NextGen

NextGen Location

Jr Ballroom G

Event Date and Time
Daily @ 10 AM & 3:30 PM
Planetary Defense Workshop

Other NextGen Presentations:

Robert “Hoot” Gibson

Thursday, June 19, 10 am - 10:45 am

Five Journeys to Space and Back

Spaceflight is challenging. Unexpected things happen, and they’re not always good. Captain Robert “Hoot” Gibson will discuss many of the challenges that occurred during his five flights to space and how he and his crew overcame them.

Mike Mongo

 Thursday, June 19, 3:30 pm – 5 pm

Kid Astronauts Wanted: Building the Future of Earth, Moon, and Beyond

In 1979, a young Mike Mongo faced a decision that would shape the course of his life—and the world he would help build. Today’s students face a similar choice: between staying safe inside the familiar or boldly stepping into the unknown.

In this inspiring Kidnote talk, Mike Mongo invites young spacefarers to listen to the voice of their future selves, to recognize the incredible possibilities ahead, and to make a choice that aligns with the future they want to create.

Through the story of typing versus computers—and the new frontier of Microsoft Office versus AI—Mike offers a simple but powerful message: **You are already part of the mission. Space starts with MEarth. The future needs you. And the right time to choose is now.**

Dr. Sian Proctor

Friday, June 21, 10:00–10:45 AM

Packing for Space Location

She will share her unique space story through the idea of packing for space and how the most important thing you will ever pack is yourself. In this motivating keynote, she breaks down how preparation, persistence, opportunity, creativity, and responsibility are fundamental parts of herself and leadership style and how they have transformed her life and how you can use your unique “space” to inspire those within your reach and beyond.

Dr. Pascal Lee

Friday, June 20, 3:30 pm – 5 pm

The Human Exploration of Mars

The first human mission to Mars will be humanity's greatest adventure in space travel this century. Preparations are already underway, from basement labs to the ISS, across academia and industry, and at terrestrial analog field research sites. Human journeys to Mars, however, present major challenges. In this talk, Dr Pascal Lee will examine in turn the What, Why, How, When, Where and Who of human journeys to the Red Planet.

Susan Kilrain

Saturday, June 21, 3:30 pm – 5 pm

An Unlikely Astronaut: The Truth About Spaceflight - A Space Shuttle Pilot's Perspective

The audience will get an exclusive, firsthand look at the realities of space travel from a seasoned shuttle pilot. The presentation will cover the challenges and triumphs of piloting a spacecraft, the intricacies of space missions, and the often-overlooked personal aspects of spaceflight.

The NextGen programming focuses on students, educators, and everyone interested in inspiring today’s students to aspire to bring to fruition the vision of everyday people living, working, and thriving in communities beyond Earth.

NextGen 

Session Chair Info

Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Panel[Custom Fields] acf_track_subtitlePlanetary Defense Workshop[Custom Fields] acf_track_subtitleOther NextGen Presentations:Robert “Hoot” GibsonThursday, June 19, 10 am - 10:45 amFive Journeys to Space and BackSpaceflight is challenging. Unexpected things happen, and they’re not always good. Captain Robert “Hoot” Gibson will discuss many of the challenges that occurred during his five flights to space and how he and his Read More

NextGen Speakers

Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Panel[Custom Fields] acf_track_subtitlePlanetary Defense Workshop[Custom Fields] acf_track_subtitleOther NextGen Presentations:Robert “Hoot” GibsonThursday, June 19, 10 am - 10:45 amFive Journeys to Space and BackSpaceflight is challenging. Unexpected things happen, and they’re not always good. Captain Robert “Hoot” Gibson will discuss many of the challenges that occurred during his five flights to space and how he and his Read More


Other Events at ISDC 2026

ISDC Silent Auction
Kennedy Space Center Tour
Launchpad Talks
Networking Receptions
NextGen
NSS Chapters Assembly
Planetary Defense Workshop
Saturday Night Party
spUN Debates
Student Recognition Ceremony
Need more information?
Reach Out to Us.