Rising Stars

Early Career Perspectives

Rising Stars Location

Salon 21

Session Date and Time
Friday, June 20 2:00 – 6:00 pm

This session is a dedicated platform for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as early-career professionals (with five years or less of work experience) to showcase their research, innovative projects, and contributions to the space sector. 

Rising Stars will feature presentations focused on space-related themes, highlighting the next generation of space talent and their impact on advancing space exploration and settlement. Participants will present their work to a diverse audience that includes industry leaders, space enthusiasts, and fellow students, offering invaluable opportunities for exposure, networking, and professional growth. 

By partnering with organizations such as Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), and the World Innovation Network (WIN), we aim to promote this track widely, attract exceptional presenters, and enhance participation across the broader ISDC audience. This session underscores our commitment to supporting the development of emerging space professionals, fostering connections, and showcasing the innovative contributions of the next generation. 

Attendees of this session will witness a wide array of topics including, but not limited to, satellite technology, space habitat design, lunar and Martian resource utilization, and innovative propulsion methods. Each presentation will be meticulously curated to ensure relevance, technical rigor, and originality, providing an engaging and educational experience for all attendees. 

The Rising Stars: Collegiate and Early Career Perspectives session is an essential forum for celebrating and advancing the work of the next generation of space innovators and professionals. Join us in supporting these talented individuals as they contribute to the future of space exploration and settlement. 

Rising Stars 

 Session Co-Chairs Info 

Burt Dicht

National Space Society Director of Membership

Burt Dicht has dedicated his career to advancing STEM education and inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists, and space innovators. As the National Space Society (NSS) Managing Director of Membership and Office Manager at the Kennedy Space Center, he actively promotes NSS membership and student engagement, ensuring that young people see space exploration as a tangible and exciting career path.

Before joining NSS, Dicht served as the Director of Student and Academic Programs at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), where he developed and implemented transformative educational programs for engineering faculty and students. His leadership in TryEngineering Together, the IEEE Summer Institute, and the STEM portal programs has connected thousands of students with mentors, resources, and real-world engineering applications.

Dicht’s passion for STEM began with a career in aerospace engineering at Northrop Grumman, where he contributed to the design of some of the most advanced aircraft of his time, including the F-5E/F, F-20A, YF-23A, and F-18E/F. His firsthand experience in the aerospace industry gives him a unique perspective when engaging with students, helping them bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application.

Beyond his professional roles, Dicht has dedicated his time to mentoring, speaking, and hands-on STEM outreach. He has visited more than 150 universities, worked to inspire pre-university students to pursue STEM careers, and helped university students prepare for the challenges of engineering practice. His contributions extend to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where he served as an Exhibit Explainer, and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), where he serves as a Major and Aerospace Education Officer in the New York Wing and Phoenix Composite Squadron.

A Fellow of ASME and a member of IEEE-HKN, Dicht is not just an advocate for STEM—he is a champion for the future of space and engineering, ensuring that young minds are empowered, equipped, and excited to take humanity’s next giant leap.

National Space Society Director of Membership

Burt Dicht has dedicated his career to advancing STEM education and inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists, and space innovators. As the National Space Society (NSS) Managing Director of Membership and Office Manager at the Kennedy Space Center, he actively promotes NSS membership and student engagement, ensuring that young people see space exploration as a tangible and exciting career path.

Before joining NSS, Dicht served as the Director of Student and Academic Programs at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), where he developed and implemented transformative educational programs for engineering faculty and students. His leadership in TryEngineering Together, the IEEE Summer Institute, and the STEM portal programs has connected thousands of students with mentors, resources, and real-world engineering applications.

Dicht’s passion for STEM began with a career in aerospace engineering at Northrop Grumman, where he contributed to the design of some of the most advanced aircraft of his time, including the F-5E/F, F-20A, YF-23A, and F-18E/F. His firsthand experience in the aerospace industry gives him a unique perspective when engaging with students, helping them bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application.

Beyond his professional roles, Dicht has dedicated his time to mentoring, speaking, and hands-on STEM outreach. He has visited more than 150 universities, worked to inspire pre-university students to pursue STEM careers, and helped university students prepare for the challenges of engineering practice. His contributions extend to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where he served as an Exhibit Explainer, and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), where he serves as a Major and Aerospace Education Officer in the New York Wing and Phoenix Composite Squadron.

A Fellow of ASME and a member of IEEE-HKN, Dicht is not just an advocate for STEM—he is a champion for the future of space and engineering, ensuring that young minds are empowered, equipped, and excited to take humanity’s next giant leap.

Robert Katz

CEO and Executive Director of the World Innovation Network

Robert Katz is a visionary leader and strategist dedicated to advancing space innovation, national security, and education. With nearly four decades of experience in space strategy, technology, and policy, Katz has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration and development.  

As the CEO and Executive Director of the World Innovation Network (WIN), a nonprofit space think tank, Katz has been instrumental in fostering global collaboration and driving breakthrough innovations in the space sector. Under his leadership, WIN has developed high-impact initiatives that bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and students to address the most pressing challenges in space.  

A passionate advocate for STEM education, Katz is deeply committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of space professionals. Through STEAM-BASE, a WIN initiative, he has helped create a platform for students and young innovators to engage with cutting-edge space technologies, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities. His efforts empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in space and technology.  

Katz has also played a leading role in organizing the Space Tank Pitch Competition, providing early-stage space startups with a platform to showcase their ideas before industry experts and investors. His work in entrepreneurial development, education, and policy has significantly contributed to the growth of the global space economy.  

CEO and Executive Director of the World Innovation Network

Robert Katz is a visionary leader and strategist dedicated to advancing space innovation, national security, and education. With nearly four decades of experience in space strategy, technology, and policy, Katz has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration and development.  

As the CEO and Executive Director of the World Innovation Network (WIN), a nonprofit space think tank, Katz has been instrumental in fostering global collaboration and driving breakthrough innovations in the space sector. Under his leadership, WIN has developed high-impact initiatives that bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and students to address the most pressing challenges in space.  

A passionate advocate for STEM education, Katz is deeply committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of space professionals. Through STEAM-BASE, a WIN initiative, he has helped create a platform for students and young innovators to engage with cutting-edge space technologies, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities. His efforts empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in space and technology.  

Katz has also played a leading role in organizing the Space Tank Pitch Competition, providing early-stage space startups with a platform to showcase their ideas before industry experts and investors. His work in entrepreneurial development, education, and policy has significantly contributed to the growth of the global space economy.  


Other Sessions at ISDC 2025

Interplanetary Infrastructure
LaunchPad Talks
Living in Space
Many Roads to Space
Mars
Moon
Planetary Defense
Rising Stars
Space Ambassadors
Space Business
Space Elevators
Space For All
Space Health
Space History
Space Law and Policy
Space Settlement
Space Solar Power Symposium