Out of this World Space Technology Trends
By Dr. Christine Edwards

Is the subject of this month’s Estes Valley Astronomical Society (EVAS) meeting. EVAS, in conjunction with The Estes Park Memorial Observatory, is offering a free public open house and lecture on Saturday, October 15th, 2025. The goal of EVAS is to promote amateur astronomy and education in the Estes Valley.

Innovative spacecraft and technologies shaping the future – Credit Lockheed Martin

Description – Space connects us all. It’s a vital link between our technologies, our security, and our humanity. From internet connectivity to air traffic control and military operations, space is relied upon by billions of people daily. The space domain enables transformative technologies to be leveraged in a myriad of ways—whether it’s on the battlefield or in the exploration of our solar system. That’s why Lockheed Martin is investing in differentiated capabilities and integrated mission solutions that accelerate outcomes for our customers and reimagining how space can connect us. Dr. Christine Edwards will discuss the top 10 space technology trends shaping the future of satellite communications, remote sensing, and space exploration. At the top of her list is Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), and she’ll discuss some of the advancements in AI for autonomy in space exploration and for satellite imagery in firefighting operations.

Dr. Christine Edwards

Dr. Christine Edwards is a Lockheed Martin Autonomy/AI Fellow. She leads multiple AI research projects, including developing systems of agents for autonomous robotics and cognitive assistants for complex operations like firefighting. Previous positions include Principal Autonomy/AI Research Engineer at the Advanced Technology Center, Deputy Chief Systems Architect for Commercial Civil Space (CCS), Principal Investigator for weather and remote sensing research and development for Advanced Programs, lead systems engineer and associate manager for Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) operations, guidance navigation and control (GN&C) operations for the GRAIL, Mars Odyssey, and Stardust missions, launch support for Juno, and autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (ARPOD) development for the Orion. She holds a PhD in systems engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees in aerospace engineering from MIT, and was recognized by Aviation Week & Space Technology in their 40 under 40 in Aerospace and Defense.

The observatory is just north of the high school at 1600 Manford Ave.  Park in the teacher’s parking lot adjacent to the observatory. The doors will open at 7:00 pm and the meeting will start at 7:30 pm. The presentation, including a question-and-answer period, lasts about an hour. After the presentation, weather permitting, we will look through the telescope at various celestial objects. Information about the meeting can be found on the observatory website at: www.AngelsAbove.Org