Rona Ramon Educational Conference 2026
Beyond the Horizon: Growth Through Challenges


January 28, 2026
16:00-20:30
Israel Air Force Center - Herzliya
The Rona Ramon Education and Space Conference is one of the central educational events of Israel Space Week, held for the thirteenth consecutive year under the leadership of the Ramon Foundation, in partnership with the Israel Space Agency and the Ministry of Education. The conference provides a space for inspiration, reflection, and professional growth for educators across Israel. Through expert lectures, innovative tools, and hands-on workshops, it connects science, technology, values, and inspiration with a strong focus on STEM education. This year’s theme, Growth Through Challenges, emphasizes the vital role of educators in fostering resilience, empowerment, and hope, inspired by the legacy of Rona Ramon.
Partners:
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Agenda
Speakers

Dr. Garrett Reisman
Former NASA Astronaut
Professor of Astronautical Engineering, USC
Speaker

Former NASA Astronaut
Professor of Astronautical Engineering, USC
ANASA veteran who flew on all three Space Shuttles, Garrett Reisman was selected by NASA as a mission specialist astronaut in 1998. His first mission in 2008was aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour which dropped him off for a 95 day stay aboard the International Space Station after which he returned to Earth aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. His second mission in 2010 was aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. During these missions, Garrett performed 3 space walks, operated the Space Station Robot Arm and was a flight engineer aboard the Space Shuttle. Not only was he an astronaut, but Garrett was also an aquanaut serving as a crew member on NEEMO V, living on the bottom of the sea in the Aquarius deep underwater habitat for 2 weeks.
After leaving NASA in early 2011, he joined SpaceX where he served in multiple capacities, most recently as the Director of Space Operations.
Garrett stepped down from his full-time position at SpaceX in May of 2018 and in June 2018 he became a Professor of Astronautical Engineering in the Viterbi School at USC. He continued to support SpaceX as a Senior Advisor until 2024. Today Garrett continues to contribute to the commercial space sector by working as an Astronaut Advisor at VAST.
Garrett attended the University of Pennsylvania and Caltech where he received his Ph.D in 1997.

Kelli Kedis Ogborn
Space Economy Strategist
Speaker

Space Economy Strategist
Kelli Kedis Ogborn is a space economy strategist operating at the intersection of innovation and market formation. She advises organizations navigating the transition from technology development to scalable, market-ready enterprises within complex and capital-intensive environments.
With extensive experience across the U.S. government and private sector, her leadership has influenced the strategic direction of companies entering and scaling within the space market. Her approach integrates technical, policy, and market insight to drive durable competitive advantage, manage risk, and enable sustainable long-term growth within emerging markets.
Kedis Ogborn has held senior leadership roles across aerospace and advanced technology sectors and is a frequently published author and sought-after speaker on the economic and policy forces shaping the global space economy.








