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SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-7/2026-05-08/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260508T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260508T120000
DTSTAMP:20260409T175112Z
CREATED:20260227T185845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T175112Z
UID:10004936-1778234400-1778241600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-6/2026-05-08/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260424T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260424T120000
DTSTAMP:20260409T175112Z
CREATED:20260227T185845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T175112Z
UID:10004891-1777024800-1777032000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-6/2026-04-24/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T190000
DTSTAMP:20260423T211202Z
CREATED:20251219T211527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260423T211202Z
UID:10004398-1776967200-1776970800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: The NASA Force Initiative
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nThis month’s NASA Tech Talk will focus on technology development ideas that JSC has put together for the Agency’s “NASA Force” initiative. “America’s leadership in space depends on extraordinary talent\,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “NASA Force will help us attract the next generation of innovators and technical experts who are ready to solve the toughest challenges in exploration\, science\, and aerospace technology. This partnership strengthens our workforce and helps ensure the United States remains the global leader in space.” Molly Bannon will describe these opportunities\, how they were developed\, and how you might be able to participate! We’ll also have a little bit of information about the recent flight of Artemis II\, and other recent events at NASA. \nPlease join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \n  \nAbout the Speakers \nMolly Bannon is an innovation and strategy specialist for the Business Development and Technology Integration Office at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). In this role\, she serves as a key bridge for universities\, industry\, and international partners\, helping them navigate and connect with NASA JSC’s unique capabilities and services to foster strategic partnerships. \nShe most recently worked as the Concept Engineering Group Lead within NASA JSC’s Engineering Directorate. As part of this role\, she led the Forge (JSC’s Concurrent Engineering Team) and was the founder responsible for establishing that capability at NASA JSC. In 2019\, she spent one year at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) working on the Europa Clipper Flight System as a systems engineer. Prior to JPL\, she spent 10 years at JSC in systems engineering and technical design roles for various human spaceflight programs\, including: the Orion Program\, the Commercial Crew Program\, the Human Landing System Program and the EVA and Human Surface Mobility Program. Molly began her career as a co-op in JSC’s Aerosciences Branch\, where she provided aerothermal expertise for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Aerosciences Team\, contributing to the successful Exploration Flight Test (EFT-1) in 2014. \nMolly (White) Bannon received her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University and her M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech. In her free time\, she enjoys traveling\, exploring the outdoors with her family and goldendoodle\, and picking up (and quickly dropping) new hobbies. \nMontgomery 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 previous role as Assistant Director of the JSC Engineering Directorate\, he established a framework to better focus Engineering’s efforts towards Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. Mr. Goforth is now serving as Acting Director of the Business Development & Technology Integration Office at JSC\, and as the JSC Chief Technologist.  In these capacities he will be helping to expand the Houston Aerospace Community through the identification of opportunities to develop space/terrestrial technologies of interest to JSC and Human Space Exploration.  Mr. Goforth was born in East Texas\, raised in Southern California and Arizona\, and graduated from Rice University (BSME 1982\, MSME 1987). \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-24/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 032\, 4201 Main St\, Houston
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0352-scaled.jpg?ver=1765820213
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260327T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260327T113000
DTSTAMP:20260227T185825Z
CREATED:20260227T185825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T185825Z
UID:10004890-1774605600-1774611000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-5/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T190000
DTSTAMP:20260309T180123Z
CREATED:20251215T174338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T180123Z
UID:10004380-1774548000-1774551600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: Spotlight on the Receiving Inspection and Test Facility (RITF)
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nMark your calendar for March 26\, 2026\, as NASA’s Tech Talk will showcase the Receiving Inspection and Test Facility (RITF) located at the NASA Johnson Space Center. Recognized as a nationally accredited laboratory\, the RITF lab stands at the forefront of risk mitigation for spaceflight\, serving as the crucial last line of defense before hardware is introduced into mission-critical environments. The facility employs cutting-edge mechanical and electrical screening\, advanced non-destructive evaluation techniques\, and comprehensive failure analysis to identify and intercept counterfeit or substandard components\, thereby protecting vital national space assets.  Through stringent verification processes and exceptional workmanship standards\, the RITF lab bolsters supply chain integrity for both governmental agencies and industry partners. This unwavering dedication to quality is essential to maintaining mission assurance for NASA and its commercial collaborators\, ensuring that every flight-ready component meets the rigorous requirements demanded by human spaceflight and highly reliable space systems.  As a longstanding national asset\, the RITF’s contributions have been crucial in advancing spaceflight safety. We invite you to join us for this engaging NASA Tech Talk to gain deeper insight into the facility’s impressive capabilities and services. Discover how your organization can leverage RITF’s expertise\, explore ways to enhance your own operations\, and consider opportunities for partnership and collaboration. \nRITF Capabilities & Services Highlights: \n\nCounterfeit parts detection utilizing methods such as X‑Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy\, Destructive Physical Analysis\, Optical Emission Spectroscopy\, Real‑Time Radiography\, and Scanning Electron Microscopy\nNationally accredited ISO 9000\, AS9100 and ISO/IEC 17025 verification and evaluation services supporting NASA\, commercial partners\, and external customers requiring high‑reliability components.\nMechanical testing: tensile\, hardness\, shear\, and additional material verification techniques\nElectrical screening of components and assemblies for authenticity and performance reliability\nNon‑destructive evaluation (NDE) used for failure analysis\nFailure analysis to identify root causes and prevent recurrence in mission‑critical hardware\nWorkmanship training courses covering soldering\, surface-mount technology\, crimping\, conformal coating\, fiber‑optic terminations\, and ESD management\n\nPlease join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \n  \nAbout the Speakers \nPaula Gothreaux has more than 30 years of experience as both Engineer and Manager in a variety of aerospace Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) disciplines (safety\, risk\, reliability\, quality\, etc.)\, as well as human spaceflight vehicle flight readiness and commercial design consulting efforts. She joined the SMA contractor team in 1995\, later spent over a decade as an engineering consultant\, and ultimately returned to the SMA Engineering Contract (SMAEC) team to lead several SMA teams and projects. Paula has held leadership positions in multiple SMA disciplines and projects. In her current role as SMAEC SAIC Chief SMA Engineer\, she leads safety and mission assurance innovation and engineering oversite for all support and services to programs and projects at NASA Johnson Space Center via the Safety and Mission Assurance Engineering Contract. Paula is a native of west central Louisiana and holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from McNeese State University (1994) and an M.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Houston – Clear Lake (2004). \nMontgomery 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 previous role as Assistant Director of the JSC Engineering Directorate\, he established a framework to better focus Engineering’s efforts towards Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. Mr. Goforth is now serving as Acting Director of the Business Development & Technology Integration Office at JSC\, and as the JSC Chief Technologist.  In these capacities he will be helping to expand the Houston Aerospace Community through the identification of opportunities to develop space/terrestrial technologies of interest to JSC and Human Space Exploration.  Mr. Goforth was born in East Texas\, raised in Southern California and Arizona\, and graduated from Rice University (BSME 1982\, MSME 1987). \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-17/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0352-scaled.jpg?ver=1765820213
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T113000
DTSTAMP:20260227T185754Z
CREATED:20260227T185741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T185754Z
UID:10004889-1773396000-1773401400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-4/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260227T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260227T113000
DTSTAMP:20260210T000911Z
CREATED:20260210T000724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T000911Z
UID:10004797-1772186400-1772191800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every Friday in February\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-3/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260226T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260226T190000
DTSTAMP:20260216T161729Z
CREATED:20251215T174234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T161729Z
UID:10004379-1772128800-1772132400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: Technology Development Opportunities for Human Space Exploration
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nThis month’s NASA Tech Talks will focus on “Technology Development Opportunities for Human Space Exploration.” Mr. Montgomery Goforth will bring an overview of how these opportunities are identified\, what they are\, where they are available\, and how they can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. This overview will provide context for the NASA Tech Talks to be held during the rest of 2026. \nPlease join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \n  \nAbout the Speaker \nMontgomery 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 previous role as Assistant Director of the JSC Engineering Directorate\, he established a framework to better focus Engineering’s efforts towards Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. Mr. Goforth is now serving as Acting Director of the Business Development & Technology Integration Office at JSC\, and as the JSC Chief Technologist.  In these capacities he will be helping to expand the Houston Aerospace Community through the identification of opportunities to develop space/terrestrial technologies of interest to JSC and Human Space Exploration.  Mr. Goforth was born in East Texas\, raised in Southern California and Arizona\, and graduated from Rice University (BSME 1982\, MSME 1987). \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space\n\nPhoto/Video Release \nBy entering the premises\, you consent to be photographed\, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. \nYou agree that such photography\, film and/or recording may be used\, in any and all media throughout the universe in perpetuity\, for any purpose whatsoever by Rice University and its affiliates without compensation to you. \nYou release Rice University and its affiliates and their successors\, assigns and licensees from any liability in connection with such photography\, film or other recording. \nDo not enter this area if you do not wish to be subject to the foregoing.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-16/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0352-scaled.jpg?ver=1765820213
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260220T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260220T113000
DTSTAMP:20260210T000851Z
CREATED:20260210T000703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T000851Z
UID:10004796-1771581600-1771587000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every Friday in February\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-2/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260218T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260218T190000
DTSTAMP:20260211T031601Z
CREATED:20260204T170412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T031601Z
UID:10004788-1771437600-1771441200@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:How to get a NASA internship - OSTEM summer opportunities
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://app.tickettailor.com/events/aiaahouston/2055042 \nUniversity students – learn how to best apply and prepare for a NASA internship at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) and other centers around the United States with AIAA Houston’s “How to get a NASA internship – OSTEM summer opportunities”. \nHosted at The Ion near central Houston 6pm-7pm Thur. Feb. 18\, university students from across Houston’s campuses are invited to this incredible opportunity. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) and current engineers who started their careers as NASA interns will walk university students through the ins and outs of NASA’s internship program. Participate in a Q&A session\, hear how internships shaped the careers of several current engineers through a panel discussion\, and network with numerous industry professionals.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-get-a-nasa-internship-ostem-summer-opportunities/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 031\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Aerospace,All Communities
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LinkedIn-dimensions.png?ver=1770779716
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260213T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260213T113000
DTSTAMP:20260210T000831Z
CREATED:20260210T000622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T000831Z
UID:10004795-1770976800-1770982200@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every Friday in February\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260206T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260206T113000
DTSTAMP:20260202T162142Z
CREATED:20260126T193022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T162142Z
UID:10004779-1770372000-1770377400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:SCORE + NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:About SCORE Office Hours \nSCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer\, expert business mentors. Since 1964\, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start\, grow\, or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10\,000 volunteers provide free\, expert mentoring\, resources\, and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. \nOffice Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays) \nAbout NASA Office Hours \n\nNASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every Friday\, join us for NASA’s first office hours designed to connect innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA experts. We’re kicking off with a focus on Technology Transfer—learn how you can license NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property to help solve challenges here on Earth. Over time\, these sessions will expand to showcase even more capabilities from the Johnson Space Center and across NASA\, evolving based on community needs. \n\n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/score-nasa-office-hours-3/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260130T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260130T113000
DTSTAMP:20260114T213233Z
CREATED:20260114T213233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T213233Z
UID:10004458-1769767200-1769772600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:SCORE + NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:About SCORE Office Hours \nSCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer\, expert business mentors. Since 1964\, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start\, grow\, or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10\,000 volunteers provide free\, expert mentoring\, resources\, and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. \nOffice Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays) \nAbout NASA Office Hours \nNASA is launching recurring Friday morning office hours to connect the innovation community with experts from across the agency. The program will begin with a focus on Technology Transfer\, offering insight into how NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property can be applied beyond space. \nOver time\, office hours will expand to showcase additional capabilities at Johnson Space Center and across NASA\, evolving based on community interest and needs. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/score-nasa-office-hours-2/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260123T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260123T113000
DTSTAMP:20260114T213215Z
CREATED:20260114T213215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T213215Z
UID:10004457-1769162400-1769167800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:SCORE + NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:About SCORE Office Hours \nSCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer\, expert business mentors. Since 1964\, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start\, grow\, or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10\,000 volunteers provide free\, expert mentoring\, resources\, and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. \nOffice Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays) \nAbout NASA Office Hours \nNASA is launching recurring Friday morning office hours to connect the innovation community with experts from across the agency. The program will begin with a focus on Technology Transfer\, offering insight into how NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property can be applied beyond space. \nOver time\, office hours will expand to showcase additional capabilities at Johnson Space Center and across NASA\, evolving based on community interest and needs. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/score-nasa-office-hours/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T190000
DTSTAMP:20260121T185856Z
CREATED:20251215T173700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T185856Z
UID:10004378-1769104800-1769108400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: Rice Space Institute and the UK Consulate
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them.This month NASA Tech Talks is partnering with the Rice Space Institute and the UK Consulate in Houston to bring you a special event featuring a delegation from the UK Science and Technology Network. We’ll get to hear from a panel of UK space experts followed by a very special fireside chat featuring Dr. David Alexander\, the head of the Rice Space Institute\, and Meganne Christian\, ESA reserve astronaut and senior exploration manager. Along the way\, we’ll learn about the exciting opportunities upcoming for UK-US space collaboration and ongoing projects at Rice\, the European Space Agency (ESA)\, the UK Space Agency (UKSA)\, and in Houston more broadly.Please join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \n  \nAbout the Speakers \nMeganne Louise Christian is a member of the 2022 European Space Agency Astronaut Group and Reserve Astronaut and Exploration Commercialization Lead at the UK Space Agency. In January 2025\, she began the first of three\, two-month Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) programs at ESA’s European Astronaut Center (EAC) in Cologne\, Germany.  Meganne completed her Doctorate at the University of New South Wales in industrial chemistry\, studying the design\, synthesis\, and advanced characterization of nanomaterials for hydrogen storage applications. She was previously a materials scientist at the National Research Council (CNR) in Bologna\, Italy\, and atmospheric physicist at Concordia Station in Antarctica. As scientist in charge of atmospheric physics and meteorology at the French-Italian research base\, she was responsible for various observatories\, including radiation\, meteorology\, stratospheric lidars\, chemical and physical atmospheric aerosols and infrared radiation for Antarctic clouds. \nDr. David Alexander is a professor of astrophysics at Rice University and a Rice faculty scholar at the Baker Institute. Alexander also serves as the Director of the Rice Space Institute. Alexander was awarded an OBE by her majesty Queen Elizabeth in June 2018 for services to the space industry\, received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in 2004 and was appointed a Kavli Frontiers Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences in 2006. He is former Chair of the Solar Physics Division of the American Astronomical Society and has served on many professional committees including the NASA Advisory Council’s Heliophysics Subcommittee\, and the NASA Solar Heliospheric Management and Operations Working Group.  He has been named a GlobalScot by the Scottish government and was an elected member of the Board of Directors of the American Astronautical Society from 2018-2022. He served as Chair of the inaugural Aerospace and Aviation Industry Committee of the Greater Houston Partnership\, has been on the Board of Directors of the Houston Spaceport Development Corporation since 2021 and was recently appointed to the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium Executive Committee.  Alexander received his Bachelor of Science in Natural Philosophy and Astronomy\, and his astrophysics doctorate from the University of Glasgow. \nMontgomery 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 previous role as Assistant Director of the JSC Engineering Directorate\, he established a framework to better focus Engineering’s efforts towards Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. Mr. Goforth is now serving as Acting Director of the Business Development & Technology Integration Office at JSC\, and as the JSC Chief Technologist.  In these capacities he will be helping to expand the Houston Aerospace Community through the identification of opportunities to develop space/terrestrial technologies of interest to JSC and Human Space Exploration.  Mr. Goforth was born in East Texas\, raised in Southern California and Arizona\, and graduated from Rice University (BSME 1982\, MSME 1987). \n  \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space\n\n  \nAbout the Rice Space Institute (RSI) \nRSI was formed in 2000 as part of the merger between the former Physics and Space Physics and Astronomy departments.  In 2011\, the Wiess School of Natural Sciences began a program to strengthen Rice’s involvement in space-related research and to pursue a more formal partnership with the NASA Johnson Space Center under the auspices of RSI. \nRSI has taken a central role in fostering programs which have given rise to Rice’s international reputation in all areas of space research. As a world leader in space\, earth and astronomical sciences\, advanced technology and engineering\, public policy and business\, Rice University invests in efforts to further the development of new ideas and innovation in the broad area that is space exploration and utilization. \nRSI is a dynamic leader in bringing the community together to promote space research\, education\, policy and advocacy.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-15/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0352-scaled.jpg?ver=1765820213
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251023T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251023T190000
DTSTAMP:20251016T163708Z
CREATED:20241212T215012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T163708Z
UID:10002623-1761242400-1761246000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks
DESCRIPTION:Due to the lapse in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2026 and the associated partial government shutdown\, our October NASA Tech Talk has been canceled.  We look forward to restarting the series in next year\, with our first NASA Tech Talk of 2026 tentatively scheduled for Thursday\, January 22nd. \n\nWe want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges–and apply your skills and expertise to solve them.In these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community.Join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught!Past NASA Tech Talks have included: Montgomery B. Goforth discussing NASA Intellectual Property suitable for commercialization by small/start-up companies; Jared Daum discussing Orion’s parachutes and risk identification and mitigation that are showstoppers for the spaceflight parachute industry; Kevin Kobylka discussing current Guidance\, Navigation\, and Control (GNC) capabilities and needs; and Nick Skytland\, Chief Technologist at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Director of the Business Development and Technology Integration Office. Future NASA Tech Talks will include: dual-use (space/terrestrial) technologies in the areas of: \n\nAvionics / Communication / Sensors\nRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long lived wireless sensors\nPower Storage and Distribution\nAutonomous & Robotics Systems\nExtra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) Systems\nVirtual/Augmented Reality in Human Spaceflight Training & Execution\nHuman Health & Performance / Human Systems Research\n\nAbout the Speakers \nMontgomery 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). \nNASA Tech Talks topics include dual-use (space/terrestrial) technologies and focus areas in:\n\n\n\nAvionics / Communication / Sensors\nRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long-lived wireless sensors\nPower Storage and Distribution\nAutonomous & Robotics Systems\nExtra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) Systems\nVirtual/Augmented Reality in Human Spaceflight Training & Execution\nHuman Health & Performance / Human Systems Research\nNASA Intellectual Property suitable for commercialization by small/start-up companies\nOrion’s parachutes and risk identification and mitigation strategies\nLeveraging Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long-lived wireless sensors
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-14/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240822_182607.jpg?ver=1727905970
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251014T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251014T100000
DTSTAMP:20251008T231212Z
CREATED:20250821T152234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T231212Z
UID:10004025-1760430600-1760436000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Stories at the Ion: Dina Contella\, Deputy Manager\, NASA’s International Space Station Program
DESCRIPTION:The community is invited to “NASA Stories at the Ion”—a dynamic morning series capturing the personal side of space exploration. \n\nOn Tuesday\, October 14\, the series welcomes Dina Contella\, Deputy Manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program. As a leader at the forefront of human spaceflight\, Contella offers insights from her career overseeing International Space Station operations\, shaping Artemis missions\, and guiding real-time decisions in Mission Control. \nEach session brings the lived experiences of astronauts and NASA’s top talent to center stage\, with stories of inspiring missions\, unexpected challenges\, and teamwork in orbit. Past speakers include Astronaut Tracy C. Dyson and NASA Flight Director Anthony Vareha. This event promises another powerful\, can’t-miss conversation. \n\n \n\n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-stories-at-the-ion/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community,Keynote,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/251014_Website-Linkedin-1.jpg?ver=1758907886
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250925T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250925T190000
DTSTAMP:20250916T182458Z
CREATED:20241212T214929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T182458Z
UID:10002622-1758823200-1758826800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: Ceramic Ion Transport Membranes
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nJoin us this month for John Graf’s “Ceramic Ion Transport Membranes – A new method for oxygen generation” \nFor the past 50 years\, there have been three commercially available methods for oxygen generation: \n\nCryogenic air separation plants provide industrial scale oxygen to steel mills and petrochemical plants.  This technology is cost effective at large scale\, but cryogenic air separation is not practical for small scale portable oxygen.\nPressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) systems have been commercially available since the 1980’s.  PSA systems are effective for small scale compact portable systems\, but they require regular maintenance.\nWater electrolysis oxygen generators have converted oxygen into oxygen in confined spaces like submarines and spacecraft for more than 70 years.  Water electrolysis systems can store oxygen in the form of water\, which is dense and safe and stable.  Use of water electrolysis systems is limited to confined space applications\, because the energy cost of splitting water is relatively high.\n\nNASA has been leading efforts to develop a new kind of oxygen generation technology.  Ceramic Ion Transport Membranes can extract oxygen from air using a mechanism that is solid state.  Small scale\, portable Ion Transport Membrane systems can be effectively built\, the oxygen generator shown in the figure below is smaller than 0.5 m3\, it has operated continuously for 366 days with no maintenance and no changes in system performance.  Ceramic Ion Transport Membrane systems produce oxygen with purity >99.9% \nNASA is developing the technology to enable the recharge of spacesuit oxygen tanks with high purity\, high pressure oxygen\, but this new technology has the potential to address other oxygen generation applications including: medical oxygen in remote locations\, ultrapure oxygen\, oxygen for laser cutting\, and oxygen for semiconductor manufacture.  Recent developments in membrane manufacturing have matured the technology and enabled commercialization.  American Oxygen\, the company manufacturing ceramic ion transport membrane systems for NASA plans to sell commercial systems in 2026. \nPlease join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \n  \nAbout the Speakers \nJohn Graf\, P.E.\, Ph.D. serves a Technology Development Lead for Life Support at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.  John will describe NASA’s work developing an entirely new kind of oxygen generation with the potential to increase system life\, reduce cost\, and improve reliability. \nMontgomery 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). \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-13/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240822_182607.jpg?ver=1727905970
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T190000
DTSTAMP:20250818T222312Z
CREATED:20241212T214829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T222312Z
UID:10002621-1756404000-1756407600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: Lunar Innovations
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nAt this month’s NASA Tech Talk\, we’re going to learn more about patents\, innovation\, and space exploration. \nHow do you get patents for systems used on the Moon? How do you even think of something new? In “Lunar Innovations\,” Julie N. Strickland shares two of her patent-awarded systems and the story behind them. From a way to rescue an astronaut to a system that removes heat from a lunar habitat\, Strickland explains the thought process that went into developing these ideas. She breaks down the process from finding a problem worth solving to the amount of detail needed for a patent application. \nPlease join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \n  \nAbout the Speakers \nWith almost 20 years in the aerospace industry\, Julie N. Strickland is an experienced engineer\, project manager\, and innovator. She earned her degree in mechanical engineering so that she could facilitate space exploration. She worked on the design of the next generation spacesuit\, the Orion capsule\, and the Space Launch System (SLS). She is a space enthusiast to her core. \nMs. Strickland holds multiple patent awards in the US and internationally. She mentored junior employees over the years\, teaching them how to develop ideas that may become patents. Under her leadership\, the business unit increased invention disclosures by 10%. \nToday\, she works as a Research & Development Project Manager\, teaching a new team how to better innovate. Her business\, Strawberry Innovation\, provides coaching\, presentations\, and workshops. Outside of work\, she enjoys hiking\, writing\, and traveling. Her grand goal is to hike in every state in the nation with 60% of the states hiked so far. \nLearn more about Strickland on her company website at StrawberryInnovation.org \nMontgomery 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). \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-12/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240822_182607.jpg?ver=1727905970
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250812T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250812T100000
DTSTAMP:20250806T184656Z
CREATED:20250703T000425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T184656Z
UID:10003353-1754987400-1754992800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Stories at the Ion: A Conversation with NASA Flight Director Anthony Vareha
DESCRIPTION:Join us for “NASA Stories at the Ion” featuring NASA Flight Director Anthony Vareha who will share insights from leading teams of flight controllers at the core of Mission Control. Learn about the vital role flight directors play in overseeing dynamic human spaceflight operations from making critical real-time decisions to ensure astronaut safety and mission success to helping guide the development for future missions to the Moon and Mars. \nDid you know there have only been 108 flight directors in NASA’s 67 years of history? Hear from the agency’s 91st Flight Director\, Anthony Vareha (Enterprise Flight)\, about the history and responsibilities of the most storied and critical positions in human spaceflight. \nThis speaker series is designed to inspire anyone curious about what it takes to push the boundaries of human potential. Complimentary breakfast and networking kicks off each event. \n\n\nAbout the Speaker \nAs a Flight Director at NASA’s Mission Control\, Anthony has spent over 8000 hours operating spacecraft in low Earth orbit and beyond. His primary duty is the safe operation of the International Space Station (ISS) as he leads a multi-national team to execute the mission of humanity’s greatest scientific and exploration asset in space. Anthony has provided operational leadership to the Commercial Crew Program\, as a Flight Director on console during the SpaceX Demo 1\, SpaceX Demo 2\, and Boeing Starliner flight test missions. Anthony was the lead NASA Flight Director for the SpaceX Crew-1 mission\, which was the first six-month mission of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. As lead Flight Director for Expedition 61\, his team set a variety of records for both the number of spacewalks as well the number of hours of scientific research. From 2021-2022\, Anthony served as Assistant Director of Flight Operations for the Commercial Crew Program. In 2022\, Anthony served as a Flight Director during the Artemis 1 mission – the first instance of a human-rated spacecraft orbiting the moon since the end of the Apollo program. His current assignments are as the lead Flight Director for the next flight of the Boeing Starliner capsule\, as well as lead Flight Director in the development of the US Deorbit Vehicle – responsible for the eventual safe decommissioning of the ISS. \n— \n\nThe Ion is proud to present “NASA Stories at the Ion”—a one-of-a-kind morning series spotlighting the human side of space exploration. Each session will feature personal and powerful stories from astronauts and key NASA personnel. From breathtaking missions aboard the International Space Station to unexpected lessons in leadership and teamwork\, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at spaceflight\, told by the people who’ve lived it. \n\n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-stories-at-the-ion-0812/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NSATI-August-12-Website-Linkedin.jpg?ver=1753116372
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250724T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250724T190000
DTSTAMP:20250721T213157Z
CREATED:20241212T213931Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250721T213157Z
UID:10002619-1753380000-1753383600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: In-space Biomanufacturing and Advanced Material Manufacturing
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nJoin us this month for an exciting NASA Tech Talk exploring in-space biomanufacturing and advanced material manufacturing aboard the International Space Station (ISS)! As NASA stimulates low-Earth orbit (LEO) by paving the way for commercial LEO destinations\, NASA’s In Space Production Applications (InSPA) portfolio is developing the next generation of applications that will benefit humanity on earth\, drive economic growth\,  enhance national security\, and propel human space exploration. \nHighlights: \n\nOverview of NASA’s InSPA portfolio.\nCurrent strategies for biomanufacturing and advanced material manufacturing in LEO.\nHow microgravity enhances the production process for a variety of applications.\nExplore the benefits to humanity\, national security\, economy\, and human exploration.\nRemaining challenges for productions at scale and how NASA plans to enable the commercial space destinations of the future.\n\nThis engaging lecture will offer insights into how NASA scientists and engineers are tackling the challenge of ensuring United States leadership in LEO\, and how these innovations will improve the lives of humans on Earth. \nPlease join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \n  \nAbout the Speakers \nMatthew E. Wallace is a manager at The Aerospace Corporation and helps lead NASA’s InSPA portfolio. He currently manages a team of scientists\, engineers\, and data analysts to help NASA’s ISS Research Integration office solve it biggest challenges. He has nearly 10 years of experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He has served as a STEM Engagement Specialist and science communicator\, as well as a portfolio manager. He is also a US Army Captain and aviation officer in the Army National Guard and pilots the AH-64E Apache and UH-72A Lakota in a variety of combat training and mission operations. He leverages his NASA and military background to make connections across civil and defense aerospace arenas. He holds a B.S. from Texas A&M University and a M.Ed. in Science\, Technology\, Engineering and Math Education from Northeastern State University. Before working for NASA\, he taught AP Biology and Chemistry in the greater Houston area. \nMontgomery 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). \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise \nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene \nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter \nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies: \nMicrobes in Space
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-11/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240822_182607.jpg?ver=1727905970
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250701T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250701T100000
DTSTAMP:20250605T163435Z
CREATED:20250605T163435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T163435Z
UID:10003320-1751356800-1751364000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Stories at the Ion: A Conversation with NASA Astronaut Tracy C. Dyson
DESCRIPTION:The Ion is proud to present “NASA Stories at the Ion”—a one-of-a-kind morning series spotlighting the human side of space exploration. Each session will feature personal and powerful stories from astronauts and key NASA personnel. From breathtaking missions aboard the International Space Station to unexpected lessons in leadership and teamwork\, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at spaceflight\, told by the people who’ve lived it. \nThis speaker series is designed to inspire anyone curious about what it takes to push the boundaries of human potential. Complimentary breakfast and networking kicks off each event. \nJoin us for the inaugural edition of “NASA Stories at the Ion” featuring veteran NASA astronaut Dr. Tracy C. Dyson. In this conversation\, Dr. Dyson will share stories from her remarkable 373 days in space\, her experiences aboard the International Space Station\, and the leadership lessons she’s learned while orbiting 250 miles above Earth. \n  \nAbout Tracy C. Dyson \nTracy C. Dyson was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998. The California native has a Ph.D. in Chemistry\, and is a veteran of three space flights. Dr. Dyson has designed\, constructed and implemented electronics and hardware for the study of atmospheric gas phase chemistry\, and has developed and presented numerous papers on methods of chemical ionization for the spectral interpretation of trace compounds. In 2007\, Dyson flew aboard the space shuttle Endeavor on STS-118\, where she served as a mission specialist. In 2010\, she served as flight engineer for Expedition 23/24. She has logged a total of 373 days in space\, including over 23 hours in four spacewalks. Most recently\, Dyson launched to the International Space Station on March 23\, 2024\, as a flight engineer on the Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft. Dyson spent six months aboard the station as an Expedition 71 flight engineer\, conducting science experiments and maintaining the space station. It was her second long-duration spaceflight and third mission overall. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-stories-at-the-ion-a-conversation-with-nasa-astronaut-tracy-c-dyson/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/250602-Website24.jpg?ver=1749066633
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T190000
DTSTAMP:20250625T191749Z
CREATED:20241212T213151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T191749Z
UID:10002618-1750960800-1750964400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: Intelligent Medical Crew Agent (IMCA)
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nJoin us this month as we partner with Houston AI to discuss AI in Space.  The Houston AI session will start at 4:00 PM and include a talk on “The Role of AI in Human Spaceflight” and a panel discussion featuring experts in the roles AI will play in the future of Human Space Exploration. RSVP for this portion of the session here. \nWe will segue into our NASA Tech Talk at 6:00 PM for a demonstration of a NASA developed Intelligent Medical Crew Agent (IMCA) aka “Doc-In-A-Box”. Led by Lui Wang\, this project is aimed to accelerate the maturation and flight readiness of an AI-enabled intelligent First Aid Medical kit developed for Earth Independent Medical Operations. This kit combines three AI agents to assist medical and non-medical crewmembers in assessing\, diagnosing\, and treating ongoing or emergent medical conditions with local computing resources and no remote SME support. \nPlease join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \n  \nAbout the Speakers \nLui Wang is a Principal Technical Expert in the Advanced Software Technologies at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. As a pioneer in avionics design\, he has developed electronic procedure systems that support human spaceflight. With a tenure at NASA since 1983\, Lui holds multiple patents and has spearheaded numerous projects integrating automation and intelligent systems technologies across various human spaceflight programs\, from the NASA Space Shuttle to Artemis Gateway program. \nMontgomery 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). \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-9/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_0341-scaled.jpg?ver=1746635445
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250522T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250522T190000
DTSTAMP:20250520T200746Z
CREATED:20241212T213046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T200746Z
UID:10002617-1747936800-1747940400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: Exploring the Science and Innovations Behind Space Food Systems
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nJoin us this month for an exciting NASA Tech Talk exploring the science and innovations behind space food systems—past\, present\, and future. As NASA prepares for extended missions to the Moon and Mars\, providing astronauts with nutritious\, safe\, and palatable food remains a critical challenge. \nEvent Highlights: \n\nCurrent strategies for feeding astronauts aboard the International Space Station\nFood safety and quality considerations in microgravity and closed environments\nThe science behind the space food systems\nRemaining challenges to build space food systems for the Moon\, Mars\, and beyond\n\nThis engaging lecture will offer insights into how NASA scientists and engineers are tackling one of the most fundamental aspects of human spaceflight: keeping astronauts healthy\, fueled\, and mission ready. \nPlease join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \n  \nAbout the Speakers \nXulei Wu serves as Food Scientist/System Manager for International Space Station and Artemis at NASA Johnson Space Center. In this role\, she leads the overall management of the food system development\, provisioning\, production\, and delivery to support Crew health and performance. She also works with other government agencies\, commercial\, and international partners to ensure safe and reliable food systems for low Earth orbit missions. She earned a B.S. in food science and engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University\, and a M.S. in food science and technology from Oregon State University. She has over 10 years’ experience working in food industry and government agency\, with expertise on food safety\, freeze drying technology\, low moisture foods\, shelf-life study\, and sensory evaluation. \nMontgomery 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). \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-8/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_0341-scaled.jpg?ver=1746635445
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250424T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250424T190000
DTSTAMP:20250417T171212Z
CREATED:20241212T213818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T171212Z
UID:10002620-1745517600-1745521200@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks - Rice Space Institute
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nThis month NASA Tech Talks is once again partnering with the Rice Space Institute. \nIn an ambitious effort to fuel startup growth\, drive research and forge international partnerships\, the Rice Space Institute\, in partnership with Business France\, the French Space Agency CNES and the French Consulate in Houston have launched the Texas-France Space Hub that aims to unite academic institutions and private enterprises to expand commercial space presence in both countries.  The first cohort of companies arrived at The Ion in early April and will be participating as part of the Rice Nexus over the next 2 months.  This first cohort consists of Absolut Sensing\, which specializes in high-precision satellite data for methane emissions detection; Geeglee\, a software platform designed to enhance decision-making in architecture and systems engineering; Agena Space\, which develops in-orbit mobility solutions powered by green propulsion; and Watt & Well\, a company focused on designing high-performance power electronics for space applications. Join us to learn more about the Texas-France Space Hub\, and to hear from each of these companies. \n\nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space\n\nAbout the Houston Spaceport Frontiers Lecture Series \nThis public lecture series was begun by the Rice Space Institute to introduce students and the general public to the wide array of issues involved in the pursuit of an advanced presence in space: international policy\, technology innovation\, commercialization\, biological impacts\, space science\, etc. \nAbout the Speakers \nMontgomery 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).
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-10/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_0338-scaled.jpg?ver=1742571531
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250327T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250327T190000
DTSTAMP:20250321T153913Z
CREATED:20241212T212504Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T153913Z
UID:10002616-1743098400-1743102000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and its risk to NASA astronauts
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nThis month NASA Tech Talks is proud to bring you Dr. Tyson Brunstetter to discuss “Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and its risk to NASA astronauts”. \nFirst discovered in 2005\, Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) is a unique condition detected in 70% of astronauts during long-duration missions. SANS is associated with vision shifts and anatomical changes to the eyes and brain which present risk to crewmember vision\, cognition\, and mission effectiveness. NASA considers SANS mitigation to be a top priority\, especially for extended-duration missions to Mars where early returns are impossible. This NASA Tech Talk will discuss the history of SANS\, how it is measured and diagnosed\, its risk to astronauts\, and how it might be mitigated as humans prepare for interplanetary travel. \nPlease join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \nAbout the Speakers \nDr. Tyson Brunstetter retired from the U.S. Navy in 2020\, after serving 24 years on active-duty as an aerospace optometrist and vision researcher\, working within such areas as aircrew laser eye protection; helmet-mounted cueing systems for tactical aircraft; advanced refractive surgery; and deployable battlefield medical devices. He now serves at Johnson Space Center as NASA’s “Eyes & Vision” Clinical Lead in the efforts to mitigate a condition affecting the eyes\, brain\, and vision of astronauts during long-duration spaceflight\, Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) \nDr. Brunstetter earned Doctor of Optometry\, Master of Science\, and PhD degrees from the Ohio State University\, and an Executive MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School. He was “winged” as a Navy Aerospace Optometrist in 2002 and earned Board Certification as an Aerospace Physiologist in 2006. He is a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) and the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). \nMontgomery 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). \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-7/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_0338-scaled.jpg?ver=1742571531
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T193000
DTSTAMP:20250217T153921Z
CREATED:20241212T211905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250217T153921Z
UID:10002615-1740679200-1740684600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: Galactic Gold Rush: Tapping into the Space Economy
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \nThis month NASA Tech Talks is partnering with the Rice Space Institute to bring you Kelli Kedis Ogborn\, the Vice President for Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship at the Space Foundation\, speaking on the “Galactic Gold Rush: Tapping into the Space Economy”. This talk will provide an overview of the major players\, markets\, capabilities\, and macro trends influencing and influenced by the evolving space economy. Topics covered will address the tangential industries relevant both now and in the future for growing and sustaining its potential. \nWe will have a reception starting at 6pm\, and begin the talk at 6:30pm. Please join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught! \nAbout the Speakers \nKelli Kedis Ogborn’s leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of companies entering the space market. With extensive experience in R&D and cutting-edge technology applications for the U.S. government and private sector\, her methodologies guide organizations and companies that are transitioning from development ecosystems to market capitalization. \nIn her role as Vice President of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation\, Kedis Ogborn leads Space Commerce Institute\, an initiative aimed at providing valuable insights and actionable programming to empower countries\, individuals\, and companies to carve out their niche and thrive in the rapidly expanding space economy. \nPrior to joining Space Foundation\, Kedis Ogborn was President and Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Rockets Corporation (an aerospace company specializing in hypersonic flight)\, President and Chief Executive Officer of H.S. Dracones (a consulting company specializing in technology commercialization) and was contracted as the Congressional Liaison to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In the DARPA liaison role\, she provided advice to senior leadership and technical offices on Congressional engagement strategies to maintain the agency’s position and reputation as a premier science and technology organization. \nKedis Ogborn is an often-published author and speaker on the market applications of innovation and has worked extensively as an authoritative voice within the emerging space economy – qualifying and quantifying the economic drivers and technology trends driving the industry forward and shaping its investment potential and growth. She is also a frequent panel reviewer and technology assessor for commercialization merit of government R&D proposals and mentor for entrepreneurs. \nShe holds an International Security and Conflict Resolution Bachelor’s Degree from San Diego State University\, a Political Science Bachelor’s Degree from Stockholm University\, and a Master’s Degree in Government and Security Studies from The Johns Hopkins University. \nMontgomery 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). \n  \nAbout NASA Tech Talks \nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight.  Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as: \n\nFrom Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise\nDisruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment:  The New Promise of Graphene\nLunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter\nLunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:\nMicrobes in Space\n\n\nAbout the Houston Spaceport Frontiers Lecture Series \nThis public lecture series was begun by the Rice Space Institute to introduce students and the general public to the wide array of issues involved in the pursuit of an advanced presence in space: international policy\, technology innovation\, commercialization\, biological impacts\, space science\, etc.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-6/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240822_182607.jpg?ver=1727905970
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250123T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250123T190000
DTSTAMP:20250113T192702Z
CREATED:20241212T211204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T192702Z
UID:10002611-1737655200-1737658800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Tech Talks: Artemis: NASA’s Plan for Sustainable Lunar Exploration
DESCRIPTION:We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them. \n\nThis month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth\, Assistant Director of Engineering at JSC\, will present a comprehensive overview of the Artemis Program as it exists today. This overview will provide context for the NASA Tech Talks to be held during the rest of 2025.  Mr. Goforth will provide a sense of the magnitude and complexity of the effort that will be required to return humans to the Moon. \nJoin us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught!\n\n\n— \n\nIn these presentations\, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month\, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges\, and the associated opportunities\, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community.\n\n\nPast NASA Tech Talks have included:Montgomery B. Goforth discussing NASA Intellectual Property suitable for commercialization by small/start-up companies; Jared Daum discussing Orion’s parachutes and risk identification and mitigation that are showstoppers for the spaceflight parachute industry; Kevin Kobylka discussing current Guidance\, Navigation\, and Control (GNC) capabilities and needs; and Nick Skytland\, Chief Technologist at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Director of the Business Development and Technology Integration Office. Future NASA Tech Talks will include: dual-use (space/terrestrial) technologies in the areas of: \n\nAvionics / Communication / Sensors\nRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long lived wireless sensors\nPower Storage and Distribution\nAutonomous & Robotics Systems\nExtra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) Systems\nVirtual/Augmented Reality in Human Spaceflight Training & Execution\nHuman Health & Performance / Human Systems Research\n\nAbout the Speakers \nMontgomery 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). \nNASA Tech Talks topics include dual-use (space/terrestrial) technologies and focus areas in:\n\n\n\nAvionics / Communication / Sensors\nRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long-lived wireless sensors\nPower Storage and Distribution\nAutonomous & Robotics Systems\nExtra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) Systems\nVirtual/Augmented Reality in Human Spaceflight Training & Execution\nHuman Health & Performance / Human Systems Research\nNASA Intellectual Property suitable for commercialization by small/start-up companies\nOrion’s parachutes and risk identification and mitigation strategies\nLeveraging Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long-lived wireless sensors
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-tech-talks-5/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240822_182607.jpg?ver=1727905970
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250115T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250115T190000
DTSTAMP:20241220T173347Z
CREATED:20241219T140013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241220T173347Z
UID:10002684-1736960400-1736967600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:In the Age of the Humanoid Robot
DESCRIPTION:Regsiter here: https://persona_ai.eventbrite.com \nThe AI revolution is here\, and it’s about to walk among us. Persona AI cofounder & seasoned roboticist Nicolaus Radford will discuss the promise of embodied AI and the adoption of humanoid robots—two advancements likely to impact every market sector.\nHumanoids coupled to artificial intelligence are poised to reshape the global work landscape forever. To learn more\, join us for a talk\, Q&A\, and Second Draught happy hour as we enter the “Age of the Humanoid Robot.” \nSpeaker\nNicolaus Radford is an engineer and serial entrepreneur. During his time in the field\, Radford has contributed to several humanoid builds\, led award-winning robotics teams at NASA\, and founded Jacobi Motors\, Nauticus Robotics\, and Rad Capital. His current venture is Persona AI\, a Houston-based startup seeking to build the world’s toughest humanoid.\nRadford received his BSEE and MSEE in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of Houston\, and is a member of Tiger 21 and the Young President’s Organization.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/in-the-age-of-the-humanoid-robot/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,AI,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Persona-AI-ION-Talk-Announcement-Social-Media-12-18-2024_001_03-copy.png?ver=1734716000
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