The event kicked off with an introduction and icebreaker with Founder Ronit Kapur. Attendees answered polling questions ranging from what their high schools are to how optimistic they are about space exploration.

The first talk was a Keynote by Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi (Dr. O) from George Mason University. Dr. O recounted his inspiring story detailing his journey to where he is today, starting from humble beginnings in rural Mississippi.

The next talk, by the Space Telescope Science Institute's Dr. Rachel Osten, was an excellent primer on the latest advances in astrophysics brought by cutting-edge space telescopes, including the recently-launched James Webb Space Telescope and the upcoming Roman Space Telescope.

In addition to the talks by local experts across all aspects of space, Space Summit DC featured projects by some of the DC Metro area's young scientists and engineers. We got to learn of an improved way to characterize exoplanet atmospheres, a CubeSat project applying small satellites to large-scale NASA missions, a high school team taking a liquid-fuel rocket to space, and the engineering design of space debris-cleaning technology!

Love stargazing? Paul Derby of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club took to the stage at Space Summit DC to discuss how to beat the light pollution here in the DC area with electronically-assisted astronomy. It was magical to see how electronic techniques filter out light pollution to give rise to amazing raw astronomical images.

The event concluded with a captivating panel on what the future holds for space -- especially in the domains of national security, space policy, and astrophysics. Space Summit DC's respective panelists in those domains were the U.S. Space Force's Lt. Col. Erin G. Salinas, George Washington University's Dr. Scott Pace, and UMD's Dr. Tad Komacek. Moderated by Ronit Kapur, the panel discussed -- among other topics -- the importance of national leadership in space, ways to harbor diversity in space activities, and crucial advice for young people as they consider possible careers in space. A great way to close out the event!