Maui resident Dr. T.S. Kelso was honored with an award from the Space Data Association (SDA) at the 22nd Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference, for his outstanding contributions to space flight safety. AMOS, presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), is the premier technical conference in the nation devoted to space situational awareness (SSA); keeping track of objects in orbit.
“We are honored that Dr. Kelso received his award at the AMOS Conference,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “The award will be presented annually to recognize vital contributions and applications to enable flight safety.”
Kelso is an internationally recognized leader in the field of SSA and has driven technical improvements to further ensure that the SDA stays on the cutting edge of satellite safety performance. The award was presented by Major General DeAnna M. Burt, Commander, Combined Force Space Component Command, United States Space Command. Burt said, “I am pleased to present the T.S. Kelso Award for Space Safety to its first recipient, T.S. Kelso. He has diligently worked to promote safe operational practices for all stakeholders.”
Kelso pointed out “My main job has been screening satellites for operators from many nations. We track these satellites to identify close approaches with other satellites and debris in space. Currently, we track over 23,000 objects larger than 10cm. The real challenge is filtering through the hundreds of close approaches we see each day, so that the operators can move the satellite in time to avoid a collision. All the safety considerations of air and sea travel now pertain to space travel at a vastly enhanced level because the costs and risks are even higher. The event of spacecraft colliding is serious to our global economy and security.”
Kelso is also the founder of the CelesTrak website, the world’s first private source for orbital element sets, related software, and educational materials. The site supports everyone from professionals operating satellites in orbit, to faculty, students, and other researchers investigating the space environment, to individuals who just want to go out to see the space station pass over.
I am a big supporter of MEDB’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs. In past years, I led teacher workshops at AMOS and hosted a star party to introduce attendees to the wonders of the Maui sky.
Dr. T.S. Kelso, Space Data Association T.S. Kelso Award Winner
This summer, the University of Hawaii’s Space Flight Laboratory (HSFL) was awarded one of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief grants (GEER) to find innovative ways to teach in Hawaii. Since May 2020, thanks to a NASA Artemis Student Challenge Grant, the HSFL team has developed an educational version of a 1U (10cm on each edge) low-cost cubesat kit, including hardware, software, and educational materials to enable community college and undergraduates, with no formal aerospace program, to do aerospace research. The recent GEER Grant also allows HSFL to bring the kit to middle and high schools in Hawaii.
“Through this grant, our team will provide participating teachers a hardware kit and a basic electronics lab kit to test their spacecraft,” said Amber Imai-Hong, HSFL Avionics Engineer Outreach Specialist. “Educators will be required to participate in an online UH course, at no cost, to provide them with technical knowledge and assistance integrating the kit into their curriculum. As with many scholastic robotics and science fair competitions, HSFL will host a design challenge for the students where they can develop a mission concept around Earth observation, and test their ideas using the Artemis CubeSat kit. There will not be awards; however, we will host an online symposium in April 2022 where the students can present their mission concepts, including designs and modifications to the kit, testing procedures, and results, to engineers from around the state.”
These current projects were inspired by Hiapo, a 1U cubesat satellite built and launched by a group of Hawaii students and staff at the Hawaii Science and Technology Museum. When HSFL was approached in 2019 to build an affordable 1U cubesat, they jumped at the opportunity to reach out to community members. “We were able to train over 30 students at UH and an additional 20 students in grades 3-12,” said Imai-Hong. “The satellite launched on the Firefly Alpha on September 2, 2021, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California — it was an excellent training experience. The entire Hiapo team are already talking about the mission and design of our next satellite!”
We are reaching out to educators at public, private, and charter schools who may want to integrate this open-ended project-based learning into their classrooms. For more information, email outreach@hsfl.hawaii.edu.
Student Space Day went virtual at the 22nd Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS) with guest speaker NASA Astronaut United States Space Force Col. Michael Hopkins. Presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) STEMworks™ Program, the popular event for Hawaii’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) students, drew over 350 youth in grades K-12. Streaming live from AMOS, teachers and students heard a video and talk about Hopkins’ time on the International Space Station (ISS).
Most recently, Hopkins served as Commander of the Crew-1 mission, SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle named Resilience, which landed on May 2, 2021. He also served as Flight Engineer on the ISS for Expedition 64. In his talk, he engaged students and made the material accessible with student friendly language using ‘Baby Yoda’ as a co-host. The presentation gave a glimpse into the day-to-day life of an astronaut who accumulated 168 days in space with five spacewalks.
“A wide-range of experiments across all scientific fields are being done on the space station,” Hopkins explained. “Scientists focus on research revolving around human health and physiology, agriculture and much more. Examples include: understanding how plants grow in microgravity; how technology can improve liquid movement in space; and how long spaceflight affects the human body. These experiments play a crucial role in planning for future deep space travel.”
Wendy Wells, Lihikai Elementary Science and Math Curriculum Support, said, “The students had many questions for Col. Hopkins such as why the return pods land in water and about weight in space. One student was particularly fascinated by the fact that they were growing plants in space. Another was asking about how long it took to build the rockets used to get to the ISS. Even if students are not inspired to go to space themselves, they could see all the connections to other professions and skills. It is life-changing for any child to feel that their interest or talent may have a use in something as fantastic as space. It motivates us as teachers to provide as many of those experiences as we can.”
I have worked with MEDB’s STEMworks for many years. I am so grateful for the extensive, relevant, and high-quality opportunities they provide.
Wendy Wells, Lihikai Elementary Science and Math Curriculum Support
Hawaii residents contributed to key space-related discussions at the 4th annual EMER-GEN Conference. This year’s program, presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) was the first hybrid event, with both in-person and livestream components. A joint initiative of the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference and the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), the EMER-GEN experience offered mentoring, networking, professional development sessions and scholarships for university students and young professionals, ages 18-35.
“MEDB was honored to be a platform for dialogue for the 2021 EMER-GEN cohort,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “This experience provides a significant pathway into future careers.” The 2021 program was filled with critical-thinking exercises, including three pre-event webinars fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the cohort. They were also challenged to solve problems through a hack-a-thon and consensus-building session to help create new opportunities for space-based technologies.
Along with MEDB, three young professionals helped shape the program. Two representatives nominated by SGAC, Quentin Verspieren, Space Policy Researcher with the University of Tokyo, and Christine Dubbert, a Project Engineer with York Space Systems, were joined by Maui resident Micah Nishimoto, an undergraduate student of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Southern California.
“I was humbled to be part of the organizing team,” said Nishimoto. “EMER-GEN is a great opportunity to learn about space engineering, space policy, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our guest speakers, Ramsay Taum, Life Enhancement Institute of the Pacific, LLC, and Dave Baiocchi, Imaginative Futures, tied all of these important topics to native Hawaiian culture and values.”
Katlynn Vicuna, UH Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory, added, “I enjoyed the interactions among the diverse cohort, and applaud the mentor session. Presently, I am not sure which career path I want to follow. It truly helped to talk to mentors from academia, military, and industry.
Mentor Tom Kubancik, Trusted Space, Inc., said, “EMER-GEN is important. Each year the program enriches the cohort’s effectiveness to work in a global environment. Our industry is strengthened when we are inclusive and incorporate the ideas of every age group and nationality. This cohort is bright and smart. I learned a lot from them!”
MEDB has successfully evolved the EMER-GEN program over the years. They keep it fresh while staying true to its roots in terms of development of the young intelligent people in our industry.
Tom Kubancik, EMER-GEN Mentor, Trusted Space, Inc.
Today in Hawaii, science-minded students, like the ancient celestial navigators, look to the sky to understand what is going on in the cosmos. For over a decade, the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy’s (IfA) Hawaii Student Teacher Astronomy Research (HI STAR) program has attracted middle and high school students from across the state. Led by Dr. James “JD” Armstrong, IfA Maui Technology Education and Outreach Specialist, HI STAR introduces students to the basic practices of science – exploring, going out and discovering new things, and adding to humanity’s understanding of the universe.
Despite the pandemic, Dr. Armstrong and his team, interacting through online Zoom meetings, were able to run the 2021 HI STAR program. An advantage to holding the program online was that researchers from around the world were able to give instruction in their areas of expertise. While the group missed meeting together, the program was a great success.
“A highlight of my job is mentoring students and assisting them with their science projects,” said Armstrong. “Using Astrometrica, a software tool that calculates precise positions of the celestial bodies, students can remotely observe the sky as it is seen from different parts of the earth. They can analyze collected image data, as well as watch an asteroid make a fly-by of the earth. Fourteen students attended and worked on projects ranging from solar rotation to active galactic nuclei.”
One student reflected, “The HI STAR program felt like somewhere I truly belonged. It was a pleasure meeting new people that had my same interests and discovering extraordinary objects in space together. Dr. Armstrong helped me with sorting out how the physics works which brought me a step closer to my dream of becoming a professional astronomer. I am so thankful for this opportunity!”
Another student added, “Dr. Armstrong has encouraged my interest in hypervelocity stars; stars thought to originate when a binary system encounters the supermassive black holes in our Milky Way. He has motivated me to better understand the age and classification of these stars and has given me the confidence to think that I could actually discover something new about the universe!”
Since the end of the 2021 HI STAR session, several of the students have received high honors at science fairs and their work has been in the press.
Dr. JD Armstrong, UH IfA Technology Education and Outreach Specialist
Maui Coffee Roasters (MCR), a staple business on Maui since 1982, joined Maui Business Connect, one of Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) newest programs for small businesses. The program focuses on growing local businesses in Maui County through training, mentoring, and networking, as well as connecting innovative businesses in the agriculture, creative, and health care industries. It is designed to help diversify the local economy and create jobs throughout the region.
Leslie Wilkins, President and CEO, MEDB, noted, “We hope to expand our business-development mentoring and counseling to target businesses that are past the ‘startup’ phase and are poised to scale, but need additional technical assistance and coaching to achieve the next level. These businesses are the job creators who will fuel our economy and MEDB’s goal is to offer programs to increase their probability of success.”
Throughout the years, MCR has provided the local community with a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Conveniently located in Kahului, they provide a prime spot for travelers and local residents alike. Well known for 100% Hawaiian Coffee, MCR was voted the Best Local Coffee Shop in 2018. It is also a longtime supporter of Maui’s non-profits and winner of the Community Business Award from the Maui Non-Profit Directors Association. The team roasts coffee from across the Hawaiian Islands, as well as a wide selection of international coffee. All of their coffee is freshly roasted in small daily batches using their eco-friendly Loring™ roasters, ensuring the best taste possible. They display colorful art, offer baked goods, and a selection of brewing accessories. However, along with other small businesses, MCR was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. “At MCR we have followed all safety precautions to keep our employees and customers safe,” said MCR General Manager Mike Okazaki. “We entered MEDB’s Maui Business Connect to support and network with other business owners. For 40 years, MEDB has been a dynamic force in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. The Maui Business Connect program assembled a cross-section of established businesses as a think tank of ideas to redefine vibrancy.”
MEDB’s Maui Business Connect program offers technical assistance and coaching to businesses, and helps diversify the local economy to create jobs throughout the state.
Mike Okazaki, Maui Coffee Roasters General Manager
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), the Small Business Association (SBA) and the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) are collaborating to introduce local businesses to networking platforms that hold the potential for new opportunities. One platform is SBA’s Minority Owned Small Business (MOSB) which includes Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Veteran’s Owned Small Businesses. On Wednesday July 8, at 10:00 am, MEDB, SBA, and WBEC-West will host a virtual seminar with Dr. Pamela Williamson, President and CEO of WBEC-West, (pictured) and Wayne Wong, Director, Hawaii Small Business Development Center, Maui. The mission of the WEBC is to increase economic vitality in the communities that are served.
Dr. Williamson has been a dedicated senior leader for over twenty years. Her extensive experience in developing and implementing innovative alliances with key stakeholders has enabled the organizations to reach new levels of growth and stability. Williamson’s ability to lead and empower staff members creates a strong team environment that filters throughout the entire organization. She envisions a promising future for WBEC-certified women-owned businesses, and takes an active role in facilitating connections between corporations and women business enterprises.
“Women-owned businesses make up the fastest-growing segment of the national and international business world,” said Williamson. “That is just one reason why WBEC-West is dedicated to helping navigate the certification process. We go through a rigorous and stringent certification process to confirm that the business is owned, managed, and controlled by a woman or women. Additionally, we gained access to over 9,000 other WBEC-certified businesses to network and partner with on joint venture opportunities.”
Leslie Wilkins, President and CEO of MEDB, observed, “The benefits of being a certified women-owned business are considerable, opening new opportunities in sales and revenue streams.” Businesses can get certified by being 51% owned and operated by women, minorities or veterans in order to qualify for special consideration in government and private contracts, and to participate in a sponsor company’s Vendor Diversity Program. Disney, Intel, AT&T, Major League Baseball, MGM and other companies have requirements for a certain percentage of purchases from vendors of diversity.
Forty percent of all businesses in Hawaii are women-owned, meaning there is a lot of untapped potential for women to take advantage of certification. What have you got to lose? Join us for this event, and visit www.medb.org for details.
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is proud to announce that one of their STEMworks™ students, Peyton Gillespie, Maui Preparatory Academy Class of 2021, is Ivy League-bound with honors. Gillespie, a shining example of a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) student, will be attending Brandeis University on a full scholarship and Humanities Fellowship in the fall. He will major in political science as a pre-law student with the goal to attend law school, work as a lawyer, and eventually run for political office.
“Working with our STEMworks team, Gillespie successfully grasped every opportunity that came his way,” said Leslie Wilkins, President and CEO, MEDB. “He participated in our work-based learning opportunities that helps build critical and creative thinking. His STEMworks Internship provided him a chance to collaborate and create project-based sustainable solutions for a variety of local and global issues. We are so proud of Peyton and wish him success in all his future endeavors!”
Gillespie reflected, “Participating in MEDB’s STEMworks Program for the last three years has been an incredibly impactful experience for me. Summer interning as a Kiai Loko (steward of fishpond) at Keawanui Fishpond on Molokai for my first two years fostered in me the values of leadership, teamwork, and family. It additionally immersed me in the history and cultural significance of one of the last remaining sacred fishponds on Molokai. Though last year’s internship program was virtual, I was honored to work as the Intern Liaison, and coordinated the design of the STEMworks Booklet, a sort of yearbook of the intern’s accomplishments. This role not only allowed me to hone my leadership, communicative, and collaborative abilities, but it also introduced me to a new skill, graphic design. Finally, one of the most important aspects of my work with STEMworks over the last few years has been the development of my relationship with Leslie Wilkins, the STEMworks team and my mentors. Hosting several Internship Cohorts and the 2019 Annual Ke Alahele Fundraiser has allowed me to get to know this amazing group. Thank you MEDB, sincerely, for all that you do for students across the state of Hawaii!”
Throughout my three years I have had the privilege of watching MEDB’s programs have significant impacts on individuals, allowing them to learn, grow, and succeed.
Peyton Gillespie, Maui Prep Class of 2021 and STEMworks™ student
Nisei Veterans Memorial Center recently welcomed former Governor George Ariyoshi, Hawaii’s longest-serving governor, to its ‘Afternoon with the Author’ Zoom series. In Ariyoshi’s newest book, Hawaii’s Future, he talks about leadership on Maui, the importance of values, and how things we do now will have a great impact on the future. An American lawyer and politician, Ariyoshi served as the third governor of Hawaii from 1974 to 1986. He is the first American of Asian descent to serve as governor in any U.S. state.
Concerned about Hawaii’s future, Ariyoshi has spent many years pondering his latest book. It is an insightful guide for today’s leaders and residents to examine Hawaii’s past while asking readers to discover ways to create a better Hawaii. “There are many issues of concern,” he said. “For example, the oceans and our land need to be taken care of. Stewardship is key. The philosophy of agriculture and education are vital now. Plus, it is crucial to engage the community. Setting policies alone does not make a community good, it is reaching out and working with the people.”
As a three-term governor of the State of Hawaii, Ariyoshi set in motion a series of wide-ranging policies that became his legacy. He noted, “During my 13 years as Hawaii’s chief executive, I adopted responsible fiscal strategies, maintained progressive trade relations and steady tourism growth, optimized the development of ocean resources, worked on land preservation and conservation, and strengthened Hawaii’s presence in the Pacific”.
A firm believer in planning, Ariyoshi said his concerns for Hawaii have grown more urgent than ever. “When I was in office, state planning was an important part of the government agenda,” he emphasized. “It is important to pay attention now and ask the question, What about Hawaii’s future? I think we need to look ahead at what needs to be done. We must also consider climate change and homelessness issues in order for us to have a good Hawaii. Every person in the community should work together, participate and be useful to make our state great for our future generations.”
We are never too young or too old to care, participate, and contribute to our community.
