Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the foundation of humanity’s next leap into space. This track explores how AI is transforming mission design, spacecraft autonomy, space manufacturing, planetary science, and the economics of the new space age. From accelerating discovery to enabling resilient off-world habitats, AI is emerging as a critical partner in humanity’s journey beyond Earth.
AI & Space
Session Chair Info
Zaheer Ali
Space Paladin, Director of the Space MBA Program, University of Central Florida
Zaheer Ali is a physicist, technologist, and educator working at the intersection of AI, quantum, and space systems. He is Space Paladin, Director of the Space MBA program at the University of Central Florida. In addition, he is a partner at Space Outcomes LLC, NewSpace Finance, and co-founder of Positon Inc., he has held leadership roles at NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, Hewlett Packard, and multiple startups. He has Read More
AI & Space
Session Speakers Info
Nishchal Baniya
CEO, Everest Sustainability Foundation
Nishchal is a chemical engineer serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Everest Sustainability Foundation. Read More
Chris Cochran
Field CISO and VP of AI Security, SAN Institute
Chris Cochran is the Field CISO and Vice President of AI Security at the SANS Institute, where he stands at the intersection of frontier AI innovation and real-world cybersecurity defense. A Marine Corps veteran and former leader at organizations like Netflix, Mandiant, the U.S. House of Representatives, Axonius, and NSA, Chris has spent his career translating complexity into clarity, whether guiding organizations through emerging AI threat landscapes, pioneering defensive AI Read More
Dr. Amanda Fetch
ML/AI Working Group Chair, United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation
Dr. Amanda Fetch is an award-winning AI and space researcher and Chair of the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) Machine Learning & AI Working Group. She specializes in AI-driven Space Situational Awareness and has built and led high-performing data science and analytics teams. With over 25 years of experience across analytics, AI, and machine learning, she serves as a trusted advisor and Board Director for the TMMi Foundation North Read More
Aimei Helen Yang
Strategic Communications Leader in AI & Space Systems, Independent Researcher
She is a strategic communications leader and researcher focused on the human, commercial, and cultural dimensions of long-term space development. With nearly 30 years of experience advising global organizations—including leadership roles at WPP and Walmart—she specializes in translating complex technological systems into durable public trust across cultures. Her recent work examines how AI shapes perception and generational commitment during the pre-settlement phase of space expansion, positioning AI as a collaborative Read More