Speaker: Burt Dicht

Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering

University of South Florida

ABSTRACT:

Beginning with the next phase of human deep-space exploration and recent developments affecting mission readiness, the session explores how government programs and commercial innovation are working together to expand access to space and enable sustained operations beyond low Earth orbit. Attendees will gain insight into emerging capabilities, new infrastructure, and the growing role of international partnerships in shaping the space environment. The presentation also considers how scientific discovery, economic development, and security priorities are influencing space policy and investment. Drawing on historical perspective, Dicht connects today’s milestones to the broader arc of space exploration, helping audiences understand not only what is happening now, but why it matters. Ideal for students, educators, and space enthusiasts, this session provides an accessible, up-to-date perspective on the rapidly evolving space landscape and the opportunities it presents for the next generation.

SPEAKER BIO:

Burt Dicht has dedicated his career to advancing STEM education while preserving and sharing the history of space exploration. As Managing Director of Membership and Office Manager for the National Space Society (NSS) at Kennedy Space Center, he promotes public engagement, student involvement, and awareness of humanity’s expanding presence in space. He began his career as an aerospace engineer at Northrop Grumman, contributing to advanced aircraft programs including the F-5E/F, F-20A, YF-23A, and F/A-18E/F. He also supported the Space Shuttle program at Rockwell and interned at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. These experiences shaped his understanding of aerospace innovation and provide real-world context when he speaks about the evolution of flight and space systems. Dicht previously served as Director of Student and Academic Programs at IEEE, where he led initiatives that connected students with practicing engineers and real-world applications of technology. He remains active in pre-university STEM outreach through IEEE programs and serves the Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE-HKN’s The Bridge magazine. His writing on space and technology history has also appeared in engineering publications, including Mechanical Engineering magazine published by ASME. Dicht is a fellow of the ASME, a member of the IEEE-HKN honor society, a member of AIAA and a major and aerospace education officer for the Civil Air Patrol. A former volunteer educator at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, he interpreted the Space Shuttle Enterprise and historic aircraft for visitors from around the world. A frequent guest speaker, Dicht connects the milestones of the space program to today’s exploration efforts and helps audiences understand how past achievements inform the future.