Not all space-related topics demand a full hour to explain, and some emerging ideas at the ISDC are simply so new and unique that they have not yet been fully explored and developed. The Launch Pad Talks are home to some of the newest and most exciting ideas in space exploration, development, and settlement, by some of the newest voices in the field. Drop in for one or stay for a dozen—the Launch Pad Talks contain some of the most exciting new ideas you will hear this year!
LaunchPad Talks
Session Co-Chair Info
Dr. Shawna Pandya
Director of Medical Research Orbital Assembly Corporation
Dr. Shawna Pandya is the first named female commercial Canadian astronaut, and will be flying to space with the Virgin Galactic Delta class of spacecraft with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) as early as 2026. She is also an emergency and aeromedical transport physician, aquanaut, Director of IIAS’ Space Medicine Group, Executive Director of the IIAS Flight Opportunities Program, and Chief of Space Medicine at the Advanced Spacelife Read More
Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio
CalTech Scientist and Outreach Director, International Institute of Astronautical Sciences
Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio is a distinguished scientist. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology from the renowned California Institute of Technology. She specializes in environmental microbiology and astrobiology, exploring microbial life beyond Earth. In her research in astrobiology, Aidyl investigates a wide range of topics, from analyzing soil health to studying microbiomes in extreme environments, spanning from the Arctic to lava tube caves in the Azores. She Read More