From Idea to Orbit: How Space Missions Happen and Why They Matter

May Pub Scholars Topic - From Idea to Orbit: How Space Missions Happen and Why They Matter

Ever used GPS to get somewhere, checked the weather on your phone, or streamed live TV while flying over an ocean? All of these everyday conveniences rely on satellites orbiting Earth - yet most of us rarely think about how those missions actually come together.

In this Pub Scholars talk, Dr. Hina Kazmi will share how modern space missions move from idea to orbit, and why they matter here on Earth. Drawing on more than 25 years in aerospace, including work with NASA and the commercial space sector, she’ll explain how government and companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, small businesses, and global supply chain work together to make missions possible.

The talk will briefly touch on high-profile missions in the news, including Artemis II, to illustrate how these programs come together over years of planning, policy, and collaboration.

Join us for a relaxed and engaging evening as we connect the dots between space missions and everyday life, and discover how ideas become reality in orbit and beyond.

Speaker Bio: Hina Kazmi has more than 25 years of aerospace industry experience, spanning both public and private sectors in various technical and management roles. Her expertise encompasses managing large technical and multicontractor telecommunication satellites and NASA's science missions. She also led the implementation of various institutional policies and studies at NASA headquarters in response to congressional actions.

Her academic research focuses on management of government programs and functions in the context of government outsourcing and institutional economics. She is an adjunct faculty member with the Schar School of Policy and Government and teaches the graduate course in Managing Government Contracting.

Kazmi also served as a member on Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Philanthropy Council for Engineering (her undergraduate alma mater), which provides scholarship funds for various student projects advancing engineering skills in the aerospace sector. (I no longer serve in this role – so you can remove it if better)

She earned her PhD in public policy from George Mason University’s Schar School, for which she received the Joseph A. Fischer Award for best doctoral dissertation in policy upon graduation. She also holds two master’s degrees, an MPP and an MBA. She received her undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering with minor in mathematics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Pub Scholars: An event series in Fairfax City that brings George Mason faculty and other thought-leaders into Fairfax’s establishments to share their expertise on cutting-edge topics and technologies with our community. This event is an opportunity to learn about the latest thinking and innovations in technology, science, and business. Come ponder the greatest questions of the universe over your beverage of choice. Nibbles will be provided. This event is open to all audiences and interested participants.

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Host or Publisher Fairfax City Economic Development