Heather Pringle, CEO at Space Foundation, is our AITech Top Voice.
We’re excited to share this insightful interview with Heather Pringle, CEO of Space Foundation, where she discusses her journey, the impact of AI on space exploration, and the future of the space economy. Read on to learn more about her vision for the industry and the role of innovation in shaping the next frontier.
Heather’s achievements as an officer, leader, educator, innovator, and collaborator come from one of her greatest passions – remaining a full–time, lifelong learner.
About Space Foundation: Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to advance the global space community. Space Foundation uniquely educates, collaborates, and informs the entire space workforce from early education through post-secondary (college, non-college, vocational), to the start of their careers as new professionals, and ultimately as leaders at the highest levels of government and commercial industry. As a charitable organization, Space Foundation raises support from corporate members, sponsors, individual giving, and grants.
Here’s the full interview.
AI Technology Insights (AIT): Hi Heather, welcome to the AITech Top Voice Interview Series. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”?
Heather: When I joined the Air Force, I was attracted to the science of human factors, and that became my career focus. I was classified as a scientist; however, I did a variety of things throughout my 32 years of service. I had jobs following the entire acquisition life cycle — from early discovery in science and technology, to mature systems in operations and sustainment, as well as budget and international affairs. This eventually led me to the Air Force Research Lab where I worked with an amazing group of scientists, engineers and professionals who develop technologies and new science.
As I was nearing the end of my time in the military, I had a strong desire to continue serving in some way. When I learned about Space Foundation, what it does, and who is on the team, I knew that was exactly the kind of place that I wanted to be.
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AIT: How does Space Foundation connect and support the global space community?
Heather: Connecting global space professionals starts with the amazing team at Space Foundation. They are fantastic and have a successful track record spanning 40 years of leadership in the space ecosystem. I am committed to continuing that record of success.
Space Foundation has developed a number of high impact programs and world-class events that are specially designed to address the needs of this unique community.
For example, every spring the global space community attends our annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Industry leaders, international space agencies, as well as military and civil government representatives come together for nearly a week to network, learn about global trends, experience the latest space innovation, engage in meaningful conversations with global leaders, and see the future of space.
We are also laser-focused on building and educating the next generation of talent to support the growing and diverse needs of a space workforce. Through our partnership with The Aerospace Corporation, we’ve joined forces on Space Workforce for Tomorrow, or SWFT. This initiative, led by Mel Stricklan, aims to address the growing need for space talent in our community.
SWFT strengthens the pipeline of future leaders through programs like the National Space Internship Program, which connects promising young leaders with industry, and National Space Day, which inspires students through a months-long STEM competition and culminates on the first Friday of May this year. These continued efforts are central to supporting the growth and sustainability of the space industry.
Finally and importantly, we’ve made a concerted effort to strengthen and expand our presence in the Washington, D.C., area, driving initiatives that bolster the space ecosystem. We’ve worked to integrate and build stronger relationships across all stakeholders that contribute to space, including military, civil government, interagency, industry, and international partners. A good example is the Congressional Space Series, which helps inform legislators and their staffs of key trends and issues that the space community faces. We see this as an important service to the space community that improves communication and understanding.
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AIT: In what ways has AI changed satellite operations, space exploration, and data analysis in recent years?
Heather: Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted satellite operations, space exploration, and data analysis in recent years, driving significant growth and innovation.
For example, AI has been instrumental in making space operations safer and more efficient. With today’s 7,500 active satellites orbiting Earth, AI plays a role in tracking objects and avoiding conjunctions, which are dangerous situations where two objects are on a collision course in orbit.
In the area of data analysis, AI enables analysis of large datasets in ways that were not previously possible. NASA alone has stored over 40 petabytes of data — more than twice the size of the Library of Congress. NOAA stores nearly 60 petabytes. Commercial space companies are also significant contributors to the immense amount of geospatial data being gathered.
AI can help process this data more efficiently and unlock new insights for higher quality decisions. AI can also make data more accessible for use by other industries. Forward-leaning companies such as Google and John Deere use AI to harness space-generated data to improve their operations.
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AIT: What are the biggest hurdles in integrating AI technologies into the space industry, particularly concerning safety, ethics, or international regulations?
Heather: There are several hurdles to successfully integrating AI technologies into the space industry, but an initial challenge lies in how to build the AI responsibly and effectively. Vast amounts of data are critical for training AI. Some companies are leveraging synthetic data to fill this gap in the availability of high quality, real-world data.
If that step is managed, then ensuring AI systems are built and used in ways that align with ethical and safety standards is another issue. Most space companies are already taking steps to do this on their own, but each one has to make its own decisions on balancing risk, speed and efficacy. They might come to different conclusions, and that’s where open systems and transparency help increase the users’ trust in AI systems.
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On a final note, it’s important to recognize that the availability of technical workforce is and will be a barrier to widespread use of AI in this country. We need to significantly grow the talent pipeline and encourage more students to follow these career paths. Without a concerted effort, this nation’s technological edge is at risk.
AIT: What emerging AI and space exploration trends excite you the most, and how might Space Foundation integrate these advancements?
Heather: The most exciting trend in space is significant and sustained growth of this sector. New companies are emerging, new countries are participating, and that has fueled sustained growth over the past several years. Moreover, there is a significant amount of room left for continued growth.
Our research reveals that space currently accounts for less than 1-2% of our global economy, so the leap ahead we had last year — 7% growth in the space economy — has more to go.
Space Foundation projects that the global space economy will grow to $1 trillion by the early 2030s, and that’s a trend I’m really excited about.
By creating a collaborative ecosystem, Space Foundation helps accelerate the growth of the space economy and shine a spotlight on the full potential of AI and other technologies for applications in space. We connect commercial and government space professionals at signature events throughout the year and create opportunities for meaningful dialog on the space economy and global security. Space thrives in a collaborative ecosystem.
AIT: What role do startups play in driving innovation at the intersection of AI and space technologies?
Heather: I love this question. … Startups are critical and the engine of innovation. Their contributions will be fundamental to expanding the impact of AI technologies and space.
We’re still in the early stages of developing the space economy, so there is a significant need for more innovation and expansion of space applications. Startups can help us move from using space and AI primarily for communication and observation to exciting new applications and uses of space.
We’re already seeing startups integrate space-generated data into diverse industries, including supply chain management, transportation, fire tracking, and emergency response. As these companies continue to innovate, space-related data will become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, creating new opportunities as well as transforming other industries. Startups are essential in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
AIT: What is your vision of AI shaping the space industry in the next decade?
Heather: I believe space will be unrecognizable in the next decade. We are launching so frequently and adding so much capability into space, yet we’re still in the early stages of understanding what space can truly offer and how we can use it in our daily lives. The potential for growth and innovation in space is immense.
AIT: What are your predictions for 2025 in the AITech domain?
Heather: While it’s always challenging to make specific predictions, one trend worth watching in 2025 is direct-to-device technology. Having the vast capabilities of space right at your fingertips is something I’m particularly excited about. Space will enable more sophisticated, precise, advanced and accurate technologies, and this will unlock new possibilities for individuals and industries alike. I’m looking forward to seeing how this all unfolds.
AIT: Please tag an AITech leader or researcher you would like to be featured in the AITech Top Voice interview series.
Heather: There are so many incredible leaders and researchers out there, but as a mom, I have to admit, my son is in this field so he definitely rises to the top for me!
Thank you Heather for your insights. We look forward to speaking to you again at AITech Top Voice program.
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