Monaco’s growing role in space innovation was centre stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., where a high-profile panel event hosted by the Principality’s embassy explored lunar exploration, astronaut insights and future collaborations.
On 29th March, the Embassy of Monaco to the United States took part in the international ‘Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky’ festival with a dynamic roundtable event titled Monaco’s Leap to the Stars: Advancing High-Tech Innovations, Astronaut Insights and Lunar Exploration. The initiative brought together prominent voices from the global space community to highlight the Principality’s increasing presence in the aerospace sector.
The panel was moderated by Robert “Bob” Cabana, Chair of the International Space Station Advisory Committee and former NASA Associate Administrator. He was joined by Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian and former NASA Chief Scientist, as well as Bill Nelson, former U.S. Senator, astronaut and NASA Administrator. Also contributing were Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria, Chief Astronaut at Axiom Space, and Jaret Matthews, CEO and founder of Astrolab, who previously led SpaceX’s Dragon module design team.
Outside the Kennedy Center, visitors were invited to see the FLEX lunar rover developed by Astrolab. The prototype integrates advanced components developed in Monaco by Venturi, underscoring the Principality’s contribution to next-generation space mobility. The display attracted strong public interest, spotlighting the tangible results of international cooperation in high-tech fields.
A day prior, Ambassador of Monaco to the U.S., Maguy Maccario Doyle, hosted a reception for 300 guests to mark the opening of the festival. The event, held in partnership with the Kennedy Center, the Consulate General of Monaco, and Astrolab, reflected Monaco’s commitment to building global partnerships in the name of scientific progress. In her speech, the Ambassador spoke of Prince Albert II’s vision to establish Monaco as a centre for innovation and sustainability in the space economy.
The festival’s educational outreach extended to students from Monaco’s Institution FANB, who took part in a virtual session on 31st March with NASA education specialist Dorian Janney. This interactive encounter offered students a unique chance to explore the space industry from an expert perspective.
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Photo source: Government Communication Department