: Patrick Besha

Status: Complete

Summary: The economic and national competitiveness benefits 

of the Artemis program complement its inherent values 

of scientific discovery, technology development, space 

exploration, and global leadership. This paper examines 

how the Artemis program benefits the U.S. economy 

by driving innovation and new capabilities. It explores 

lowering the cost of access to space, improving market 

competition, expanding the customer base, and how 

the Artemis program can help U.S. firms compete in the 

global marketplace.

Title: CISLUNAR EXPLORATION OF ARCHITECTURES (CLEAR)

Project Lead: Erica Rodgers

Status: Complete

Summary: The CLEAR study looked at overlapping architecture needs and technologies that can increase the survivability and sustainability of future operations 

beyond geosynchronous orbit. 

The study resulted in two products. The first is a descriptive framework for 

assessing resiliency and enabling technical capabilities in future space architectures. The second highlights cross-cutting objectives and potential areas 

that could benefit from coordination and/or collaboration between NASA and 

the United States Space Force.

10 11
Title: CO2 EMISSIONS FROM LAUNCH OF A NUCLEAR REACTOR 

Project Lead: VS A SOLAR POWER SYSTEM (CO2)

Status: Erica Rodgers

Summary: Complete

The purpose of this study was to compare carbon dioxide (CO2) launch 

emissions between nuclear power and solar power systems on the surface 

of the Moon. System mass is the key parameter assessed for a nominal 

hydrocarbon-fueled rocket launch. Launching a more massive surface power 

system will result in higher CO2 launch emissions. The mass difference 

between solar and fission power generation systems depends on the types 

of technologies used and the architectural design.

Title: COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS (CBA) OF ACTIVE DEBRIS REMEDIATION (ADR)

Project Lead: Tom Colvin

Status: In progress

Summary: OTPS is conducting an analysis of the costs and benefits related to Active 

Debris Remediation (ADR). The primary goal of this project is to inform the 

U.S. government’s long-term Orbital Debris Research and Development 

Strategy. The study will identify the most cost-efficient approaches to remediate the risks due to orbital debris and prioritize promising ADR technologies. 

Title: DISCUSSION ON SPACE SUSTAINABILITY 

Project Lead: Patrick Besha

Status: Complete

Summary: NASA prepared a briefing and memo outlining the agency’s historical 

and prospective role in orbital debris and space sustainability.

Title: ECONOMIC AND POLICY ANALYSES OF SPACE SUSTAINABILITY

Project Lead: Patrick Besha

Status: In progress

Summary: OTPS works closely with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and 

Development based in Paris to develop research on the economics of space 

sustainability. OTPS recently supported and guided the development of a 

new publication, “Earth’s Orbits at Risk: The Economics of Space Sustainability.” 

Title: EVALUATING PROSPECTS FOR SPACE-BASED SOLAR POWER

Project Lead: Nikolai Joseph

Status: In progress

Summary: Space-based solar power (SBSP) is the concept of gathering power in 

space and transmitting the power wirelessly to users on Earth or elsewhere 

in space. Advocates of SBSP note that it promises 24/7 energy generation 

capability with minimal pollution. Detractors believe the benefits of SBSP are 

exaggerated and will exceed costs. Other government agencies, such as the 

U.S. Department of Defense, the European Space Agency, and the Japan 

Aerospace Exploration Agency, have recently shown a resurgence of interest 

centered around SBSP to minimize greenhouse gas emissions associated 

with grid-level power generation. This study assesses the costs and benefits 

of SBSP in attaining net zero emissions. The study also evaluates the degree 

to which NASA should support the development of SBSP if the benefits 

exceed costs.

Title: EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF THE SPACE SECTOR 

Project Lead: Kenneth Wright

Status: Complete

Summary: The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel recommended 

that NASA develop a strategic vision for the future 

of space exploration and operations. In collaboration with Aerospace Corporation’s strategic foresight 

team, OTPS conducted eight futures roundtables with 

more than two hundred internal and external agency 

participants to develop a report on potential scenarios 

for 2040 and beyond. The report also investigates 

strategic options resilient to these scenarios and 

key questions NASA may consider when developing 

strategic plans today.

SpaceX rocket launch

Title: HISTORY OF THE MOON TREATY

Project Lead: Patrick Besha

Status: In progress

Summary: With financial support and oversight from OTPS, the NASA History Office 

and the Associate Administrator of Space Security Interests are developing 

a publication covering the history of the U.S. government and NASA’s 

involvement with the development of the Moon Treaty. The project builds 

upon previous research related to the Outer Space Treaty and the overall 

international framework for space activities.

Title: IAF SPACE ECONOMY COMMITTEE

Project Lead: Bhavya Lal

Status: In progress

Summary: The OTPS team is co-leading the International Astronautical Federation 

Space Economy Committee. By chairing International Astronautical Congress 

sessions in cooperation with other interested committees and member 

organizations, this committee is building a more complete and nuanced 

understanding of the economics of space activities.

Title: INDEPENDENT ECONOMIC AND POLICY ANALYSES 

OF SPACE SUSTAINABILITY

Project Lead: Patrick Besha

Status: In progress

Summary: As part of NASA’s efforts to address orbital debris, the agency is funding 

research proposals from three university-based teams over the next year. 

The teams will analyze the economic, social, and policy issues associated 

with space sustainability. OTPS will publish the results on the agency’s website. Teams will also have the chance to work with the International Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as part of an international 

call for research proposals on orbital debris and space sustainability.

12 13
Title: INNOVATION PORTAL

Project Lead: Ken Wright

Status: Complete

Summary: The Innovation Portal connects all NASA civil servants and contractors to 

products, people, projects, and tools from around the agency. The portal’s 

search capability allows users to investigate topic areas and view high-level 

results from various NASA-internal websites. The user can select a record 

from the search results to see a more detailed view or link to the authoritative 

source for additional information. Users may also view results in a node view 

that graphically shows search results.

Title: ISAM NASA ENDSTATES

Project Lead: Debi Tomek

Status: In progress

Summary: An OTPS-led cross-agency team developed the “Space Superhighway” 

mission concept and addressed NASA’s role in its development. The team 

developed roadmaps for each concept identifying technology development 

prioritization, as well as legal, regulatory, and policy barriers. The concepts 

also identify a public-private partnership approach to execute the concepts, 

enabling technology transfer, commercial collaboration, and an infrastructure-as-a-service model.

Title: ISAM NATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND NASA ISAM STRATEGY

Project Lead: Debi Tomek, Trudy Kortes, Alvin Drew

Status: In progress

Summary: OTPS supported the development of a White House led In-Space Servicing, 

Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) Strategy and Implementation Plan. In 

collaboration with colleagues around NASA, OTPS also facilitated a coordinated and collective effort by civil and defense space, along with commercial 

partners, to accelerate the development and deployment of ISAM capabilities.

Title: LUNAR LANDING SITES AND OPERATIONS POLICY ANALYSIS

Project Lead: Gabriel Swiney

Status: Complete

Summary: OTPS conducted a study to develop options that answer questions related 

to the upcoming Moon missions between now and 2026. With more than 

20 domestic, international, and 

commercial lunar missions planned, 

humanity will face new challenges 

that arise.

Working collaboratively with and 

building on the technical expertise 

of NASA scientists and engineers, 

OTPS considered policy solutions 

that might address these challenges. 

Solutions that will allow NASA–and all humanity–to live, work, and collaborate 

on the Moon in a safe, sustainable, and predictable way.

Lunar Surface image credit: NASA’s 

Scientific Visualization Studio)

Title: MOON TO MARS (M2M): ARCHITECTURE LANDSCAPE SENSITIVITY TOOL, 

PHASE 1

Project Lead: Tom Colvin

Status: In progress

Summary: This project aims to develop an analytical tool that captures the connections and relative sensitivities of all the 

factors influencing Moon to Mars architecture, with two 

primary use cases. It will provide decision-makers with a 

lens to explore the sensitivity between factors. It will also 

illustrate the degree to which certain studies and technology development efforts have considered the broader 

landscape and what assumptions were made.

The study was designed to work in three phases, each 

with its own goals and objectives. The study will measure whether NASA’s 

current scouting capability meets best practice standards from industry, 

academia, and other government agencies.

Mars

Title: MOON TO MARS (M2M): FEDERATED BOARD (FB) EXECUTIVE 

SECRETARIAT SUPPORT

Project Lead: Raymond Gabriel Merrill, Laura Delgado Lopez 

Status: Ongoing

Summary: This project supported the Federated Board’s regular business. It also refined 

the Moon to Mars objectives through a process that included an architecture 

gap analysis and input solicitation through internal and external comments 

and workshops. Deputy Administrator Melroy publicly rolled out the updated 

objectives at the 2022 International Aeronautical Congress.

Title: NASA-DOC CIVIL SPACE INDUSTRIAL BASE AND SUPPLY CHAIN SURVEY

Project Lead: Patrick Besha

Status: In progress

Summary: NASA OTPS seeks visibility into the current and prospective performance 

of the civil space industrial base and supply chain. We aim to understand 

potential gaps and weaknesses in our supply chain to mitigate and avoid 

severe impacts on our programs and missions. The NASA-DOC survey will 

assess factors like the supply chain impacts resulting from the COVID-19 

pandemic, mergers and acquisition trends, and other areas of interest.

Title(s): OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY (OGA) EVALUATION OF ORBITAL DEBRIS 

REVIEW TEAM PROPOSALS AND INDUSTRY EVALUATION OF ORBITAL 

DEBRIS REVIEW TEAM PROPOSALS

Project Lead: Patrick Besha

Status: In progress

Summary: In 2021, NASA established the Orbital Debris Review Team (ORDT), an 

internal working group tasked with identifying challenges and solutions to 

addressing orbital debris and advancing space sustainability. OTPS conducted 

outreach with interagency and industry partners for feedback on ODRT’s 

work that identified shared priorities and opportunities for potential collaboration 

with others.

14 15
Title: PLANETARY DEFENSE STRATEGY

Project Lead: Patrick Besha

Status: In progress

Summary: Planetary defense encompasses the necessary capabilities to detect, warn, 

prevent, and mitigate the effects of a potential asteroid or comet collision with 

Earth. OTPS is co-leading a Planetary Defense Strategy Working Group 

(PDSWG) with the Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) that articulates activities for NASA to continue making tangible progress in planetary 

defense. The goal is to develop an agency strategy demonstrating national 

and global leadership in this area. OTPS is also supporting an update of the 

White House strategy and action plan on planetary defense. 

Title: POLICY ANALYSIS – CIVIL AGENCY TASKED WITH ON-ORBIT AUTHORITY

Project Lead: Patrick Besha

Status: Complete

Summary: OTPS led the development of a leadership memo articulating which U.S. 

government (USG) regulatory agency to task with exercising on-orbit 

authority (OOA) over U.S.-origin space activities. To formulate our assessment, 

OTPS reviewed the literature and conducted informal discussions with 27 

individuals across NASA, other government agencies, industry, universities, 

non-governmental organizations, and independent experts.

Title: POLICY ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE MOON TO MARS OBJECTIVES

Project Lead: Gabriel Swiney

Status: In progress

Summary: In September, NASA released 63 technical, operational, and scientific objectives for the agency as part of our campaign to explore the Moon and Mars. 

Some objectives involve establishing fixed, long-term facilities on the Moon 

and Mars. This action prompts questions of how to ensure safety and control 

over NASA facilities while allowing other actors freedom of access to those 

areas. In 2022, we began a new project to identify policy issues that may 

develop and require attention when implementing the objectives. The report 

intends to provide options for how NASA, the U.S. government, and our 

commercial and international partners can potentially address them.

Title: SATELLITE INTERNET MEGACONSTELLATIONS

Project Lead: Emily Sylak-Glassman

Status: Complete

Summary: At the Administrator’s request, OTPS presented NASA leadership with 

the most current information and analysis about future operations where 

thousands of small satellites provide internet. 

Title: SUPPORT AN EXTERNAL REVIEW OF THE MARS 

TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENT STUDY (MTAS)

Project Lead: Nikolai Joseph

Status: In progress

Summary: OTPS lead a review of the Mars Transportation Assessment Study (MTAS) 

by external experts. The review assessed the claims made in the report and 

questioned the assumptions and process to see if the conclusions were 

reasonable and valid. The authors received feedback, then updated and 

improved the report. The evaluation helped clarify the assumptions and 

improve transparency of the findings of the report.

Title: SUPPORTING NASA’s SPACE SECURITY INTERESTS

Project Lead: Patrick Besha

Status: Ongoing

Summary: OTPS provides subject matter expertise, insights, and analysis on geopolitical issues that help NASA leadership evaluate global space programs 

and strategies related to our exploration goals. Examples include deep-dive 

analyses of strategic competitors and risk assessments of International 

Space Station partners. We also supported our NASA and White House colleagues in the development of new initiatives that promote the peaceful use 

of outer space, like the International Lunar Year.

Title: TECHNOLOGY SCOUTING STUDY

Project Lead: Ellen Gertsen/Peter Hughes, Chief Technologist, Goddard Space Flight Center 

Status: In progress

Summary: Identifying emerging technologies is critical to a mission-oriented agency 

such as NASA that endeavors to achieve first-of-a-kind human and scientific 

exploration goals. Technology scouting provides a mechanism for maintaining 

awareness of externally developed technologies that could be applicable. The 

overall goal of the Technology Scouting 

project is to develop an approach to 

conduct effective technology scouting 

within NASA. The study will measure 

current capabilities, assess the appetite 

for more, propose candidates for a 

scouting pilot program, and develop 

an implementation approach. OTPS at Cal Tech.

Title: TECHNOLOGY TAXONOMY

Project Lead: Dave Voracek, Chief Technologist, Armstrong Flight Research Center

Status: Ongoing

Summary: The current NASA Taxonomy was developed in 2020. It provides a structure 

for articulating the technology development disciplines needed to enable future 

space missions and support commercial air travel. OTPS is developing a means 

to update and maintain the taxonomy as disciplines and technology needs 

change through a Configuration Control Process. The process is in a testing 

phase in FY23 and should be ready to implement in FY24 for future changes.

Title: WHITE PAPER AND BRIEFING ON IN-SPACE MANUFACTURING

Project Lead: Kenneth Wright

Status: Complete

Summary: This project produced a white paper and briefing deck on In-Space Manufacturing used to inform the National Economic Council. The report included 

details of investments by NASA and its partners as well as the potential 

economic market catalyzed by NASA’s investments in the area. It provided 

information on the advantages of products of in-space manufacturing for use 

on earth and in space. In addition, it offered insight into the recent growth 

in commercial markets and highlighted technical challenges associated with 

in-space manufacturing from a global perspective.

16 17
B OTPS INTERN PROJECTS

Title: CLIMATE OBSERVATION ON PERSISTENT PLATFORMS

Project Lead: Naylah Canty, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Status: Complete

Summary: Earth observation from space enables the collection of large amounts of geospatial data on our cities, seas, trade routes, ecosystems, and environment. 

It aids the development of climate models and our understanding of climate 

change. The reliability and accuracy of these climate analyses benefit from 

consistent, persisting data and climate observation from Earth-observation 

spacecraft. Persistent platforms, which are in-space assets, could extend 

the collection of climate science data and allow observation technologies 

to evolve without large, repeated, costly launches. This paper details 

how the longevity and modular nature of persistent platforms support 

climate observation.

Title: FUTURE OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING IN SPACE

Project Lead: Abigail Fearneyhough, University of Wyoming

Status: Complete

Summary: Additive manufacturing can help reduce the number of products included 

in payloads from Earth to their destination. It allows astronauts in space to 

recycle and use plastics to make small, needed tools. In the future, additive 

manufacturing could aid in building planetary habitation structures, spacecraft, and even food sources in space. This project addresses the potential 

capabilities additive manufacturing in space can enable and assesses what 

the field looks like now. It also examines what in-space, for-space additive 

manufacturing could look like in the next 10 to 20 years.

Title: NASA & WILDFIRES

Project Lead: Rydell Stottlemyer, University of Colorado Boulder

Status: Complete

Summary: NASA is in a unique position to fight against the growing threat of wildfires 

across much of the United States. Satellite-based fire detection, novel aviation techniques, and fire-resistant materials are all examples of technological 

overlap between NASA and fire agencies like the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). 

This project identified areas NASA is or could be involved with in helping 

the nation combat the increasing threat of wildfires and to identify barriers 

to collaboration.

Title: REVIVING THE SPACE SETTLEMENT ACT

Project Lead: Omar Pimentel, Stanford University

Status: Status: In progress

Summary: The Space Settlement Act (SSA) of 1988 intended to amend the National 

Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 that established NASA. The congressional 

declaration stated that extending human life into extraterrestrial space to 

advance science, exploration, and development would enhance the general 

welfare of Earth. The SSA said that space settlements, or human communities with substantial independence from Earth, would further accomplish 

scientific purposes. This project examines NASA’s previously codified responsibility to submit a Sec217(c) report regarding the SSA to the President and 

Congress every other year. Our goal is to understand what happened to this 

policy and what implications its reinstatement could bring.

Title: SPACE LICENSING REGULATION FOR COMMERCIAL ACTORS 

AS IT RELATES TO SUSTAINABILITY

Project Lead: Perri Thaler, Cornell University

Status: Complete

Summary: As more public and private entities participate in space activities, the effort 

toward sustainability becomes more pressing. Each added object in space 

needs protection, yields a more densely populated environment, and introduces risk. This study compared the domestic structure of space licensing 

to that of a country with more recent regulations and considerations for sustainability. The study described and evaluated both governance structures, 

noting similarities and differences in efficacy and impact. It also reflected on 

necessary future U.S. policy work in this area.

Title: TECHNOLOGY SCOUTING 

Project Lead: Stephanie Silva Lopez, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez

Status: Complete

Summary: In support of the Technology Scouting study, Stephanie’s project focused on 

researching different methods of tech scouting to improve NASA’s current 

approach. Her phase one work validated if NASA’s current tech scouting 

capabilities are consistent with other government agencies, industry, and 

academia. This validation was done by conducting weeks of literature review 

and team meetings, followed by weeks of interviews with NASA centers, 

government agencies, and private companies.

Title: THE FUTURE OF QUANTUM SENSING AT NASA

Project Lead: Holland Frieling, University of Texas at Austin

Status: Complete

Summary: Quantum science has the potential to make technologies faster, more efficient, and more precise. Its three applications of quantum sensing, quantum 

communication, and quantum computing take advantage of fundamental 

quantum mechanical principles to make new devices. This project focused 

on NASA’s relationship with quantum sensing and the policies NASA should 

implement to research and develop quantum sensing technologies effectively.

18 19
C OTPS PARTICIPATION IN EVENTS 

AND CONFERENCES

NOVEMBER 2021

Event: AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS (AIAA) ASCEND

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Panel(s:) Aligning Government Demand and Commercial Supply to Advance U.S. Leadership 

in Space 

Nuclear Energy and Space in the Near Future: Opportunity and Reasons for Optimism 

Space Policy

Event: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Roles of Industry and Government in Space 

Event: GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Review of Space Policy Issues 

DECEMBER 2021

Event: EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY WORKSHOP

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Topic: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Space-Based Solar Power 

Event: GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY PODCAST

Role: Bhavya Lal, Guest

Topic: Space Technology, Policy, and Strategy at NASA 

Event: NASA ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION 

AND ENGINEERING (TI&E) 

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: An Overview of Technology, Policy, and Strategy at NASA 

Event: SPACE TO GROW PODCAST

Role: Bhavya Lal, Guest

Topic: Challenges to Space Sustainability and the Role of NASA 

JANUARY 2022

Event: DOD INNOVATION GOLDEN BEAR 3 INITIATIVE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Innovation and Technology at NASA

Event: COMPTIA SPACE ENTERPRISE COUNCIL

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: An Overview of Technology, Policy, and Strategy at NASA

Event: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Technology Strategy Choices at Federal Agencies

FEBRUARY 2022

Event: ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES (AAU) INNOVATION TASK FORCE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: An Overview of Technology, Policy, and Strategy at NASA

Event: AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS (AIAA) 

POLICY WEBINAR

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: An Overview of Technology, Policy, and Strategy at NASA

Event: GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SPACE POLICY INSTITUTE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: National Power Case for the Artemis Program

Role: Gabriel Swiney, Speaker

Topic: Space Law

Event: HUMAN RESEARCH PROGRAM INVESTIGATORS WORKSHOP

Role: Grace Wusk, Judge

Topic: Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Poster Competition

Event: MITRE CORPORATION AND THE ASPEN INSTITUTE 

SECURING SPACE: THE SECURITY AND RESILIENCY OF SPACE SYSTEMS

Role: Bhavya Lal, Keynote

Topic: Role of NASA in Space Security and Resiliency

Role: Erica Rodgers, Roundtable Discussion

Topic: Identifying Key Challenges to Space Systems Security and Resiliency, 

and How to Overcome Them

Event: 2022 COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panel Moderator

Topic: How Commercial Space is Enabling the Exploration of the Cosmos

20 21
MARCH 2022

Event: GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Topic: International Science and Technology Policy Panel

Event: NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY’s SPACE INNOVATION PANEL

Role: Erica Rodgers, Panelist

Topic: Emerging Trends in Space Industry

Event: ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) 

SPRING MEETING

Role: Patrick Besha, Speaker

Topic: Orbital Debris and Space Sustainability

Event: WOMEN LEADING IN OUTER SPACE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Technology, Policy, and Strategy in the US Space Sector

APRIL 2022

Event: AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS (AIAA) 

ASCEND TEXAS

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Commercial Partnerships

Event: CISLUNAR FORESIGHTING WORKSHOP

Role: Erica Rodgers, Speaker

Topic: Government-Industry-Academia Space Enterprise for an Immersive Journey Exploring 

Potential Outcomes for the Emerging Cislunar Ecosystem

Event: INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES NORMS OF BEHAVIOR

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Norms of Behavior in Civil Space

Event: NATIONAL SPACE SYMPOSIUM

Role: Bhavya Lal, Moderator

Topic: Space Technology 

Event: NATIONAL SPACE SYMPOSIUM NORMS OF BEHAVIOR: 

A CROSS SECTIONAL LOOK

Role: Bhavya Lal, Moderator

Topic: Norms of Space Law, National Security, and Civil Space

Event: NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Role: Gabriel Swiney, Speaker

Topic: NASA’s Relationships with the National Security and International Communities

Event: SPACE GENERATION FUSION FORUM

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Space Policy, Career Path, Effective Communication

MAY 2022

Event: CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY 

INTER-PLANETARY SMALL SATELLITE CONFERENCE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Keynote Speaker

Topic: Emerging Trends in Space 

Event: HUMANS TO MARS SUMMIT

Role: Bhavya Lal, Moderator

Topic: Chemical vs Nuclear Propulsion

Event: INTERNATIONAL SPACE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

Role: Nikolai Joseph, Speaker

Topic: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Space-Based Solar Power

Event: MITRE CORPORATION AND THE ASPEN INSTITUTE 

SECURING SPACE: THE SECURITY AND RESILIENCY OF SPACE SYSTEMS

Role: Erica Rodgers, Speaker

Topic: Strengthening Space Systems Security and Resilience

Event: NASA ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER (AAPI) HERITAGE MONTH

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Topic: Diversity at NASA and the Role of AAPI members

Event: NUCLEAR AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR SPACE (NETS) CONFERENCE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Keynote Speaker

Topic: Moving Forward on Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion

Event: SPACE RESOURCES WEEK (LUXEMBOURG)

Role: Gabriel Swiney, Speaker

Topic: Policy Issues and NASA’s Role in In-Situ Resource Utilization 

Event: WHITE HOUSE FELLOWS PROGRAM

Role: Ellen Gertsen, Speaker

Topic: An Overview of Technology, Policy, and Strategy at NASA

22 23
JUNE 2022

Event: 4TH SUMMIT FOR SPACE SUSTAINABILITY IN LONDON

Role: Laura Delgado Lopez, Panelist

Topic: Government and Safety in Cislunar Space

Role: Patrick Besha, Speaker

Topic: Orbital Debris and Space Sustainability

Event: ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE COMMERCIAL SPACEFLIGHT FEDERATION 

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Going Nuclear – Prospects for Power and Propulsion in Space

Event: FUTURE IN-SPACE OPERATIONS (FISO) TELECOM SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS

Role: Erica Rodgers, Speaker

Topic: NASA Strategy for Technology Development 

Event: STATE OF THE SPACE INDUSTRIAL BASE CONFERENCE

SUSTAINABILITY AND PROSPERITY: WINNING THE SPACE RACE CONFERENCE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Going Nuclear - Prospects for Power and Propulsion in Space

JULY 2022

Event: BEYOND EARTH INSTITUTE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Artemis Base Camp and NASA’s Long-Term Plans on the Moon

Event: BROOKE OWENS FELLOWSHIP ANNUAL SUMMIT

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Topic: Career Path for Women in Space

Role: Bhavya Lal, Fireside Chat Speaker

Topic: Career Lessons

Role: Laura Delgado Lopez, Panelist, Mentor

Topic: Career Path and Mentor Round Robin

Event: CARNEGIE MELON

Role: OTPS Team Visit

Topic: How NASA Can Better Support Academic and Small Business Stakeholders

Event: IMPERIAL COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL MOON DAY

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Topic: The Artemis Program and Accords 

Event: JOHN GLENN MEMORIAL SYMPOSIUM 

AT CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY

Role: Deborah Tomek

Topic: Space Sustainability: The Future of ISAM

Event: ZED FACTOR FELLOWSHIP SPEED MENTORING EVENT

Role: Laura Delgado Lopez, Mentor

Topic: Offering 2022 Fellows Insights and Professional Development Advice

AUGUST 2022

Event: ARTEMIS I MISSION PRESS BRIEFING (FLORIDA)

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Topic: Preview of Artemis I Lunar Mission 

Event: NASA ARTEMIS 1 OVERVIEW MEDIA BRIEFING (WASHINGTON D.C.)

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Topic: Science Payloads on Artemis I 

Event: NASA LANGLEY LEGACY FELLOWSHIP ROUNDTABLE

Role: Grace Wusk, Panelist

Topic: Engaging the Innovative Mindset - Creativity and Community in the Workplace

Event: THE ROAD TO ARTEMIS PRESS PANEL 

(ORGANIZED BY ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY)

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Topic: NASA’s Moon to Mars Exploration Plans and the Artemis Program

Event: USSF UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM SYMPOSIUM (COLORADO SPRINGS, CO)

Role: Grace Wusk, Speaker

Topic: NASA Engagements with Universities

Bhavya Lal speaks at the 73rd International Aeronautical Congress.

SEPTEMBER 2022

Event: 73RD INTERNATIONAL AERONAUTICAL CONGRESS (IAC) 

Role: Bhavya Lal, Plenary Panelist

Topic: Defending the Earth: The International Effort to Protect Us from Asteroids and Comets

Role: Patrick Besha, Speaker

Topic: Economic and National Competitiveness of Artemis

Role: Gabriel Swiney, Moderator

Topic: Panel on Legal and Policy Issues in Moon and Mars Exploration

Role: Nikolai Joseph, Speaker

Topic: Methodology of Cost-Benefit Analysis of SBSP

24 25
Event: AMOS EMER-GEN CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Artemis Surface Activities

Event: THE NATIONAL GEM CONSORTIUM FELLOWSHIP NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Role: Kenneth Wright, Panelist

Topic: The Future of the Aerospace Industry

Event: INTERNATIONAL SPACE EXPLORATION COORDINATION GROUP (ISECG) 

ANNUAL MEETING

Role: Nikolai Joseph, Speaker

Topic: Various Analysis Products

Event: NASA MISSION EQUITY ROLLOUT

Role: Bhavya Lal, Opening Keynote

Topic: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) at NASA

Event: NASA QUANTUM SENSING WORKSHOP

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Essential Elements of a Strategy on Quantum Sensing

Event: TAPIA CONFERENCE

Role: Kenneth Wright, Panelist

Topic: Government Technology Priorities & Innovations: Digital Ecosystems

Topic:

Event: THUNDERBIRD ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY EXECUTIVE MASTERS 

IN SPACE LEADERSHIP

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Challenges to and Ways Forward in Nuclear Propulsion

Event: UN/IAF’S 29TH WORKSHOP ON SPACE TECHNOLOGY 

FOR SOCIO ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Role: Nikolai Joseph, Speaker

Topic: Access to Space for All: Bridging the Space Divide

Event: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Role: Patrick Besha, Speaker

Topic: Orbital Debris and Space Sustainability

OCTOBER 2022

Event: 19TH ANNUAL SPACE MISSION PLANNING ADVISORY GROUP (SMPAG)

Role: Bhavya Lal, Opening Remarks

Topic: Global Cooperation in Planetary Defense 

Event: AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS (AIAA) 

ASCEND LAS VEGAS

Role: Erica Rodgers, Speaker

Topic: Coordinating Innovative Technology Development at NASA 

Role: Thomas Colvin, Organizer and Moderator

Topic: Finding Balance Between Chemical and Nuclear Propulsion Options for Deep Space

Role: Laura Delgado Lopez, Panelist

Topic: Debris Policy Gaps in Cislunar Space

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Topic: Nuclear Energy and Its Future Role in Space

Role: Thomas Colvin, Panelist

Topic: Safety First: Addressing Space Safety Priorities for a Sustainable Space Domain

Role: Laura Delgado Lopez, Moderator

Topic: Spaceflight Safety in a Rapidly Growing Space Community

Laura Delgado Lopez moderates a panel.

Event: BEYOND EARTH INSTITUTE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Blueprint for Moon to Mars: Ensuring Humanity’s Future in the Stars

Event: CONFERS GLOBAL SATELLITE SERVICING FORUM

Role: Thomas Colvin, Panelist

Topic: Active Debris Removal

Event: GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER DIWALI EVENT

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: The Meaning of Diwali

Event: HAAPI OCTOBER GENERAL BODY MEETING

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Strengthening the AAPI Community Within NASA HQ

Event: MARS SOCIETY ANNUAL CONVENTION

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Nuclear Propulsion for Mars

26 27
Event: NATIONAL ACADEMIES COMMITTEE ON EARTH SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS 

FROM SPACE (CESAS)

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Rationale for Science Station (ISAM)

Event: ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) 

ANNUAL FORUM

Role: Patrick Besha, Speaker

Topic: U.S. Orbital Debris and Space Sustainability Policies

Event: VON BRAUN SYMPOSIUM

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Policy and Other Issues in the Future of Artemis

Event: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM WORKSHOP 

Role: Thomas Colvin

Topic: Best Practices for Space Traffic management (STM)

NOVEMBER 2022

Event: AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL ASSOCIATION (ATCA) GLOBAL

Role: Bhavya Lal, Panelist

Topic: Rationale for Space Exploration

Event: AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS (AIAA) SPACE 

AUTONOMY SUMMIT SPACE MISSION ARCHITECTURES PANEL

Role: Erica Rodgers, Panelist

Topic: Space Mission Architectures, Trusted Autonomy, Onboard Data Analytics, 

and Crowded Space

Event: AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR GRAVITATION AND SPACE RESEARCH 

(ASGSR) CONFERENCE

Role: Grace Wusk, Poster Presentation

Topic: Models for Facilitating Government-Funded Activities in the Post-ISS LEO Ecosystem

Event: CISLUNAR SECURITY CONFERENCE AT THE JOHNS HOPKINS 

APPLIED PHYSICS LAB

Role: Grace Wusk, Poster Presentation

Topic: Resiliency Framework for Cislunar Space

Event: CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS INSTITUTE (CHCI) 2022 TECH SUMMIT

Role: Laura Delgado Lopez, Panelist

Topic: Latinos in Space

Event: GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY “OUTER SPACE, STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGIES, 

AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY”

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Future of Artemis and Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion

Event: GEORGETOWN SPACE LAW CLASS

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion 

Event: GEORGIA TECH

Role: Ellen Gertsen, Speaker

Topic: Life at the Intersection of Technology, Policy, and Strategy

Role: Patrick Besha, Speaker

Topic: Orbital Debris

Ellen Gersten and Patrick Besha speak at Georgia Tech

Event: HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: 60th Anniversary Moonshot: Past, Present, and Future

Event: MARYLAND STATE ROUNDTABLE

Role: Bhavya Lal, Keynote Speaker

Topic: Emerging Trends in Space

Event: NASA ENGINEERING AND SAFETY CENTER ANNUAL 

Role: MEETING

Topic: Patrick Besha

China’s Space Program

Event: SPACE AND SATELLITE PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL

Role: Nikolai Joseph, Speaker

Topic: Space Based Solar Power 

Event: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASTRO STUDIO

Role: Bhavya Lal, Speaker

Topic: Artemis and NASA’s Exploration Plans

DECEMBER 2022

Event: GALLOWAY SYMPOSIUM

Role: Gabriel Swiney, Panelist

Topic: Legal and Policy Issues in Moon and Mars Exploration

28 29
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters

300 E. Street SW

Washington, DC 20546-0001

www.nasa.gov