This past November, the University of Austin hosted their Inaugural SOMA Summit to explore the amazing transformation in space right now, especially how the commercial space era is decentralizing access. I had the privilege to moderate a fascinating panel titled "Science in the Commercial Space Age" featuring Chris Sembroski from Blue Origin, along with University of Florida space biologists Dr. Rob Ferl and Dr. Anna-Lisa Paul.

As space becomes more accessible, it's evolving beyond merely a frontier to explore into its own innovation platform and ecosystem. This opens up a whole galaxy of possibilities.

Episode Highlights

Mission Experiences
Space Peppers
Understanding Human Adaptation
Space as an Innovation Frontier
Manufacturing in Microgravity
Plants' Role in Future Exploration
Ethical Considerations
What's next for science in the commercial space age?
- Rob Ferl: “More scientists flying to do their experiments in space.”
- Anna-Lisa Paul: “More research in how we effectively take our biology off the planet to have long-term existence elsewhere”
- Chris Sembroski: “Recognizing that it's not going to end with us, that we have to keep inspiring that next generation”

Chris Sembroski: X/Twitter, LinkedIn
Rob Ferl: UF Faculty Page
Anna-Lisa Paul: UF Faculty Page

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