Tuesday, November 17
7:30 a.m.
Expo Hall Opening
Walk around the expo hall and hear about the latest products and services.
12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon and Keynote
Human-in-the-Loop Testing within the Systems Test Branch for Artemis II and Beyond
Peter Masi
NASA JSC
Peter Masi is an engineer at NASA JSC in the Systems Test Branch. He was the lead for the Orion Life-Support Integration Facility design and build.
Kai Cui
NASA JSC
Kai Cui is a test director and the Human-in-the-Loop Test Manager in EC4, Systems Test Branch in the Crew and Thermal Systems Division. Within the branch, she conducts a variety of thermal vacuum and vacuum testing with humans and flight hardware for Artemis, ISS, and other space programs. She has a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Have lunch with your fellow attendees and hear from our keynote address, Human-in-the-Loop Testing within the Systems Test Branch for Artemis II and Beyond, from Peter Masi and Kai Cui. During the keynote address attendees can discover how NASA Johnson Space Center Systems Test Branch is shaping the future of human spaceflight through cutting-edge, human-in-the-loop chamber testing. From evaluating Orion’s life-support systems to developing new protocols for lunar extravehicular activities, this talk highlights the vital facilities that protect astronaut health and optimize crew training. Join us to explore how these ground testing breakthroughs directly power mission readiness for Artemis II and humanity's return to the Moon!
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception and Visit with the Exhibitors
Networking with your colleagues and get an opportunity to walk around and speak with exhibitors. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available.
Wednesday, November 18
2 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon Tour and Dinner
Attendees will have access to the grounds of Mount Vernon and receive a tour of the mansion. Afterwards network with fellow attendees while having dinner and drinks.
Note: This is a walking tour. Please dress accordingly as you may be walking outside at times.
Attendees will need to meet in the hotel lobby at 12:30 p.m. Ticket required. Please click here for guest policies.
Thursday, November 19
Morning Keynote
DAVINCI EDU Descent Sphere Thermal Insulation Test Results and Model Correlation
Evan Alexander
Vertex Aerospace
Evan Alexander served as Senior Thermal Engineer, Deputy Payload Development Lead (PDL), and Thermal Subject Matter Expert supporting NASA missions including DAVINCI, OSAM, TSIS-2, PROBEE, and VIKI, as well as commercial missions PUNCH and LEXI.
Join Evan Alexander from Vertex Aerospace as he present critical insights into the thermal engineering behind NASA’s DAVINCI mission to Venus. To survive a one-hour descent through the scorching Venusian atmosphere—where temperatures hit 465 degrees Celsius and pressures reach 90 bars—the mission’s spherical probe, Zephyr, relies on custom passive thermal protection system (TPS) designs. This talk explores the fabrication and testing of a full-scale Engineering Development Unit (EDU) descent sphere, subjected to simulated Venus descent profiles inside an industrial furnace. Discover how the empirical data collected was used to refine thermal models, evaluate key insulation layers—including high-temperature Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) and mat insulation—and reduce design uncertainties to ensure flight predictions maintain robust safety margins.