Join us on October 24th at the Ion as Colonel Jeff Hokett (USSF, retired) and Commissioner Tom Duncavage take the stage to explore the evolving role of the United States Space Force within the broader landscape of space exploration and defense.
Their talk will provide a comprehensive look at how the Space Force integrates with NASA and other existing space organizations.
Colonel Jeff Hokett (USSF, retired) served as the Director of Futures and Integration for the United States Space Force before his retirement in 2023. With a career spanning more than three decades, Colonel Hokett has been instrumental in shaping the operational and strategic direction of the Space Force. His background includes commanding an experimental spacecraft squadron, serving as Senior Plans Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, and leading space warfighting concept integration efforts. His insights will highlight the Space Force’s evolving mission to protect and defend U.S. interests in space amid growing global challenges.
Commissioner Tom Duncavage brings over four decades of experience in technical, managerial, and tactical leadership roles with the Marine Corps, the Department of the Navy, and NASA. As a Texas Military Preparedness Commissioner and NASA Visiting Executive, Commissioner Duncavage has played pivotal roles in the advancement of space-related initiatives. His unique perspective, grounded in extensive tactical experience, including over three thousand flight test hours in U.S. and foreign military aircraft, will shed light on the intricate interplay between military and civilian space operations.
Montgomery B. Goforth has more than 40 years of experience as both Engineer and Manager in a variety of highly technical space and defense-related efforts. After working for a small defense contractor specializing in anti-submarine warfare, he joined NASA’s Johnson Space Center in 1990. He has held leadership positions in multiple JSC Directorates and Program Offices. In his current role as Assistant Director of the JSC Engineering Directorate, he has established a framework to better focus Engineering’s efforts towards Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. He has used this framework to guide Engineering’s internal investments and external partnerships supporting Lunar and Mars Exploration. Mr. Goforth was born in East Texas, raised in Southern California and Arizona, and graduated from Rice University (BSME 1982, MSME 1987).
The speakers will outline how the Space Force operates within the same physical environment as NASA and other space agencies, sharing common challenges like collision avoidance and power generation. However, they will also emphasize the Space Force’s distinct mission to protect and defend U.S. assets in space, leveraging enhanced authority and capability to counter a growing number of threats.
This engaging session will conclude with an exploration of why the Space Force is crucial to the future of space activities, underscoring the continuous need for vigilant protection of on-orbit interests against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear directly from leaders at the forefront of U.S. space defense and policy.
Register now to secure your spot at this insightful NASA Tech Talk!
Ion District Parking Garage
Enter 4111 Fannin Street into your GPS for directions directly to this parking garage, located a block from the Ion. Parking in the Ion District Garage is free for the first two hours.
Red Parking Lot
Enter 4203 Fannin Street into your GPS for directions directly to the red parking lot, located across the street from the Ion. This lot is for overflow guest parking and tenant parking and is free for the first three hours.
For information and access to pay online for parking in the red lot, click here.
