SATELLITE 2024 Scholarship Award Winners

On March 15, 2024, SSPI-WISE announced the two scholarship winners for Executive All-Access conference passes to SATELLITE 2024.  This initiative is honored to have two outstanding recipients this year, both in their early careers in space policy.  The two winners are:

• Kayla Renner, Legislative Affairs Manager at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
• Rana Alshaeri, lawyer and law lecturer in Saudi Arabia and student at George Washington University

2024 Awardee:  Kayla Renner

Kayla Renner is the Legislative Affairs Manager at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), where she specializes in space and international policy to develop and execute legislative strategy and advocate for civil, commercial, and national security space positions before Congress. She has worked for the Department of Commerce, consulting firm Monument Advocacy, and former private rocket launcher Virgin Orbit, becoming well versed in international trade and foreign procurement practices, as well as the federal legislative process and congressional advocacy. Kayla has a B.A. in Political Science and French from the University of Arizona and an M.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University.

Kayla shared that, "Attending the SATELLITE Conference 2024 was an enlightening experience, delving into the intricacies of satellite manufacturing and the growing importance of system flexibility in the ever-evolving space industry. Learning about shifts in export controls and the challenges posed by a multi-orbit architecture provided valuable insights into navigating this dynamic landscape. The exposure to technical aspects of space was invaluable, highlighting the need for continuous adaptation and innovation in this rapidly advancing field. This conference drove action: embrace change, remain vigilant on regulatory shifts, and invest in technical expertise to help shape the future this industry needs."

2024 Awardee:  Rana Alshaeri

Rana Alshaeri is a lawyer and a law lecturer from Saudi Arabia. She is currently pursuing her second master's in International Science and Technology Policy focusing on Space Policy at George Washington University as part of a scholarship awarded by the Saudi Space Agency.

Rana had several reflections to share after the event including, "Before attending the conference, I had envisioned a series of technical sessions and networking events that would offer me a glimpse into the latest innovations and challenges in the satellite industry. I expected to learn, be inspired, and, most importantly, connect with individuals who shared my passion for space technology and policy. The reality was exactly as I envisioned it. The conference offered a wealth of knowledge through the various sessions and the exhibition and provided a platform for meaningful interactions with industry, scholars, and young professionals. In addition, the phone application dedicated to the conference was a noteworthy feature, offering attendees a streamlined way to navigate the event, access schedules, and connect with other participants."

Rana shared that her overall experience at the conference was an opportunity for personal growth. She says, "Stepping into the conference, I was apprehensive about my place among such an esteemed gathering. However, the encouragement and constructive feedback I received for my transformative journey, and the concentration of my research not only boosted my confidence but also underscored the importance of community support in professional growth."

Rana also shared some key takeaways from the sessions and activities she attended while at the conference.  "Among the many enriching experiences at the conference, certain sessions significantly influenced my professional perspective. The discussion on "Transitioning Government Satellite Operations to the Private Sector" was particularly enlightening, unveiling the complex opportunities and challenges and the expansion of the adaptation of this paradigm within space operations. Additionally, the focus on sustainability in satellite design and deployment provided compelling insights into achieving greater longevity and reusability, which is essential for meeting contemporary demands. The discussion on "Lunar Satellite Communications" as we aim for a return to the Moon was another highlight. This session delved into the burgeoning business opportunities, emphasizing the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as a burgeoning paradigm, given the private sector's critical role in advancing technology and navigating associated challenges. The SGx events, such as the career fair and speed networking event, were equally transformative, offering me the chance to discuss career objectives and opportunities with various senior professionals from the industry. Moreover, the SGx "Young Professional/Student Lightning Talk" was profoundly illuminating. Being among peers, networking, learning, and encouraging one another was incredibly motivating. The evident diversity among participants was particularly inspiring, showcasing the rich variety of perspectives and backgrounds contributing to our field."

SATELLITE 2023 Scholarship Award Winners

2023 SSPI Article

On March 10, SSPI-WISE (SSPI Women in Space Engagement) announced the three scholarship winners for an all-access pass to SATELLITE2023. This initiative, carried out in partnership with Access Intelligence, provides new opportunities for younger women to attend this distinguished space conference. The three winners of 2023 are:

• Sarah Myers, student at George Washington University
• Gitika Gorthi, student at Columbia University
• Yuri Chung, student at George Washington University

2023 Awardee: Gitika Gorthi

2023 Awardee: Yuri Chung

Yuri Chung, a Student at George Washington University was the second recipient of an Executive All-Access Pass to SATELLITE 2023, offered by the SSPI-WISE STEM Outreach Working Group.
Here’s what Yuri had to say about her experience at the SATShow, “I learned a lot about how integral satellite innovation is to just about everything in our modern world, and how their importance will only continue to grow. Previously, satellites were something that I mostly just associated with space and vaguely about cellphones and GPS, but there was a lot said during the sessions that related to national defense and international cooperation (and how the two interplay with each other), along with the different kinds of satellites and their respective uses, and how continued development in the industry brings in other fields of science like computation and AI.”