This past November, the University of Austin hosted their Inaugural SOMA Summit to explore the amazing transformation in space right now, especially how the commercial space era is decentralizing access. I had the privilege to moderate a fascinating panel titled "Science in the Commercial Space Age" featuring Chris Sembroski from Blue Origin, along with University of Florida space biologists Dr. Rob Ferl and Dr. Anna-Lisa Paul.

As space becomes more accessible, it's evolving beyond merely a frontier to explore into its own innovation platform and ecosystem. This opens up a whole galaxy of possibilities.

Episode Highlights

• Mission Experiences
• Space Peppers
• Understanding Human Adaptation
• Space as an Innovation Frontier 
• Manufacturing in Microgravity
• Plants' Role in Future Exploration
• Ethical Considerations
• What's next for science in the commercial space age?
  • Rob Ferl: “More scientists flying to do their experiments in space.”
  • Anna-Lisa Paul: “More research in how we effectively take our biology off the planet to have long-term existence elsewhere”
  • Chris Sembroski: “Recognizing that it's not going to end with us, that we have to keep inspiring that next generation”

Chris Sembroski: X/Twitter, LinkedIn
Rob Ferl: UF Faculty Page
Anna-Lisa Paul: UF Faculty Page

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