Milo Institute Ambassadors: A Model for Connecting Space Ecosystems

Paper number

IAC-24,E11,IP,17,x81983

Author

Ms. Kirsten Armstrong, Milo Space Science Institute, Arizona State University, United States

Coauthor

Prof. James Bell, Arizona State University, United States

Coauthor

Prof. Russell Boyce, Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Australia

Coauthor

Ms. Natalie Dyer, Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Lon Levin, Lockheed Martin (Space Systems Company), United States

Coauthor

Mr. José Medina, Space Latam, Paraguay

Coauthor

Dr. Gordon Osinski, University of Western Ontario (UWO), Canada

Coauthor

Ms. Ruvimbo Samanga, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), Zimbabwe

Coauthor

Mr. Desmond Fonyuy Wysenyuy, African Regional Institute for Geospatial Information Science and Technology (AFRIGIST), Nigeria

Coauthor

Mr. David Thomas, Arizona State University, United States

Year

2024

Abstract

The Milo Space Science Institute (“Milo”) is a non-profit research consortium led by Arizona State University in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. Milo was established to make space science and exploration accessible to countries and organizations around the world that want to increase their knowledge, infrastructure, and human capital and participate more deeply in the growing global space economy. The goal of the Milo Institute is to broaden opportunities for space science mission participation, to provide affordable hands-on training from experienced organizations, and to foster inspiration and a sense of scientific pride in participating nations. 

Milo’s immediate objective is to enable more scientists and engineers, both professionals and students, to participate in designing, developing, and conducting deep space CubeSat and SmallSat robotic missions with high science return. Their participation will build capacity within a nation’s space ecosystem and increase capabilities of the next generation of space scientists and engineers. 

Milo has cultivated an international cadre of professionals called Milo Ambassadors to foster in-country engagement around these objectives. Representing multiple countries and regions, Milo Ambassadors create connections between their work in the space industry, their country or region’s space ecosystem, and that of their fellow Ambassadors. 

This paper describes the model for the Milo Ambassador corps and how it can advance space ecosystem development. We will provide an overview of the Ambassador corps: its formation/structure/goals, evolution/breadth, and future plans. We will also discuss initial experiences in connecting space ecosystems through the voices and perspectives of individual Ambassadors (3-5 profiles). Their stories will highlight their unique and compelling approaches, successes, and outlooks within each of their emerging or established space ecosystems. The paper will conclude with findings and lessons learned for increasing engagement and collaboration across space ecosystems globally.

Abstract document

IAC-24,E11,IP,17,x81983.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-24,E11,IP,17,x81983.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.