Space Explr

Keval Dattani, Chartered Engineer, is the founder of Space Power - a serial disruptor and entrepreneur who cut his teeth in nuclear engineering and is now pursuing his dream of building a high-tech engineering company that works on the boundaries of sci-fi and reality, whilst being conscious of the environment it operates in. His background is in nuclear manufacturing R&D, having spent 8 years leading and developing various gamechanging technologies across the whole Technology Readiness Levels range for core fuel production at Rolls-Royce submarines. Keval has also been the Manufacturing lead for the UKs most powerful reactors, writing the technology strategies for Dreadnought and also the UK STEP Fusion reactor at UKAEA whilst also launching the UK Nuclear Space Propulsion programme between the two organizations.

Aya Hesham Sayed Mohamed is a highly motivated medical student interested in space psychology and a space medicine. Aya looks to combine her medical knowledge with a passion for space innovation. Her experience ranges from authorizing a cross-sectional study about the correlation between traveling to Mars and personality traits to contributing to many international space projects, such as the Collapsible Lower Body Negative Pressure System importance in long-duration missions at University of California. Aya has also been a speaker at international conferences in Egypt, Australia and Mexico. In addition to her vast activity in space medicine entrepreneurship, she was nominated as the first space medicine entrepreneur in Egypt. Her quote of choice is: “If you don’t find a path, go and create one”. Aya’s dream is to lead an innovative space medicine company and to make space tourism safe and accessible for everyone.

Jas Purewal has a Masters degree in Physics with Astrophysics. She has been working as a research scientist for over 10 years and currently works as a senior scientist for a UK national lab. During her career she has also worked with several US national labs. In 2020 during the pandemic, Jas built a low-fidelity “space dome” and conducted her own solo space analog mission, the first of its kind in the UK. Jas is the co-creator of The Analog Astronaut Community, which was launched earlier this year with the first International Analog Astronaut Conference. Jas enjoys travelling, is a certified scuba diver and private pilot. She regularly plays tennis and has recently started learning the guitar.

Davi Souza is an Electrical Engineering student at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), co-founder of the Brazilian aerospace startup EP.SpaceBr - Science, Space and Technology, a researcher in space agriculture, analog astronaut at Habitat Marte space analog station, the first one in the South Hemisphere, and currently an engineering intern at Pink Farms, the first urban and vertical farming in Latin America. With the goal to become a greenhouse specialist, Davi has been integrating engineering and sustainability solutions through the use of sensors and automation focused on agriculture in a controlled environment. Thus, his focus is on applications of support technologies to overcome challenges in water-food-energy nexus on Earth and in Space.

Darshan Deshpande, also known as DarshD or Darsh Davis is a management finance graduate, content creator, SpaceKind & Space Generation member, Analog Astronaut Community Moderator, Science Communicator, Writer at Everlasting Hauntings & Haunted Vermont, Aditya Birla Capital SunLife Advisor, & supporter of Space For Humanity, Space industry & of course, Space Explr, GRSS!

Being the Founder & President of Mars Society Georgia, Nika Chinchaladze is one of the fiercest advocates for Mars and Space Exploration. In his public lectures, he has documented the importance and the benefits that the creation of the Georgian Space Program has to offer. Nika is also the Founder & CEO of Georgian Rover Challenge - The Biggest Space & Robotics event in Georgia - which aims to foster student interest in science and engineering.

George Pullen is the Chief Space Economist of MilkyWayEconomy a 5th Industrial Revolution think tank focused on teaching, writing, and advising the businesses, technologists, and financiers of the Space Economy. He is also a senior government economist at the US CFTC, IIF Forecaster, Risk Advisor for GARP, and Adjunct and Guest lecturer at several schools, including Franklin Pierce Law School and Columbia University. In 2019 George with his co-host of The Space Economy Show co-authored the book Blockchain and the Space Economy.

Nikhitha Shetty is an India-based Space Enthusiast, Science Communicator, Dr. Kalpana Chawla Scholar from International Space University, Motivational Speaker, and a Social Impact Entrepreneur. She is a so-called mogul for her dedication and passion for space and STEM education. She is an Ambassador of Studies in France appointed by the French Embassy in India. She is the Society for Space Education Research and Development (SSERD) co-founder to open a space frontier to all by promoting Space Education among the community and preparing the young generation for the Space Revolution. Also, she received KWAA Youth Icon 2019 Award for her outstanding work at inspiring students in STEAM and Space. Nikhitha is the founder-director and COO of Genex Space. Within the next five years, her goals are to have many students take up Space and Science, inspire students to develop innovative solutions, and partner with all the Major National Space Agencies to share their progress among the students. She is looking to support students to do their research or Internship in collaboration with the space organizations and partner with the Space Companies and Startups to provide the students with the required Jobs so that they can use their talent for the betterment of the Nation.

Sabine Heinz is an artist, science communicator, and vice-president of Space Renaissance International. She likes to work with fluorescent, phosphorescent colors, also experimented with algae and oxidizers.

Shelli Brunswick, chief operating officer of Space Foundation, brings a broad perspective and deep vision of the global space ecosystem — from a distinguished career as a space acquisition and program management leader and congressional liaison for the U.S. Air Force to her current role, including overseeing Center for Innovation and Education, Symposium 365, and Global Alliance. Advocating for space technology innovation, entrepreneurship, diversity, and inclusion, Shelli collaborates with organizations around the world to connect commercial, government, and educational sectors. Shelli was named the 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Role Model of the Year by WomenTech Network. Shelli plays an active leadership role with United Nations Space4Women, WomenTech Network, Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) Global Women Leaders Committee (GWLC), New York University, Global Policy Insights – Global Policy, Diplomacy and Sustainability (GPODS) Fellowship program, Global Policy Insights -- Quad Forum, Space Tourism Society Africa, Tod'Aérs, Lifeboat Foundation, Women in Aerospace Foundation, Women’s Global Gathering, Manufacturer’s Edge, and Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.