Space Economy · 28 July 2026
What Boards Get Wrong About the Space Economy
Most board-level conversations about space start in the wrong place: the rocket. The value is somewhere else entirely.
Speaker · Workshop Facilitator
Dr Mariona Badenas-Agustí
Space Strategy, Earth Observation & AI Expert
- Locations
- London, United Kingdom, London
- Languages
- Spanish, English
- Roles
- Speaker, Workshop Facilitator
About
Dr Mariona Badenas-Agustí is a space strategist, astrophysicist and planetary scientist working at the intersection of space business, Earth Observation and artificial intelligence. At isardSAT, she contributes to the company's UK space strategy, industry partnerships, innovation projects and the integration of AI-driven solutions into Earth Observation services.
Her perspective combines commercial space with an exceptional scientific background. Mariona holds a PhD in Planetary Sciences from MIT, studied Astrophysics at Yale University and completed postgraduate research at the University of Cambridge. Her research has included exoplanets, stellar systems and machine-learning techniques for analysing the chemical composition of planetary material.
Beyond research and business, Mariona brings first-hand experience of leadership in simulated space exploration. She co-founded Hypatia Mars and commanded Hypatia I, an all-female multidisciplinary crew at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. She had previously participated in the LATAM III Mars analogue mission in 2019.
This combination enables Mariona to connect advanced science with practical questions facing the space sector: how AI can unlock value from satellite data, how Earth Observation can address challenges on Earth, how space companies develop new markets and how multidisciplinary teams operate in demanding environments.
An experienced science communicator, Mariona brings scientific depth, commercial perspective and exploration experience to conferences, corporate events and public audiences interested in the space economy, AI, Earth Observation and the future of human exploration.
Speaking Topics
- AI, Data & the Future of Space
- Earth Observation & Satellite Data
- Space Economy & Commercial Space
- Space Strategy & Innovation
- Human Space Exploration & Mars Analogues
- Women, Leadership & Multidisciplinary Teams in Space
Suggested Keynotes
From Space Data to Decisions: How AI Is Transforming Earth Observation
How artificial intelligence and satellite data can turn complex observations into actionable insight, opening new opportunities for businesses, institutions and society.
From Astrophysics to Space Business: Turning Science into Opportunity
What happens when deep scientific expertise meets commercial strategy? Mariona explores how research, technology and entrepreneurship can connect to create new opportunities across the space economy.
Leading on Mars: What Extreme Environments Teach Us About Teams
Drawing on her experience commanding a Mars analogue mission, Mariona explores multidisciplinary leadership, collaboration and decision-making in demanding environments.
Workshops & Executive Sessions
Mariona's multidisciplinary background makes her particularly relevant for interactive sessions exploring space innovation, Earth Observation, AI applications, science communication and collaborative problem-solving. Specific workshop formats should be agreed according to audience and objectives.
Selected Experience
- Business Developer and Strategist at isardSAT
- PhD in Planetary Sciences from MIT
- Postdoctoral research experience at the University of Cambridge
- Astrophysics graduate from Yale University
- Co-founder of Hypatia Mars and Commander of the Hypatia I Mars analogue mission
- Participant in the LATAM III Mars analogue mission at the Mars Desert Research Station
Publications & Media
Related insights
Future of Space · 14 July 2026
Moderating a Panel That Actually Says Something
Claire Lemoine on preparation, silence, and the moment you decide to interrupt a senior executive.
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