By Jennifer Rothblatt
NSS Director of Operations
The energy around the National Space Society’s Young Professionals (YP) initiative was on full display at this year’s International Space Development Conference® (ISDC®), with strong engagement across sessions, energetic networking, and exciting new program launches.
A highlight of the conference was Friday morning’s Young Professionals breakfast, which saw a large turnout of attendees connecting in person and building relationships. NASA astronaut Susan Kilrain joined us for photos with the participants.
That energy carried into the Rising Stars sessions, which brought together students and early-career professionals to present bold new ideas across space policy, law, technology, and innovation. The sessions emphasized not just technical insight, but the importance of stepping up, taking risks, and contributing to the broader space community. As one speaker encouraged, leadership starts before you feel ready—and this next generation is already delivering.
The momentum continued with the a Speed Mentoring session, co-hosted by NSS and Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), in which participants connected with mentors from NASA, industry, startups, and academia. The fast-paced format created meaningful conversations and real insight into navigating careers in space.
Launching 30 Under 30 Industry Recognition
The ISDC also marked the official launch of the NSS 30 Under 30 program—a new initiative recognizing emerging leaders, both domestic and international, who are actively shaping the future of space exploration, development, and settlement.
Each year, NSS will recognize 30 individuals under the age of 30 who are making meaningful contributions across the space ecosystem. More than an award, the program is designed to elevate voices, create visibility, and connect the next generation of space leaders to the broader NSS community.
👉 Nominations are now open and may be submitted by individuals or on behalf of others.
Get Involved
The Young Professionals initiative continues to grow as a unique venue for early-career professionals to connect, learn, and contribute to the future of the space industry.
👉 Visit the Young Professionals page to join the community and explore the 30 Under 30 program
👉 Share this opportunity with rising professionals in your network
Together, we are building the next generation of leaders in the space community. Please join us in this exciting new endeavor!
2 thoughts on “Rising Energy at ISDC: Young Professionals Take Center Stage”
Great news. The new generations are involved early and this is music to the ears of us old spaceys from the 50s and 60s when we were frequently derided for being dreamers after unattainable goals. Many of us recognised the necessity of getting the private sector involved and thanks to visionaries like Elon Musk and others, this is now the driving force in space. Funding NASA is still essential to help maintain the high risk of theoretical science and this is where the USA has always excelled.
I really appreciate the perspective. It’s incredible to think about how much of today’s momentum was first imagined and championed by earlier generations. That foundation is what makes all of this possible.
This initiative and new programs like NSS 30 Under 30 are about building on that legacy and providing the next generation with a seat at the table.
We’re just getting started—more to come. Stay tuned, and if you know someone, let’s get them involved.