Kentucky Space Summit Agenda
November 13, 2027

Fasig-Tipton, Lexington, KY

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Arrival & Light Refreshments

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Welcome/Space: The Case for Kentucky
The program will open with "Space: The Case for Kentucky," a discussion focused on the context and relevance of the space economy to Kentucky and the Commonwealth's growing role in space science, engineering, entrepreneurship, business development, and education. 

Panel:

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM – Exomedicine and Q&A
Exomedicine: R&D in Biotechnology and Health for Applications on Earth
Dr. Meenal Datta, Professor Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Notre Dame University
Datta will explore how advances developed in microgravity are driving innovation in biotechnology and healthcare including cancer and neurogenerative conditions, creating new commercial opportunities for improving quality of life on Earth.

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM – Space Medicine and Q&A
Space Medicine: R&D Surrounding Human Health in Extended Space Missions
Dr. Tiffany Vora, President, Explore Mars 
Vora will discuss the systems and technologies necessary to sustain human activity beyond Earth, including breakthroughs in medicine, artificial intelligence, robotics, nutrition, and supply chain solutions that have applications across multiple industries.

2:00 PM – 2:20 PM – BREAK

2:20 PM – 3:05 PM – Building the Moon Base and Q&A
Building the Moon Base
Alain Berinstain, Director, Florida Space Institute at the University of Central Florida and Director, Florida Space Research Consortium
Berinstain will present a comprehensive look at the emerging lunar economy, addressing construction, power systems, habitats, subsurface exploration, life support, communications, advanced robotics, exologistics, infrastructure, legal frameworks and ethics associated with future settlements on the Moon.

3:05 PM – 3:50 PM – The Broader Aerospace Ecosystem Panel and Q&A
The afternoon agenda will include "The Broader Aerospace Ecosystem," a panel discussion highlighting Kentucky's existing assets, capabilities, and opportunities within the broader Kentucky aerospace sector, manufacturing, research, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic growth. Zach Morgan, Director of Workforce Development at the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, will take part in “The Broader Aerospace Ecosystem,” an afternoon panel examining Kentucky's existing assets, capabilities and opportunities.

Panelists:

3:50 PM – 4:45 PM - Going Forward/Crafting a Kentucky Strategy: 5 – 10 Year
The Summit will conclude with an interactive discussion where a facilitated session, "Crafting a Kentucky Strategy: 5–10 Years," will allow participants to identify priorities, partnerships, and actionable next steps to help shape a long-term vision for Kentucky's participation in the space economy.

  • Greg Schmidt, Space Science Advisor, Former Director, NASA Solar System Exploration Institute 

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM – Closing Remarks/Thanks

5:30 PM - Hang Out at Bluegrass Bistro Bar
Following the Summit, participants and speakers are invited to reconvene for further conversations at the Bluegrass Bistro Bar at the Marriott Griffin Gate, 1800 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511.