The annual EMER-GEN™ Program, introduced in 2018 as a joint initiative of the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS) and the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), was designed especially for those age 18 to 35 who are enthusiastic about a career in space. Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) created the two-day program with the help of advisors from industry, government, academia and non-governmental organizations. EMER-GEN offers mentoring with renowned space specialists drawn from an array of fields related to Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM). Networking with other young leaders, the participants join in professional development and skill building sessions to enhance their success in a global space environment.
“Everything about the first annual EMER-GEN was extraordinary,” said Victoria Samson, Director, Secure World Foundation. “There were new ideas and perspectives on SSA and STM policy and challenges for young professionals and students to grapple with. It forced us all to look at things differently.”
Tom Kubancik, General Manager at L3 Applied Defense Solutions, said, “We are about to enter the commercialization and civil habitation phase of man’s space adventure and our young professionals need to take us there and keep us safe. EMER-GEN will ensure our thoughts and knowledge pass on to the next generation.”
Diana Agdeppa, a young professional working with the telescopes atop Haleakala said about her 2018 experience, “I appreciated the short courses offered at EMER-GEN including “Operational Analytics: Demystifying Machine Learning” and “Observing and Characterizing Space Debris”. After acquiring some general knowledge from both courses, I found how an Artificial Intelligence-based system may play a key role in SSA and STM. Considering the increasing number of spacecraft and satellites being launched into space, and how fast they are moving, it’s becoming more of a priority to predict collisions further in time with accuracy and precision. Additionally, we took part in a session where we assumed the responsibilities of key people involved in space policy which allowed me to see a bigger picture regarding SSA and STM. I’m looking forward to the next EMER-GEN!” The 2nd Annual EMER-GEN™ Program will be held September 15-17, 2019.
MEDB is happy to partner with SGAC to launch EMER-GEN™. This new program is designed to bridge the gap and nurture our young professionals, the future of space innovation and sustainability.
Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President & CEO
