Capitol Technology University welcomed new partner, The International Space University (ISU), this fall by planning and hosting a five-day Executive Space Course, AI in Space. Held on our campus in Laurel, MD, the event brought together professionals from across technology sectors and from around the world for discussions on growing trends and new research in this area.
Capitol Tech alumnus Dr. Kam Ghaffarian, was the event’s keynote speaker and featured guest. Dr. Ghaffarian is a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, the founder and CEO of IBX, and co-founder and Executive Chairman of Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines, X-energy, and Quantum Space. Ghaffarian’s inspiring presentation touched on the exciting future of AI in space, and how we are all integral to the next wave of progress.
“AI will be a force multiplier, an accelerator, and an enabler that moves us much more forward —especially for space exploration. We will be using AI in powering predictive systems, monitoring and maintenance, optimizing performance, and across spacecrafts and space stations.”
“Humanity’s destiny is to become interstellar and to achieve this, we must develop the future with deep tech and AI,” added Ghaffarian. “One thing we can do to for the next generation is to inspire them to think beyond our solar system.”
In addition to Dr. Ghaffarian, Capitol Tech Director of Astronautical and Space Engineering Jeff Volosin facilitated the full week's assembly of dynamic speakers for the program, including leaders from NASA, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab (JHU/APL), Deloitte, University Space Research Association (USRA), General Dynamics, MIT, KungFu.AI, Arctic Slope Research Corporation, The Charles F. Bolden Group, and more.
Throughout the program, attendees gained exclusive access to an array of presentations, Q&As, and workshops that offered insights into how AI is revolutionizing satellite operations, mission planning, orbital analysis, space weather prediction, and autonomous systems. Capitol Tech’s new state-of-the-art AI Learning and Innovation Environment (CAILIE) provided opportunities for hands-on demonstrations. Attendees applied machine learning and programming techniques to space mission scenarios and gained practical knowledge of how data-driven decision-making is transforming the modern space industry. Each session emphasized not only technical understanding but also the ethical and policy challenges that accompany the integration of AI into critical space operations.
This collaboration between ISU and Capitol Tech showed the strengths of both institutions and demonstrated how partnerships like this can open pathways for students and researchers through discovery, learning, and networking.
“The AI in Space Executive Space Course, delivered in partnership with Capitol Technology University, has been an outstanding success and a true reflection of what collaboration in the space sector can achieve,” said Dr. John Wensveen, President of ISU. “Together, ISU and Capitol Tech have provided professionals from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of space exploration, operations, and innovation. This program exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking partnership that drives ISU’s Moon Shot 2030 vision—connecting academia, industry, and government to build the next generation of space leaders. We look forward to expanding our collaboration with Capitol Tech and continuing to deliver world-class executive education that prepares leaders for the rapidly evolving space economy.”
“The AI in Space Workshop struck a positive note in our shared educational community,” added Dr. Victoria Wotring, ISU Chief Academic Officer. “It drew exceptional speakers and passionate students into Capitol Tech's convenient and modern suburban campus. Our Capitol Tech partners and hosts were such a delight to work with, we are already discussing additional projects together.”
By the end of the five-day program, participants gained strategic perspectives on how AI can enhance mission efficiency, improve satellite management, and support long-term sustainability in space. And as space becomes increasingly commercial, data-driven, and automated, the lessons from this workshop provided not just education, but also a look forward into an exciting future.
"The collaborative executive education program between the ISU and Cap Tech was unparalleled programming,” said Valerie Taylor, Capitol Tech PhD student and AI, cyber and space professional who attended the executive course. “The historical and current technological innovations presented, along with the tech stack and real-world cutting-edge tech expertise on display, were likened to those found in any United Nations or royal dignitary setting. I highly recommend this program for both civilian and government professionals. Edify yourself with the best minds and technologists of this nation and make AI in space history!"