Why We Explore: Natalie Panek at TEDx The Annex Women

Natalie Panek discusses Why We Explore. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations) Natalie Panek is a Mission Systems Engineer at MDA Space Missions, where she works on the next generation of Canadian space robotics, and other Canadian space exploration programs. Panek's love of space and aviation led her to obtain a private pilot's license to fly a single-engine aircraft during her undergraduate studies. She also participated in internships at NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center and at NASA's Ames Research Center, where she worked on a mission to Mars. With degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Natalie has co-authored papers on Microgravity Combustion and On-orbit Satellite Servicing.