Stephanie Bednarek, Government Affairs manager at SpaceX, gave a lecture titled "SpaceX: Free Enterprise and the Final Frontier" hosted by the Center for International Strategy, Technology, and Policy (CISTP) on Friday, January 24th. Ms. Bednarek spoke about SpaceX's ongoing efforts to develop and operate commercial spacecraft to carry cargo and humans to orbit, highlighting its participation in NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) and Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) programs. She provided insight into how a commercial organization works with the government through a public-private partnership and discussed policy challenges and legislative priorities for the coming year.

About the speaker:

Stephanie Bednarek is the Government Affairs Manager at Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) which designs, manufactures, and launches the world's most advanced rockets and spacecraft. In this role, she manages all aspects of executive branch, legislative, state and federal agency affairs including strategy, policy development, and research.

Prior to joining SpaceX, Stephanie held positions at the George Washington University Space Policy Institute, Space Foundation, Space Studies Board at the National Research Council, Aerospace Industries Association, and Orbital Sciences Corp.

Stephanie is on the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast and was appointed as the Public Policy Chair of the AIAA National Capital Section. She previously served as the Vice President of Programs for Women in Aerospace and as the Commercial Space Chair of the Aerospace Industries Association. She is an active member of the Washington Space Business Round Table and the American Astronomical Society.

Stephanie received a B.S. Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia and an M.A. in Science and Technology Policy from George Washington University. She also studied at the International Space University.