THE 2025 HUMANS TO THE MOON & MARS SUMMIT
an Explore Mars Event
May 28-29, 2025
Jack Morton Auditorium,
The George Washington University
Washington D.C.
Ronald J. Birk
American Astronautical Society | President
Ron Birk is the President of the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and Principal Director, Development Directorate, at The Aerospace Corporation. Ron has 42 years’ experience in management, business development, program management, and strategic planning associated with advancing aerospace systems in the national interest. His experience includes developing programs, sensors, advanced capabilities for emerging needs, including national and international plans for Earth observation systems to improve decision support for societal benefits. He held senior leadership roles for aerospace programs for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Sverdrup Technologies, EarthWatch, and Intermap Inc. Ron serves as President of the Board of the American Astronautical Society, Co-Chair of the CONFERS Technical Committee, and Co-Chair of the Washington Executive Space Council. Ron earned a B.S. in Physics from the University of Notre Dame.