What a fantastic turnout for this week’s Maryland Space Business Roundtable (MSBR) luncheon! It was an honor to host Dr. Shawn Domagal-Goldman, NASA’s Acting Astrophysics Division Director, for a deep dive into the future of space science.

For those who don’t know Shawn, his background is as impressive as it is diverse. With expertise in astrobiology, Earth systems science, and comparative planetology, he has spent his career simulating the atmospheres of ancient Earth, Mars, and distant exoplanets. He has served on major mission teams, from the Curiosity rover to the Large UV-Optical-Infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR) study and is a passionate advocate for science communication and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

We also want to extend a huge thank you to the Eleanor Roosevelt High School band! Your beautiful holiday music set the perfect festive tone for our gathering. You are all stars in the making!

The presentation was entitled: Astrophysics in the Age of Artemis: Building Discovery, Economy, and Leadership from the Moon to Mars. How science, infrastructure, and exploration converge in the Artemis Era.

We are also very pleased to have received this note from our musical performers at the luncheon:

“Thank you for inviting our Eleanor Roosevelt High School band students to perform at your luncheon. We truly appreciated the opportunity to contribute to an event that highlights Maryland’s leadership in STEM and the space ecosystem.

As a school with a nationally recognized Science and Technology Program, this partnership was especially meaningful. Many of our students saw a direct connection between their studies and the work your organization champions. Dr. Shawn Donagal-Goldman’s presentation on Astrophysics in the Age of Artemis further inspired them by showcasing the future of discovery and exploration from the Moon to Mars.

We are grateful for your hospitality and for providing our students with an experience that was both educational and memorable. Please share the attached letter and our appreciation with your Board of Directors and membership. Thank you again for including us.”