From a Spark to a
Movement
Stardust was born from a simple belief: that space should belong to all of us. Our founder, Jason Michaud, grew up in a remote Canadian village where opportunities felt distant, yet the stars were always close. With no clear path into the space industry, he carved one himself, proving that even from the most unlikely places, dreams can launch.
Along the way, he met Shimul Paul, an astrophysicist who shared the same conviction: that the future of space exploration cannot be reserved for a privileged few, but must be opened to students, educators, and dreamers everywhere.
"What began as two voices daring to challenge the status quo has now grown into Stardust Odyssey, a global community spanning 100,000+ members, 1,000+ educators, and 250+ ambassadors across 50+ countries."
Today, Stardust provides immersive learning experiences, astronaut training, and technology development to empower people of all ages to take part in humanity's journey to the stars. From classrooms to festivals, from analog missions to international collaborations, we are uniting the next generation of explorers, innovators, and leaders to build a future that belongs to everyone.
Stardust is more than an organization, it's a movement. And your journey starts here.
CEO, STARDUST INC. | FUTURE PRIVATE ASTRONAUT
From Small-Village
Roots to a Global Space Vision
Jason Michaud grew up in the remote lumber village of Dubreuilville, Ontario, where opportunities were scarce but the night sky was limitless. From those beginnings, he charted his own unconventional path into the space industry, overcoming barriers of geography, access, and expectation. Today, he leads Stardust Inc. with a mission to ensure no dreamer is ever told space is out of reach.
With more than 80 parabolas of microgravity, lunar, and Martian gravity flight experience, Jason is actively training to become a private astronaut. His expertise spans corporate diplomacy, space policy, and innovation, where he works to bridge the gap between education and industry.
Under his leadership, Stardust Odyssey has grown into a global movement, reaching hundreds of thousands of members and educators across the world. Jason has collaborated with leading organizations including NASA, Lockheed Martin, Blue Origin, MDA, and the United Nations, while spearheading workforce development initiatives to prepare the next generation for careers in the new space economy.
"His work also advances lunar and Martian settlement research, developing technology, training, and analog missions that simulate life beyond Earth."
For Jason, space is not just the next frontier, it is humanity's shared future. His vision is to make sure that future belongs to everyone.
COO, STARDUST INC. | AEROSPACE ENGINEER
Blending Passion and
Science to Shape the Future
Shinul Paul is an Aerospace Engineer and Astrophysicist whose career bridges hard science with a passion for human progress. With over a decade of experience in aerospace technologies, space systems, and UAV/RPAS, Shinul serves as COO of Stardust Inc., where he leads innovation in astronaut training, space research, and the development of next-generation infrastructure for humanity’s future in space.
"His expertise spans deep-space research, space education, autonomous systems, and sustainable space development, and his career has connected him to some of the world’s most influential organizations. Shinul has collaborated with NASA, ESA, MDA, ICESCO, and leading aeronautical and defense partners, contributing to advancements in astronaut mental health, space suits, eVTOL, and global space education initiatives."
As a strong advocate for STEM education and accessibility, Shinul is a dedicated supporter of the UN Space4All initiative, championing opportunities that open the cosmos to everyone. His vision is not only to build the systems that will take humanity beyond Earth, but to ensure the next generation has the knowledge, resilience, and inspiration to thrive there.
For Shinul, space is not only a destination — it’s a platform to unite science, innovation, and human aspiration for generations to come.
CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER, STARDUST INC.
Pioneering Regenerative
Medicine and Space Biotech
Dr. Joshua Chou is a scientist, innovator, and global thought leader at the intersection of space and human health. With a PhD in tissue engineering, he has dedicated his career to unlocking the therapeutic potential of stem cells and advancing regenerative medicine — from the labs of Harvard to experiments in microgravity.
As a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellow at the University of Tokyo, Joshua spent three years investigating stem cells' therapeutic potential. His research at Harvard, published in Cell, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals, identified the hormone responsible for maintaining health through exercise. During that time, he initiated groundbreaking studies into the effects of microgravity on cellular behavior — pioneering work that has since evolved into biomanufacturing technologies for stem cell and exosome production in space.
"Building on this foundation, Joshua has led research into neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancer, developing innovative stem cell and exosome therapies. In 2019, he was awarded funding from Australia’s Charlie Teo Foundation to develop the world’s most advanced brain cancer-on-a-chip model, accelerating discovery for new treatments."
Today, as Chief Science Officer of Stardust Inc., Joshua leads efforts to merge biomedical innovation with space research, exploring how microgravity and advanced space technologies can revolutionize medicine, sustainability, and human resilience for life beyond Earth.
For Joshua, space is not only about exploration — it’s a frontier for healing, survival, and reimagining what it means to be human.
From Street Smarts to
NASA Leader
CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY AND INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
An avid music lover and sneakerhead, Edward Gonzales has built a life walking the walk from street smart to business-savvy, first at one of Los Angeles’s prestigious law firms, then to “student-whisperer” at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory working with interns and underserved, underrepresented populations. Now, as NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility lead for Heliophysics, he brings his unique blend of experience to one of NASA’s most prestigious missions.
Edward has been honored by many NASA awards and recognition and has made it his personal mission to ensure that the agency’s future workforce is more diverse and equitable than when he started his career there two decades ago.
Having lost his father as a young teen, experienced police profiling and gang violence, he can relate to the struggles that many students face as they embark on their college and career journeys. He is eager to share that all paths to NASA aren’t linear and emphasizes the critical importance of creating a workforce pipeline that starts in school.
This led to an exciting project called “Permission to Dream,” collaborating with Christopher Gardner (The Pursuit of Happyness) to present inspirational talks at one thousand high schools across the United States.
"Edward is the consummate comeback kid — all setbacks set you up for a comeback."
Crafting Stories at the
Intersection of Art, Technology, and Human Experience
Master storyteller, art director, experience designer, and artist shaped by global agency collaborations and major brand campaigns across every media platform.
"Driven by a passion for blending art, design, and technology to craft narratives that resonate and leave lasting impressions."
At the forefront of innovation, with achievements such as unveiling the first robotic dog model at Dubai Fashion Week. Deeply curious and inspired by a wide range of interests, from film and photography to motorsport, artificial intelligence, and space exploration.
CHIEF IMPACT & PARTNERSHIP OFFICER, STARDUST INC.
From Inner Worlds to
Outer Space
The Journey of a Visionary Mind
Zain Tawana is a psychonaut—an explorer of inner space—who believes the journey to the stars begins within.
Trained in Applied Psychology, his work sits at the crossroads of Noetic Sciences and artificial superintelligence. Before venturing into the cosmos, he spent years learning how stories shape our collective mind—first as a storyteller in the media industry, then as a mental health practitioner witnessing the resilience of the human spirit during the pandemic. Today, he builds immersive worlds through his XR startup, bridging technology and human potential.
At Stardust Inc., he leads global impact and relationship strategies, while advancing research into space psychology and mental well-being for analog astronauts and future interplanetary missions.
At Stardust R&D, he turns his gaze outward. He studies the brain-wave patterns of astronauts not as data, but as a language of human adaptation. He dreams of interplanetary highways, not as routes on a map, but as the next great migration of a species born to wander.
"His philosophy is simple: we are multiplanetary not because we have the technology, but because it has always been our nature. To live among the stars, we must first learn to live within ourselves."
From Simulators to the Stars:
A Visionary Journey in Aerospace Innovation
Steve Smith is a visionary engineering executive with over 25 years of experience leading breakthrough innovations in aerospace and simulation. As Director of Flight Systems at Blue Origin, he leads a high-performance team advancing the state-of-the-art in autonomous spaceflight and exploration.
Previously, as Director of Innovation and Product Development at FlightSafety International, he drove the development of next-generation flight simulation technologies, transforming pilot training worldwide.
He holds an MBA from MIT and both a masters and bachelors degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas.
"A proven leader in technical strategy and product innovation, Steve has scaled engineering organizations, pioneered new technologies, and shaped industry standards."
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER, STARDUST INC.
Driving the Future of
Aerospace and Space Diplomacy
Through Strategic Innovation
Rocky Singh is a strategist, connector, and advocate for the future of aerospace and space exploration. With over 15 years of experience spanning aerospace, defense, transportation, and IT, he has built a career at the intersection of government priorities, industry innovation, and global diplomacy.
As Principal and CEO of Third Rock Consulting, Rocky helps aerospace, defense, and space companies align with government objectives while creating long-term economic value. His expertise lies in Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) and offset frameworks, where he supports clients on everything from cybersecurity readiness and R&D to DE&I and sustainability initiatives.
Rocky has supported Prime contractors and their supply chains through value proposition development, compliance enhancement, and executive planning. He previously served as Company Security Officer for Larsen & Toubro Canada, playing a key role in shaping vendor strategy for the Navy’s AJISS program.
Today, as Chief Revenue Officer of Stardust Inc., Rocky leads international growth across MENA and ASEAN markets. He also serves as a Senior Associate at Samuel Associates, advancing international advocacy and diplomacy.
"An advocate for the NewSpace movement, Rocky is deeply committed to advancing humanity’s future in space. Outside of his professional roles, he practices martial arts, volunteers at his local hospital, and contributes to multiple advisory boards."
Leading the Space and AI
Economy with a Human-Centered Vision for the Future
I am a Human-Centered AI & Longevity Wizard—a TEDx speaker, investor, advisory board member, upcoming author, and the Founder, Human CEO & Chief AI Officer of BrainGym and Zufa.Ai. My mission is to future-proof individuals and businesses through AI upskilling, the New Space Economy, and Web3, with Longevity as a core pillar of my philosophy.
With 32 years of experience in innovation, banking, technology, and ESG across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, I now specialize in AI strategy, human longevity, and the intersection of technology and well-being.
"As a relentless practitioner of longevity science, I integrate biohacking, AI-driven health optimization, metabolic conditioning, and cognitive enhancement into my daily routine."
CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, STARDUST INC.
Forging the Future of Space:
From Extreme Environments to Global Strategy
Rafael Kargren is a space entrepreneur, strategist, and educator with over three decades at the forefront of the global space industry. His career has spanned extreme environment astronaut training, space entrepreneurship, and national space strategy development, making him a pivotal figure in advancing humanity’s reach beyond Earth.
Rafael has played a central role in bridging international space agencies, governments, and private companies, fostering collaborations that have redefined the landscape of space exploration. He has worked with agencies including NASA, ESA, JAXA, ISRO, and the Australian Space Agency, while supporting commercial giants such as Rocket Lab, OneWeb, SpaceX, and Maxar.
A pioneer in astronaut preparation, Rafael was instrumental in establishing extreme environment training centers for ESA in regions such as the Arctic, Antarctica, Svalbard, and the Atacama Desert. He has also been deeply involved in shaping national space strategies across the globe, contributing to programs in Sweden, Luxembourg, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, and New Zealand.
"At Stardust Inc., Rafael brings his wealth of experience and vision as Chief Strategy Officer, guiding global partnerships, strategy, and the development of programs that prepare humanity for its next great leap. With a legacy forged in extreme environments and a vision that spans continents, Rafael continues to inspire a future where space belongs to all."
EDUCATION COORDINATOR, STARDUST INC.
From Zero Gravity to Zero Limits:
Championing STEM Access for Future Explorers
Dianea Phillips is a lifelong educator and advocate for STEM access whose journey from the classroom to a zero-gravity flight embodies her belief that science belongs to everyone. A Certified Aerospace Educator and recipient of the prestigious Cherri Brinley Outstanding Educator Award at Space Center Houston, Dianea has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers andiring the next generation of explorers.
Her passion for aerospace was ignited during her first zero-gravity flight, a defining moment that reinforced her mission to create opportunities for students who, like her, were once told that science and space were "not for them." After earning her degree at McGill University, Dianea began her career teaching in northern Quebec before serving for 25 years with the Lester B. Pearson School Board, where she led the Centre for Educational Excellence, training teachers and delivering transformative STEM education to students.
As an entrepreneur and youth life coach, Dianea continues to innovate through programs like Science Yourself!, No G's About It!, and her informal Space School in Montreal, featuring initiatives such as NASA’s Next-Gen STEM pilot program, SPARX. Through creative approaches that blend storytelling, coaching, and hands-on science, she empowers young people to discover resilience, creativity, and confidence through STEM.
At Stardust, Dianea serves as Education Coordinator, where she channels her passion and expertise into developing inclusive, inspiring programs that open doors for students worldwide. A mentor in the McGill Black Mentorship Program, she is committed to ensuring that all youth — especially those from underrepresented communities — see themselves reflected in leadership, science, and space.
"Our youth need us," says Dianea. "They need our wisdom, our stories, our ears — and they need to know we are willing to show up for them."
DIRECTOR OF CREW & FAMILY SYSTEMS PSYCHOLOGY, STARDUST
From Family Systems to
Interplanetary Attachment
Preparing Hearts for the Stars
Ashley Haynes-Gibson is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) and doctoral candidate in Couple and Family Therapy at Antioch University New England. Her research and clinical work focus on the relational and systemic dimensions of long-duration spaceflight — particularly the evolving dynamics of astronaut family systems, attachment, resilience, and mental health in extreme environments.
Drawing from both clinical experience and advanced research training, Ashley integrates evidence-based approaches including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Structural and Bowenian Family Systems Theory, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Gottman Couples Therapy. Her work emphasizes systemic awareness, cultural humility, and the psychological realities of human adaptation.
Her doctoral research explores the integration of the "Overview Effect" into Marriage and Family Therapy frameworks, examining how awe, planetary perspective, and prolonged separation reshape relational systems in the context of future space settlement. She advocates for embedding systemic therapists into long-duration missions and advancing what she terms "interplanetary attachment" theory to prepare families for sustained off-Earth living.
A foster care alumna and advocate, Ashley brings lived experience into her systemic lens, honoring the resilience of individuals and families navigating complex transitions. She currently serves on the Legislative Committee of the Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT), supporting access to quality mental health care and advancing the profession.
"At Stardust, Ashley contributes to the development of human-centered space frameworks, helping shape the psychological and relational infrastructure required for humanity's next frontier."
DIRECTOR OF SPACE BIOLOGY & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, STARDUST
From Molecular Life to
Life Beyond Earth
Bridging Biotechnology and the Cosmos
Shifa Zahra is a biotechnologist working at the frontier of Space Biology and Astrobiology, driven by one central question: how does life originate, adapt, and survive beyond Earth?
Her research focuses on developing non-Earth-centered life-detection strategies by integrating molecular biology, extremophile systems, and stress-adaptation mechanisms relevant to Mars and lunar exploration. By studying biological resilience under extreme conditions, Shifa aims to redefine how we search for life and how we sustain it beyond our planet.
Her upcoming work simulates extraterrestrial environments to investigate molecular stability, adaptive pathways, and biological survival strategies in high-radiation, low-pressure, and resource-limited conditions. Through this research, she contributes to sustainable human exploration and next-generation life-detection missions.
"Biotechnology is not just a laboratory discipline, it is the bridge between Earth and the cosmos."
At Stardust, Shifa serves as Director of Space Biology & Strategic Partnerships, where she leads international scientific collaborations and educational outreach initiatives across universities and research institutions. She builds global academic partnerships, supports interdisciplinary research pipelines, and creates meaningful entry points for students, particularly young women, to participate in space science and satellite missions.
Her work strengthens Stardust's scientific ecosystem by connecting researchers, institutions, and emerging talent into a globally integrated network of space biology innovation.
Shifa envisions a future where astrobiology, biotechnology, and human exploration advance together, not only to understand life beyond Earth, but to ensure humanity thrives responsibly as it expands into the solar system.
For Shifa, space is not only a destination, it is a laboratory for understanding life itself.