Dr. Kimberly Ennico-Smith is a NASA scientist, who loves exploration, learning, embracing inspiration and sharing authentic conversations (especially over a cup of tea) about the wonders that surround us and motivate us. She was born in Teaneck, NJ, grew up in New Milford and Westwood, NJ, and studied physics at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Funded as a British Marshall Scholar,  American Association of University Women American Fellow and Amelia Earhart Fellow, she obtained a PhD in astrophysics from Cambridge University, Cambridge, England. She has designed and built infrared airborne and space telescope cameras and spectrometers, tested detectors in laboratories and particle accelerators, designed low-cost suborbital instruments, and built lunar payloads. She has authored 120+ peer-reviewed papers and delivered 50+ invited technical talks and 70+ public presentations about astronomy, space exploration and STEM. Asteroid 154587 Ennico is named for her.

 

 

 

Colonel Terry Virts (ret) served in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot, test pilot and NASA astronaut. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Harvard Business School. On Feb. 8, 2010, he made his first spaceflight as the pilot of the Space Shuttle Endeavor during mission STS-130. His next launch was onboard the Russian Soyuz TMA-15M on Nov. 23, 2014, from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. In March of the following year, Terry assumed command of the International Space Station (ISS) as Commander of Expedition 43. Virts has spent more than seven months in space.

 

Virts currently travels worldwide inspiring audiences with stories from space and his insights into life on earth. He brings his unique perspective to businesses, covering diverse topics such as: politics, the environment; global wealth; intercultural leadership; crisis and risk management; innovation; strategy and vision; and decision making. He recently directed his first film, One More Orbit about his Guinness World Record-breaking mission in July 2019, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. His latest book, How to Astronaut: An Insider's Guide to Leaving Planet Earth, released worldwide on Sep. 15, 2020. Virts also authored Apo11o: To the Moon and Back, a collector’s edition reproduction of the original flight plan Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Mike Collins and the mission control team in Houston used to plan and execute man’s first mission to land on the moon. His latest short film Cosmic Perspective will premiere at the 2021 CES show, Jan 11-14.

He is currently involved in several television and film projects, serves on corporate boards, writes and promotes public policy.

He is one of only four astronauts to have piloted a Space Shuttle, flown a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, performed spacewalks and commanded the ISS. Virts has a unique perspective about the earth, having taken more photos from space than any other astronaut. He is also one of the stars of the IMAX film A Beautiful Planet, shooting much of the stunning footage himself. Virts’ photography is also featured in his National Geographic book, View From Above.