Vets in Space is a flagship program from VetsinTech, launching on February 4, 2026, focused on preparing America’s veteran workforce for the future of space technology.
Space is rapidly becoming one of the most critical domains for economic growth, security infrastructure, and global leadership. Vets in Space is designed to equip veterans and military spouses with the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive across the space technology ecosystem.
This initiative builds a national coalition across:
Through strategic partnerships, educational programs, tailored career pathways, and robust entrepreneurship support, Vets in Space helps build the workforce and innovation ecosystem our nation needs for the next era of space exploration.
Karin Kuo is a business strategist and People executive with over twenty years of professional experience. As Chief People Officer at Vast, she serves as a strategic partner to the business in developing humanity's most capable space stations, pioneering the next giant leap toward long-term living and thriving in space. Karin's expertise focuses on building high performing organizations and inspiring People teams in high-growth tech and aerospace startups. Karin has held numerous leadership roles at Relativity Space, Onica, and Grindr, and has prior strategy and management consulting experience with Deloitte, Samsung, and Luminary Labs. She holds a M.B.A. from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Karin was raised in the greater Los Angeles area and now resides in Long Beach, CA with her family.
Chris Lowman serves as the Director of Business Development at True Anomaly, a space security and defense company developing advanced hardware and software solutions for orbital warfare and space domain awareness. With a focus on strategic growth and government relations, Chris leverages his expertise to align True Anomaly’s capabilities with the evolving needs of national security space missions. He is instrumental in driving the company's mission to ensure a secure and sustainable space environment through innovative tactical responsiveness.
Samuel “Sam” Look is the Director of Human Capital at Space Systems Command, where he leads strategic workforce planning and HR operations across 20 global locations supporting over 10,000 personnel. He advises senior leadership on human capital strategy while overseeing talent management, force development, and organizational readiness for the U.S. Space Force.
Explore the thriving space and aerospace community in the greater Los Angeles area. From established aerospace giants to innovative startups, LA is home to a dynamic ecosystem of companies, research institutions, and organizations shaping the future of space exploration.
For commercial space companies, launch providers, satellite operators, and defense contractors committed to hiring veterans and military spouses into mission-critical roles across the space ecosystem.
For organizations building workforce development programs and education pathways focused on space careers, reskilling, and upskilling the veteran and milspouse community.
For veteran and military spouse founders, investors, and service providers building startups in launch services, satellite technology, in-space infrastructure, and space-enabled applications.
Vets in Space is dedicated to equipping veterans and military spouses with the knowledge, skills, and pathways they need to thrive in the rapidly growing space economy. Our programs support every stage of the journey — from first exposure and training, to career transitions, to startup and innovation activity in space technology.
Our curriculum focuses on space-related roles and technologies, including launch and mission operations, satellite systems, communications, and related tech fields. Developed with industry partners, this track helps veterans build a solid foundation for careers in commercial space, defense space programs, and the broader space supply chain.
An intensive, one-day program introducing veterans and military spouses to the space industry landscape. The bootcamp covers key segments of the space economy, core roles and skills, basic technical concepts, and guidance on how to translate military experience into in-demand space careers.
A specialized workshop focused on the intersection of space, national security, and policy. It leverages the background of veterans, military spouses, and advisors familiar with defense, intelligence, and government operations, and explores how space capabilities support cybersecurity, communications, resilience, and mission readiness.
Ongoing mentorship connecting veterans and military spouses with professionals in commercial space, government space programs, and adjacent sectors. Mentors provide guidance on career transitions, upskilling, interviewing, and navigating opportunities in launch operations, mission control, satellite operations, and more.
Veteran and military spouse founders building companies in the space and space-adjacent ecosystem are encouraged to participate in our annual VetsinTech Pitch Contest, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase. This track highlights startups focused on launch services, satellite-based applications, in-space infrastructure, and dual-use technologies supporting future missions.
