“Space is an economy – and ISU is building the solar system around it.” – Dr. John Wensveen, President of the International Space University
On Day 3 of the 40th Space Symposium, Laure Todd had the pleasure of sitting down for a powerful 33-minute conversation with Dr. John Wensveen, who stepped into ISU’s top role in September 2023 – and is already transforming the future of global space education.
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💡 Key takeaways from our chat:
🔹 A Moonshot Plan for 2030
ISU is no longer just a university – it’s a global strategy hub. With its new Moonshot 2030 strategy, John is repositioning ISU for a rapidly evolving space economy by:
- Diversifying revenue models
- Anchoring 6 regional satellite campuses globally
- Expanding new-skilling, upskilling, and reskilling efforts to address the space workforce gap.
📍 First confirmed campus: Colorado Springs (in partnership with the Space Foundation) – announced during the symposium!
🔹 ISU as the ‘Gorilla Glue’ of Global Space Collaboration
With alumni in 113 countries and across all sectors – public, private, military – ISU aims to be a neutral convener for space strategy, education, and industry alignment.
John’s vision is for ISU to be at the center of the solar system – a platform where ideas, talent, and missions align.
🔹 Alumni Engagement, Evolved
ISU is shifting from outreach to engagement – not just asking alumni for support, but asking:
👉 “How can we help you?”
And making time, talent, and treasure part of the global give-back culture, regardless of geography.
🔹 New Ways of Working for a New Space Economy
From micro-credentials to modular learning, John is clear:
Traditional education models are outdated. Industry needs talent now – and ISU is listening, adapting, and co-investing with its partners.
🔹 Space is for Everyone
The most powerful theme of all? Making space relatable and accessible. Whether through curriculum modernization, global outreach, or public awareness – ISU is determined to show the world that we live in space every day. It’s not just for astronauts – it’s your phone, your weather, your security, your future.
“If we don’t train people differently, if we don’t collaborate faster, if we don’t align on a mission — we risk falling behind. But the good news is: the energy, optimism, and connections we’ve built here at #SpaceSymposium show that we’re ready.”
