Dr Shawna Pandya is the first named Canadian female commercial astronaut, a Physician and Director of the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences Space Medicine Group.
Dr Pandya will fly to space with Virgin Galactic aboard their new class of Delta spacecraft as early as 2026 and continues to lecture at the University of Alberta in a class called Technology and the Future of Medicine.
Dr Pandya participated in the Astronaut panel session in the opening plenary session of the Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference (IPSEC) 2024 which took place in Perth, Western Australia during WA Space Week 26-28 November, alongside the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum.
IPSEC brings together leading experts, innovators, and industry professionals to explore the intersection of space technology and terrestrial applications. This high-profile event is a key gathering for professionals from diverse sectors, including mining, agriculture, cyber, defence, AI, environmental management, and more.
With a focus on cross-sectoral collaboration, IPSEC will address how emerging space technologies are transforming industries on Earth. The conference will feature a stellar lineup of over 100 speakers and panellists from global space agencies such as NASA and JAXA, as well as high-ranking industry leaders.
Principal Partner is the Western Australian Department of Jobs, Science, Tourism & Innovation and Foundation Sponsor Business Events Perth.
