Cougs in Space Keynote and Reception
About the event
Join us as we welcome Gary Lai, an American aerospace engineer best known as the chief architect of Blue Origin’s New Shepard space tourism vehicle. This evening, he will share his story and inspire WSU students on opportunities in the aerospace industry. The event will include his keynote speech and a small reception for WSU students and WSU professional staff. Virtually through YouTube streaming.
What to expect:
- Learn about Gary Lai’s career and the scientific achievements he contributed to the field
- Connect and network with employers, fellow students, and WSU leadership on campus
- Engage in career development appropriate for all majors
Suggested attire:
- Dress in smart casual or business casual attire.
- We will also have items from the Cougar Closet that you can use!
Cougs in Space is a collaboration between the Palouse Aerospace Club, the Cougs in Space Club, the Academic Success and Career Center, the College of Arts & Sciences, the Carson College of Business, the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, and the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture.
About Gary Lai:
Gary Lai has dedicated his career to opening access to space so that the vast resources of the solar system can be used to benefit life on Earth. As co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Interlune, he’s developing sustainable methods for harvesting lunar resources to address Earth’s resource challenges.
Prior to Interlune, Gary spent 20 years at Blue Origin, rising from its 18th employee to Chief Architect, where he led development of the New Shepard reusable suborbital vehicle that transformed commercial spaceflight, and chaired the design review board for the Blue Moon lunar lander program. In 2022, Gary experienced his own engineering achievement firsthand as a crew member aboard New Shepard’s 20th mission, traveling to space on the vehicle he helped create.
Gary has a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Economics and Business Management from Cornell University.
Gary’s achievements have earned prestigious industry recognition, including the RNASA Foundation’s Stellar Award for “Outstanding leadership of the New Shepard technical team” and the Museum of Flight’s Pathfinder Award. He played a key role in Blue Origin’s work that earned the 2016 Collier Trophy, one of aviation’s highest honors. He received the 2025 Distinguished Alumni award from the University of Washington Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He and his wife, Natalya Yudkovsky, established a faculty fellowship at the University of Washington to support research into space exploration.
