A Space Odyssey: Arizona a Hotbed for Aerospace and Astronomy E6
With preeminent observatories, leading aerospace companies and innovative technological advancements in space-science research, it’s easy to see why Arizona is an emerging leader in the world’s never-ending quest to discover the secrets of our solar system and universe.
Moderated by Phoenix Business Radio Owner & President Karen Nowicki, a group of experts from Lowell Observatory, Arizona Spaceport Alliance and World View Enterprises discussed how Arizona’s ever-growing innovation in astronomy, planetary science, space research and aerospace technology is changing the world we live in and enabling scientists, physicists and astronomers to better understand the mysteries of our galaxy.
Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Dr. Matteo Genna and Benjamin Hernandez provided insight on the aerospace industry’s contribution to Arizona’s economy, why the state is so ideal for this innovative sector, the importance of protecting dark skies, the innovative space technologies we expect to see in the near future, as well as where they see human space exploration in 50 years.
Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Dr. Matteo Genna and Benjamin Hernandez provided insight on the aerospace industry’s contribution to Arizona’s economy, why the state is so ideal for this innovative sector, the importance of protecting dark skies, the innovative space technologies we expect to see in the near future, as well as where they see human space exploration in 50 years.
Recent expansions to Lowell Observatory’s Mars Hill Campus include the Giovale Open Deck Observatory that opened in October 2019 and the 24″ Dyer Telescope that just opened in September 2020. The Astronomy Discovery Center, which includes the wrap-around Universe Theater and Dark Sky Planetarium, is scheduled to open in 2023.
Jeffrey Hall has worked at Lowell Observatory since August 1992, starting as a postdoctoral researcher working on a long-term program of monitoring activity cycles in Sun-like stars as well as the Sun itself.
In addition to the astrophysics, this work touches on the interesting area of solar effects on climate. In 1998, Hall was appointed Lowell’s Associate Director for Education and Special Programs, and from 2008-2010 served as the project scientist for the 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope.
He was appointed interim Director in June 2010 and Director in December 2010. Presently he serves as Chair of the American Astronomical Society’s Standing Committee on Light Pollution, Radio Interference, and Space Debris.
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Tucson-based World View Enterprises strives to be a responsible technology leader in the collection, analysis and delivery of actionable information gathered by our strategically placed arrays of persistent sensors in the stratosphere.
Its stratollites enable unique perspectives for commercial and government customers to perceive, interpret and act on critical sensor data to gain deeper strategic insights. In addition, World View’s imagery and analytics products are superior to satellite imagery in spatial and temporal resolution, and our category-leading analytics and interpretation methods further enhance knowledge and understanding for a broad range of applications.
Dr. Matteo Genna most recently served as Chief Technology Officer of Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, and brings decades of experience, leadership, and vision in space systems and engineering to World View.
Matteo served SSL for over 20 years in various roles including Manager of the Advanced Systems Group and Systems Engineer. Matteo holds a bachelor of science degree in physics from the University of California, San Diego and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley.
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The Arizona Spaceport Alliance (ASA) is comprised of subject matter experts and Arizona aerospace industry group leaders aligned to advance the development of a network of Arizona spaceports and expand Arizona’s aerospace market as it relates to space.
ASA is a non-profit organization focused on establishing and supporting world-class spaceport options in Arizona for the general benefit of the State of Arizona and its residents as well as championing the needs of commercial space businesses in the State of Arizona.
Benjamin Hernandez is a founding member (President and Treasurer) of Arizona Spaceport Alliance (ASA), a non-profit effort to develop an FAA licensed launch site and support the new space commercial space effort in Arizona. New-space education and employment strategies play the major roles, outside of municipal policy and decision-making, in Hernandez’s daily life within the ASA. Hernandez can be found in boardrooms and on panels across Arizona sharing his extensive knowledge on spaceports and the emerging commercial space industry.
A graduate of Arizona State University’s Master of Real Estate Development program, Hernandez began his career in commercial real estate as a land surveyor. Using his extensive real estate and business knowledge, Hernandez helps strengthen Arizona’s economy by facilitating discussions between political goals and private needs.
As co-lead of the Keyser Aerospace Practice Group, Hernandez focuses on helping aerospace companies navigate the diverse aerospace markets throughout the United States and additional international regions with strong aerospace markets including Mexico & Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia and South America.
In addition, Hernandez co-leads the Keyser Grupo Panamericano de Asesoria Inmobiliaria to focus on providing meaningful and impactful aid to Pan-American companies entering United States markets or expanding operations to other Pan-American markets.
Connect with Benjamin on LinkedIn and follow ASA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the Show 
AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.
Through the art of connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s guests will share their expertise, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling the state’s growing technology ecosystem.
About Your Hosts
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.
Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.
About Our Sponsor
The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.
A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.
Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
