Space Deterrence Forum
December 16, 2025
Peraton; Chantilly, VA
TS/SI-TK//NOFORN
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
The National Security Space Association (NSSA) invites you to a classified TS/SI-TK//NOFORN Space Deterrence Forum, dedicated to advancing dialogue and collaboration across the national security space enterprise.
This exclusive forum will bring together senior leaders from government, industry, and academia to examine the question:
“How can the United States deter aggression—and, if deterrence fails, fight and win—across all domains, including space?”
America’s space forces deliver critical capabilities that underpin the Joint Force, yet the space domain is increasingly contested. U.S. systems face persistent and evolving threats from multiple adversaries. The Space Deterrence Forum will provide a trusted setting to share insights, discuss challenges, and shape the strategies and capabilities required to maintain space superiority.
Discussion topics will include:
Current and emerging threats to space dominance
Policy, strategy, and operational considerations for effective deterrence
Technological innovations for resilient space operations
This forum offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from key policymakers, acquirers, operators, and intelligence officials, exchange insights, and collaborate on advancing U.S. and allied deterrence strategies in an increasingly contested space environment.
Seats are limited. Register now to secure your spot.
Date: December 16, 2025
Location: Peraton; Chantilly, VA
Government is free!
Attendees are invited to join us for a networking reception following the conference at Wellingston's Restaurant, located in the Westfield Marriott Washington Dulles!
Featured Speakers

Lt Gen Douglas Schiess

Maj Gen Anthony Mastalir

Maj Gen Brian Sidari

Col Bryon McClain

Robert Shaffer V

The Honorable Kari Bingen

Dean Cheng

Tony Frazier

Lt Gen (Ret) Michael Hamel

Dr. Jessica Kalmanson

Gen (Ret) C. Robert Kehler

Kevin Kelly

Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick

Dan Knight

Marina Manson

Tom Martin

Dr. Scott Pace

Dr. Andrew Palowitch

John Paul "JP" Parker

Lt Gen (Ret) John Shaw

Arnie Streland

Chris Williams
Agenda
Peraton: Chantilly, VA
7:00am-8:00am
Check-In/Breakfast
8:00am-8:15am
Welcome Remarks
- Dave Seitz, Director, Business Development, Space and Intelligence Sector, Peraton
- Joe Dodd, Chairman of the Board, NSSA
- Dr. Jessica Kalmanson, Chief Technology Officer, Space and Intelligence Sector, Peraton
- Steve Jacques, President, NSSA
- Kevin Kelly, Chairman and CEO, Arcfield
8:15am-9:00am
China Perspectives
- Dean Cheng, Non-resident Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies; Non-resident Fellow, The George Washington University Space Policy Institute
- Moderator: Dr. Scott Pace, Director, The George Washington University Space Policy Institute
9:00am-9:45am
Featured Keynote Speaker
- Moderator: Dr. Andrew Palowitch, Chief Systems Engineer, USSF Space Systems Center Combat Power PEO, former Founder/Director, NRO/USAF Space Protection Program
9:45am-10:15am
AM Networking Break
10:15am-11:00am
Adversary Deterrence and the Intel Community
- Maj Gen Brian Sidari, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence (DCSO-I), USSF
- Robert Shaffer V, Deputy Director of Intelligence, USSPACECOM
- Moderator: Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, CEO, Nonlinear Solutions, LLC
11:00am-11:45am
Strategic Context Roundtable
- The Honorable Kari Bingen, Director, Aerospace Security Project, Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department, CSIS
- Gen (Ret) C. Robert Kehler, USAF
- Chris Williams, Chair, NSSA's Moorman Center for Space Studies
11:45am-1:15pm
Lunch
1:15pm-2:00pm
USSPACECOM Vantage Point
- Maj Gen Anthony Mastalir, Director, Global Space Operations (J3) USSPACECOM
- Moderator: Lt Gen (Ret) John Shaw, USSF
2:00pm-2:45pm
Operational Challenges and Commander Perspectives
- Lt Gen Douglas Schiess, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, USSF
- Lt Gen (Ret) John Shaw, USSF
- Moderator: Lt Gen (Ret) Michael Hamel, Former Commander, Space & Missiles Systems Center
2:45pm-3:15pm
PM Networking Break
3:15pm-4:00pm
Acquiring Space Deterrence Capabilities at Speed and Scale
- Col Bryon McClain, USSF SFPEO for Space Combat Power
- Moderator: Chris Williams, Chair, NSSA's Moorman Center for Space Studies
4:00pm-4:45pm
Industry Panel
- Tony Frazier, CEO, LeoLabs
- Dan Knight, VP, Sensors and Platform Engineering, Arcfield
- Tom Martin, Senior Director, National Security Programs, Blue Origin
- Arnie Streland, Corporate Lead Executive, Northrop Grumman
- Moderator: John Paul "JP" Parker, Founder and CEO, Escape Velocity
4:45pm-5:00pm
Closing Remarks
5:00pm-7:00pm
Networking Reception - Wellington's Bar, located in the Westfield Marriott Washington Dulles

