Transformative Space Technologies explores the emerging technologies redefining space missions and infrastructure. As AI, digital engineering, quantum systems, and cyber resilience become central to mission success, leaders must understand both the technical foundations and the strategic implications of these innovations.

This course provides a systems-level view of digital engineering frameworks, AI/ML applications in orbit, edge computing, quantum communications, cybersecurity, hybrid cloud architectures, and multi-orbit interoperability. Participants examine how these technologies integrate into mission-ready systems capable of operating in complex and adversarial environments.

The program culminates in a capstone design exercise where participants conceptualize and defend a future-ready space technology architecture aligned with strategic mission objectives.

15 Hours | 5 Sessions
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Instructor Information

Roger Teague, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret), and Distinguished Guest Speaker, Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University

A highly respected senior space executive and retired U.S. Air Force Major General, Roger Teague has built and led high-performing teams across organizations of varying sizes in both the public and private sectors.

Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions and advised multiple multi-billion-dollar enterprises, bringing deep expertise in national security, commercial, and international space operations. He is widely recognized for his contributions to Congressional, interagency, and Executive Branch discussions and has delivered keynote addresses featured in national media as well as prominent space industry forums and symposia. In addition, he regularly serves as a guest lecturer on academic and professional development topics at institutions such as Air University, the Defense Systems Management College, the United States Air Force Academy, and various Air Force and industry education programs.

Teague is a Founding Partner at Elara Nova Consulting, a firm that guides its clients to actualize the strategic and abundant advantages of the space domain. He has also led strategy, growth, and operations as President of Space and Intelligence Systems for Terran Orbital Corp., served as Founding CEO and President of PredaSAR Corp., and held the role of Vice President of Space, Intelligence, and Missile Defense at The Boeing Company. With over 31 years of service in the Air Force, Teague commanded at the squadron, group, and wing levels and held executive leadership roles at Headquarters U.S. Air Force and Air Force Space Command.

Teague earned a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Master of Strategic Studies from Air University. He was a Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and participated in other executive leadership development programs at the University of Virginia, the University of Tennessee, and the Center for Creative Leadership.

David Hoantee Peng, Professor of Practice, Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University

David Hoantee Peng is involved in the continued global development of Thunderbird’s executive education programs, including offerings in space leadership, business, policy, and selected technology- and industry-related modules.

Peng has built a distinguished 38-year career in asset management, financial services, and insurance across Asia-Pacific. After earning his Master of International Management from Thunderbird in 1987, he moved to Asia, where he built, managed, and advised businesses and joint ventures in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and across the region. Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading global firms including BlackRock, Merrill Lynch, SG Warburg, Legal & General, Aberdeen Standard Investments, Bank of China, Aetna, and AXA.

He is currently President and Senior Advisor at BluFin Advisory, where he focuses on space technology and deep-tech investment. He also serves as Executive Vice Chair of Orion Astropreneur Space Academy, a non-governmental organization that delivers space-related education to students in Hong Kong and advocates for the development of the new space economy in Hong Kong.

Peng often describes his first Thunderbird degree as his “analog degree” and his second, the Executive Master of Global Management in Space Leadership, Business, and Policy, as his “digital degree.” This reflects both his lifelong commitment to learning and his belief in the importance of new pedagogical models that incorporate digital technology and artificial intelligence.

A native New Yorker, Peng received his B.A. from Columbia College, Columbia University, in 1983, majoring in Political Science and International Relations. Upon graduating from Thunderbird in 1987, he received the General Barton Kyle Yount Award, presented to a member of each graduating class who exemplifies the ideals of scholarship, achievement, and character.
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Additional Information

Participants who successfully complete the Executive certificate program will be eligible to apply their earned academic credits toward a Thunderbird degree program, subject to admission requirements and university policies in effect at the time of application. A total of three (3) graduate-level academic credits may be applied from this certificate toward an eligible Thunderbird degree program.

To qualify for credit conversion, participants must successfully complete all required coursework, meet the academic performance standards established for the certificate, and remain in good academic standing.

Specifically, individuals who complete the certificate program in good academic standing may request that the three (3) credits be evaluated for application toward Thunderbird’s Space Leadership and Business degree program (or other eligible Thunderbird graduate programs), in accordance with Arizona State University and Thunderbird academic credit transfer policies.

In addition, participants who complete the certificate program and subsequently apply for admission to a Thunderbird degree program may be considered for merit-based scholarship opportunities. Scholarship awards are contingent upon formal admission, academic review, performance in the certificate program, and availability of funds.