Review of Symposium on Space Innovations 2019

The 2019 Symposium on Space Innovations was held November 18 at Georgia Institute of Technology (Ga Tech), in the Marcus Nanotechnology Research center.

The future is bright for those following the unfolding of developments in space – read below for some highlights. We’ll also cover the role of software and technology in supporting scientists, researchers,
astronauts, and manufacturers in the space industry.

Bringing together some of the best minds in Space innovation, exploration and research, the 2019 Space Symposium on Innovation was a power packed day of presentations. Withum’s Advisory team was there to bring you news about this exciting industry. Several well-known names in space were present for this 1-day event.

Keynote presenter was Major General Charles Bolden (retired) who counts on 2 missions to the ISS as well as an impressive career in the military and a significant contribution to this industry as NASA Administrator. With his impressive CV, one would expect Mr. Bolden to be quite serious, instead he is an inspiring speaker dedicated to making space approachable by the general public. He encouraged everyone to embrace diversity and be brave to speak up with new ideas.

Other notable presenters included:

• Dr. Steven K. Robinson – former Astronaut (4 Space Shuttle missions), NASA researcher and mission control, currently teaches at University of California, Davis. Dr. Robinson spoke about the Space Technology Research Center which is in collaboration with several universities. The unique combination of knowledge and what he considers “true collaboration” promises to yield significant results.
• Lt. Major Don Brooks – from GATech Sam Nunn College, Brian Weeden – from Secure World Foundation, Kaitlyn Johnson of Center for Strategic & International Studies, and Mariel Borowitz of GA Tech who participated in a panel discussion about Space security, threats, and developments in Global security from a military and civilian standpoint.

With all this innovation and research for space initiatives, one might question the role of Withum. However, the answer is easily captured in one word – data. The common thread within research, innovation, education and manufacturing for all things space relies on the availability and flexibility of data. Countless terabytes of data are captured daily and used to analyze information used for:

• Health Sciences – measuring data on how our bodies react to a gravity-less environment.
• Advanced Materials Design – R&D on materials for space travel as well as Earth applications which would include countless studies on performance.
• Biometrics – measuring and forecasting our ability to survive extend periods of time in space.
• Environmental Research – measuring impact of geographical and environmental patterns and phenomena.
• Pharmacology – R&D of new drugs.
• Surveillance – capturing and measuring natural boundaries, internal patterns and foreign activity.
• Communications – GPS, Satellites and more.
• Military Defense – tracking, measuring and understanding our global threats and activity.
• Transportation – GPS, satellites, changes in natural/existing land, sea/air patterns.
• Education – dissemination and interpretation of data.

Processing all this data requires incredible amounts of computing power and the expertise to craft the digital architecture to make it all happen. Withum’s Advisory team is capable of providing powerful tools to support any entity involved in the development of the Space Industry. Some of the ways we can help are:

• Data Analytics – counting on the Azure platform, you are able to process an unlimited number of processes or databases in any formation.
• Forecasting – use statistical methods to predict outcomes.
• Materials Management – track results, variations, outcomes and predictions.
• Document Management – store and track certificates, licenses, warranties, diagrams.
• Inventory Management – track quantities, delivery times, locations, and certificates of origin.
• Team Collaboration – ensure security by using internal messaging systems, document collaboration, planning, time management and more.
• Supply Chain Management – track vendors and their certificates, insurances, etc.; product location, delivery times, transit status, payments, receivables, etc.
• Financials, Accounting – all CFO/Controller information including AP/AR.
• Project Management – track hours spent on tasks, budgets, calendars, progress billing, teams, etc.

The pace of developments in the space industry is both exciting and demanding. We are inspired by the possibilities of discovering new information about our Universe, and new methods of improving our life here on Earth. So much innovation comes from the ISS and from innovation in the space industry, it’s important to support the accomplishments achieved by these amazing individuals.

Author: Christina Barea | [email protected]