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On October 24th, 2024 we hosted our fourth annual Space Ag conference, where we will dove — or, shall we say, launched — into the cutting-edge advancements in agriculture technology designed to revolutionize both space and Earth.
By tackling the unique challenges of space agriculture, we unlock innovative solutions that can transform our agricultural practices here on our home planet.
Our global production systems are undergoing a significant transformation towards sustainable practices and enhanced food security. Space agriculture holds the promise of helping farmers achieve higher crop yields while using less land and energy. This conference is your chance to envision a bold future for agriculture and explore the limitless possibilities that space technology offers.
OCTOBER 24TH, 2024
Dream big and shape a sustainable future for agriculture and space exploration
Engage:
Engage with innovative ideas and explore the future of agriculture through the unique lens of space technology
Discuss:
Discuss how advancements designed for space can revolutionize agricultural practices on Earth
Inspire:
Inspire and excite the next generation of agriculturists, offering insights into the strategies for sustaining permanent settlements on the moon within the next five years
Workforce Development:
Gain opportunities for workforce development, build essential skills, make valuable connections.
Discover
Discover unexpected collaborations and see how North Dakota is emerging as a central hub for space agriculture
Register for this free event
7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
10:30 AM – 12 PM
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
Conference Welcome
Keynote Speaker: Jacob Scoccimerra, Interstellar Lab
Mainstage Speakers:
Zach Kabelac, Aperture
Trent Smith, NASA
Artist Performance – Greater Grand Forks String Quartet
Panel: Farming the Final Frontier: Space Agriculture’s Role in Our Future
Moderator: Andrew Jason, Grand Farm
As humanity ventures deeper into space, the challenges of sustaining life beyond Earth require innovative solutions. Agriculture in space isn’t just a futuristic concept—it’s an urgent necessity. This panel brings together thought leaders and experts to explore how space agriculture can revolutionize our ability to live and thrive in space while offering groundbreaking advancements for food security on Earth.
Panelists:
Break
Keynote Speaker: Aaron Burnett, Mach 33 Financial Group
Mainstage Speakers:
Sherry Fieber-Beyer, UND
Joe Vacek, Saftey Spect
Dave Neville, Can-Am Spaceport
Fireside Chat: Earth Observation: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities with Lenny and Nathan Faleide
Description:
Earth Observation (EO) and other Remote Sensing technology has been shaping the Agriculture industry for decades behind the scenes. It also has always had many challenges and struggles from practicality to education. This discussion showcases a talk between a father and son who have been dedicated to helping solve these issues and progress EO tech into Ag for over 30 years.
Mainstage Speakers:
Chris Smithson, Gravity Grains
Colleen McLeod Garner, Cecelia.AI
“The Martian” Movie Screening at the UND Atmospherium
Featuring special guest Paul Lockhart, an American aerospace engineer, retired United States Air Force colonel and NASA astronaut (veteran of two Space Shuttle missions).
Assistant Professor
UND
Associate Professor, Space Studies
UND
Group CEO
Mach 33 Financial Group
Chief product officer
Farmwave
President / CEO
Statshot
Operations
Cecelia.AI
Founder
Aperture
Vice President
CSM Robotics
Space Program lead
Interstellar Lab
Research Advisor, Space Crop Production
NASA
President
Gravity Grains
Chief operating officer
Safety Spect
President
Gravity Grains
Research Advisor, Space Crop Production
NASA
Chief operating officer
Safety Spect
Questions?
If you are interested in getting involved, email Andrew Jason
Join us for SpaceConnect at the University of North Dakota, where high school students will explore the exciting applications of space agriculture. Engage in hands-on workshops, gain insights into innovative lunar farming techniques, and discover career opportunities in SpaceAg.
Students will
WORKSHOPS:
Plant the Moon
This demonstration will involve a brief explanation about the role microbes play in helping crops grow in space. We can get nutrients from microbes that reduce the payload of bringing fertilizers to space! Students will also learn about experimental design and good data collection. Students will work in groups and collect data for the experiment wherein crops do or do not receive a microbial treatment, and the students will collect data regarding the plant growth, assess formation of root nodules, and chlorophyll content of the plants to determine if the microbes did their job and improved crop growth in the lunar regolith.
Inflatable Lunar Habitat Virtual Tour
The Inflatable Lunar Habitat (ILH) is designed to support a crew of four astronauts during a six-month mission on the moon. It features a lightweight, expandable structure that maximizes interior space while minimizing mass, making it ideal for long-duration lunar stays. The habitat includes sleeping compartments, a galley, bathroom, and laboratory space, providing astronauts with the necessary facilities for living and conducting research in a compact, efficient environment. Attendees at the Space Connect workshop will take part in a virtual tour of this innovative habitat.
Near-Space Mission
Join UND as they highlight a Near-Space Mission. This event will allow students to view the launch of a high-altitude balloon that ascends into the stratosphere. Participating students will receive seeds that have gone to the Earth’s upper atmosphere, approaching the edge of space. Students will learn about what it takes to launch something to the stratosphere, the effects of space exploration on materials and more in this fascinating discussion.
Learn About Space Ag Opportunities
Get access to information regarding internships, scholarships, and other resources found through NASA. It will be a time served to share information about career opportunities within the space agricultural field.
BONUS: Meet and Greet With Paul Lockhart
Paul Lockhart is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and NASA astronaut who piloted two Space Shuttle missions to the International Space Station, directing six spacewalks and logging over 26 days in space. With over 5,000 flight hours in 30 different aircraft, he now serves as President of PEMDAS® Technologies and Innovations, supporting U.S. military operations. Lockhart’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, and ongoing involvement with organizations like the Museum of the American Revolution.
Grand Farm, powered by Emerging Prairie, is a network of growers, technologists, corporations, startups, educators, policymakers, and investors working together to solve problems in agriculture with applied technology.
The Grand Farm initiative accelerates research and innovation in technology for the farm of the future.
Grand Farm does not take ownership or a vested interest in partners’ intellectual property and refrains from making decisions on IP developed as part of contracts with other organizations.