The Next Space Age: NASA, Private Enterprise & the Next 20 Years

From Builder to Backer: A Fireside Chat with NASA's Neil Mallik

Tuesday, November 10 | 6 PM
Presented in partnership with the Wharton Club of Philadelphia and the Fitler Club

What will space exploration look like 20 years from now? Will humans be living on the Moon? How close are we to reaching Mars? And could the next great frontier for business and innovation be beyond Earth?

For decades, NASA has pushed the boundaries of what's possible. Today, a new era of space exploration is taking shape, fueled by groundbreaking discoveries, ambitious missions, and growing partnerships with private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Join us for a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes with Neil Mallik, a veteran NASA engineer and technical leader, for an insider's look at the breakthroughs, ambitions, and big ideas shaping humanity's next chapter in space.

Moderated by Scott Sill, Fitler Club's Advisor in Residence, this lively, unscripted conversation will explore everything from the race to return to the Moon and the journey to Mars to the rise of commercial space exploration and the extraordinary discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope.

Drawing on decades of experience across NASA and the commercial aerospace industry, Neil will share his perspective on the opportunities, challenges, and extraordinary possibilities that lie ahead.

Whether you're fascinated by space, technology, entrepreneurship, or simply curious about what the future holds, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

About Our Guest

Neil Mallik is a NASA Technical Fellow who has held senior engineering leadership positions across the agency, including in space operations and communications. Before NASA, he spent a decade in the commercial aerospace industry. A Wharton Executive MBA graduate, he brings a unique perspective on how government, business, and innovation are shaping the future of space.

The evening will conclude with an audience Q&A. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Date & Time:
Tuesday, 11/10/26 at 6:00 pm

Location:  
The Fitler Club
24 S. 24th Street
Philadelphia, PA  19103

Cost:
Wharton Members:  $10
Non-members:  $43

48 hours notice required for refunds