Grant A. Henriksen is an expert in space law and policy whose career bridges technical insight, legislative strategy, and political advocacy. His interests in space include remote sensing, international law, space commerce, the history of spaceflight, space sustainability and the future exploitation of extraterrestrial resources.
As Chair of the Policy Committee at the National Space Society, he has led national campaigns to strengthen NASA's science funding, modernize regulatory frameworks, and expand the public's understanding of space. His approach blends rigorous legal analysis with accessible communication, enabling him to mobilize diverse stakeholders—from congressional offices to grassroots supporters—around complex space policy issues.
Before entering the policy arena, Henriksen spent almost two decades as a software engineer at Microsoft, where he specialized in enterprise systems, cloud solutions, and team leadership. This technical foundation informs his ability to translate between engineering realities and policy imperatives, a skill that has become central to his work on mission authorization, commercial spaceflight and sustainability standards.
Henriksen holds an M.S. in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota, a B.S. in Computer Science from North Dakota State University, and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching from the University of North Dakota. He is deeply committed to education and has developed innovative, interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect spaceflight history, law, technology, and societal impact. His teaching and public speaking emphasize the importance of preparing future generations for an increasingly space‑enabled world.
Driven by a belief that space exploration and settlement is an imperative that humanity must pursue, Henriksen continues to champion policies and educational initiatives that will help create and shape an exciting future in space.
M.S. - Master of Science in Space Studies, University of North Dakota
- Policy Chair & Board Leadership
- Lead national policy and advocacy strategy for one of the world’s largest space‑advocacy organizations. Direct the development of policy positions, legislative priorities, and public‑facing statements. Coordinate a cross‑functional team of volunteers to advance space activity funding, regulatory modernization, and long‑term space infrastructure. Represent the organization in broad coalition efforts, stakeholder engagement, and public outreach.
- Lead national policy and advocacy strategy for one of the world’s largest space‑advocacy organizations. Direct the development of policy positions, legislative priorities, and public‑facing statements. Coordinate a cross‑functional team of volunteers to advance space activity funding, regulatory modernization, and long‑term space infrastructure. Represent the organization in broad coalition efforts, stakeholder engagement, and public outreach.
- Senior Software Engineer & Technical Leader
- Led engineering efforts across enterprise systems, cloud solutions, and large‑scale software platforms. Specialized in system architecture, databases, and security. Drove major product initiatives from design through deployment, integrating technical depth with user‑focused problem‑solving. Mentored engineering teams including diverse groups of contractors.
- Led engineering efforts across enterprise systems, cloud solutions, and large‑scale software platforms. Specialized in system architecture, databases, and security. Drove major product initiatives from design through deployment, integrating technical depth with user‑focused problem‑solving. Mentored engineering teams including diverse groups of contractors.