The 2026 Minta Martin Lecture featured Tory Bruno, president of National Security at Blue Origin. Bruno’s lecture, “The space economy revolution that will change our human destiny,” explored the growing space domain, its economic implications, and the future of humanity beyond Earth.
Bruno joined Blue Origin in January 2026 after serving as president and CEO of United Launch Alliance. Throughout his career, he has championed defense and space programs spanning missile defense, strategic deterrence, and space launch, and is also an expert in several rocketry and hypersonic technologies.. He is an AIAA Honorary Fellow and has served on several national advisory bodies focused on space policy and technology.
The Minta Martin Lecture was established through a special gift to AeroAstro from Glenn L. Martin in April 1954. Martin named the lecture in honor of his mother, Minta Martin, who inspired him to his aeronautical achievements.
