What kind of future do we want as humanity steps beyond Earth? Pam Melroy takes the stage to explore how space exploration is shaping not only our understanding of the universe but also the values we carry into the cosmos. She highlights how the lessons of the past—like the International Space Station’s remarkable legacy of global cooperation—can guide us toward a future rooted in peace and shared progress. With the NASA’s Artemis campaign poised to send the first woman and person of color to the surface of the Moon, she emphasizes the importance of building a culture of exploration that benefits all humanity. Drawing on science fiction’s vivid contrasts between utopias and dystopias, she makes the case for deliberate, principled action now to ensure a bright future among the stars. This is a powerful call to action for anyone who dreams of a world united by curiosity and hope. Col. (USAF, ret) Pam Melroy was sworn in as the NASA deputy administrator on June 21, 2021. As deputy administrator, Melroy performs the duties and exercises the powers delegated by the administrator, assists the administrator in making final agency decisions, and acts for the administrator in his absence by performing all necessary functions to govern NASA operations. Melroy is also responsible for laying out the agency’s vision and representing NASA to the Executive Office of the President, Congress, heads of federal and other appropriate government agencies, international organizations, and external organizations and communities.Melroy was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in 1983. As a co-pilot, aircraft commander, instructor pilot, and test pilot, Melroy logged more than 6,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft before retiring from the Air Force in 2007. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx