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To Mars or not to Mars
Explore the future of space exploration
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In this keynote, space expert and astronaut trainer Nancy Vermeulen will expand your perspective on the world, space, and the economy. What lessons can we glean from manned missions to other planets? What hurdles must we surmount? What does the future of space exploration entail, and how will it impact our world?
Discover the Evolving Space Economy
What advancements can we anticipate in the years ahead? Will our future be on the moon or Mars? Is sustainable life on another planet feasible? What challenges still need conquering?
Gain Insight into Space as a Source of Innovation
As we move towards a space economy, our endeavors will extend beyond Earth's boundaries. Could mining resources on distant planets, cultivating crops on the moon, or manufacturing materials in a weightless environment soon become a reality? Space exploration is set to revolutionize our economy.
Explore New Products from Space Innovations
Many everyday products, from insulation materials to GPS, have origins in space exploration. What other groundbreaking innovations might emerge from our ventures into space?
Gain a Fresh Perspective on Global Challenges
From space, we gain a clearer view of pressing global issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters. Discover how space exploration serves broader societal interests beyond politics and economics.
Understand Team Dynamics through Space Simulations
Lastly, consider the psychological aspects of both space exploration and business. Nancy Vermeulen's team spent 14 days in Utah's desolate desert simulating a Mars expedition to study team dynamics and communication under extreme conditions. These insights are directly applicable to enhancing team performance in the corporate world.
Drawing on experience from aviation, space exploration, and extreme environments, Nancy helps leaders and organizations create the mental space to lead with clarity, courage, and long-term vision in an increasingly complex world.
She holds a Master’s degree in theoretical physics and astronomy, is a former commercial pilot-instructor, served as commander of a Mars simulation in Utah, and participated in the European Space Agency’s astronaut selection process. In 2018, she founded the Space Training Academy, where she prepares private astronauts and suborbital scientists for their first spaceflight.
Nancy is a sought-after international keynote speaker and guest lecturer, having spoken at TEDx events, Deloitte University, and the European Commission, among others. She is the author of Iedereen Ruimtevaarder (Lannoo) and AEROSPACE Attitudes (Pelckmans, 2025), a book on communication, leadership, and human factors in high-stakes environments.
In addition to her speaking and advisory work, Nancy serves as an independent board member and is an active member of Rotary.
Strategic leadership advisor, keynote speaker, and former pilot who translates lessons from aerospace into powerful insights on leadership, human performance, and decision-making under pressure.
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