Introducing the 2026 Fellowship Selection Board

The Karman Project Announces 2026 Fellowship Selection Board

The Karman Project is proud to introduce the distinguished members of the 2026 Karman Fellowship Selection Board. This esteemed group has been convened with a vital mission: to identify the next Karman Fellowship cohort of space leaders—select individuals prepared to shape a more responsible, collaborative, and impactful space sector.

Chaired once again by Jean-Jacques Dordain, former Director General of the European Space Agency, the 2026 Board brings together an accomplished and truly international panel of experts. Spanning space agencies, industry, and academia, these members reflect the diverse perspectives and global mindset that sit at the heart of the Karman Fellowship.

This year, the Board welcomes several new members—each of whom has played a pivotal role in advancing the space sector in their own unique way. Their presence underscores the Fellowship's ongoing commitment to fresh perspectives, inclusive leadership, and the cultivation of global talent. 

The selection process has been as competitive as ever: The Karman Project received 421 applications from over 50 countries, a powerful testament to the global interest in shaping the future of space. From this remarkable pool, 50 outstanding candidates have been shortlisted for final review.

The Selection Board will soon convene to assess these candidates, with the outcome of this year’s deliberations to be shared in May. As year's pool of applicants was particularly exceptional, the task is far from easy, and The Karman Project is deeply grateful for the discernment, dedication, and care each juror brings to this critical process. The Karman Project also extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who applied for the Fellowship, as well as to the dedicated Shortlisting Committee working tirelessly behind the scenes. To the shortlisted candidates: we're deeply grateful for your stories and your interest—the community is cheering you on.

Annexure: The Karman Project’s 2026 Fellowship Selection Board

1. Jean-Jacques Dordain, Chairman — Former Director General, European Space Agency (France)
2. Joan Chesoni — Director of the Board, Kenya Space Agency (Kenya)
3. Juan de Dalmau — Former President, International Space University (Spain) 
4. David Dana — General Partner, Expansion Ventures (France)
5. Michael Davis — Chair, Andy Thomas Space Foundation (Australia)
6. Rajeev Gambhir — Deputy Director General, SIA-India (India)
7. Candace Johnson — Chair of the Advisory Board, Seraphim Space Ventures (United States of America)
8. Jeffrey Manber — President, International and Space Stations, Voyager Technologies (United States of America)
9. Rogel Mari Sese — Chair, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Ateneo de Davao University (Philippines)
10. Tanja Masson-Zwaan — Assistant Professor & Deputy Director IIASL, Leiden Law School (Netherlands) 
11. Garvey McIntosh — Senior Director, International Government Relations, Axiom Space (United States of America)
12. Clay Mowry — CEO, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (United States of America)
13. Asanda Ntisana — Stakeholder Liaison, South African National Space Agency (South Africa) 
14. Masami Onoda — Director, International Relations, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Japan) 
15. Alejandro Roman — General Director of Aerospace Development, Paraguayan Space Agency (Paraguay)
16. Nahum Romero — Artist & Founding Director, KOSMICA Institute (Mexico)
17. Giorgio Saccoccia — President, Europe, Vast Space (Italy)
18. Eytan Stibbe — Chancellor, International Space University (Israel) 
19. Lynette Tan — CEO & Chair, Space Faculty (Singapore)
20. Aude Vignelles — Director, Vignelles Space (France) 
21. Cheng Wang — Council Member & Secretary General, China Space Foundation (China) 
22. Ji Wu, President — Chinese Society of Space Research (China)  
23. Akash Yalagach — Co-Founder & CTO, KaleidEO (India)