Agenda
December 6th
Bringing it to the Space Warfighting Domain @ Seminar Room on 2nd Floor
Space is playing an ever-greater role in modern warfare and our broader national security. But delivering those critical space-based capabilities to warfighters and other end-users is just one step in the increasingly complex mission lifecycle. From how to incorporate the latest innovations to what role commercial capabilities can play, the way our nation’s space programs acquire, deploy and operate next-generation systems is undergoing profound shifts. Hear from space leaders about how these pieces fit together to deliver needed capabilities and the opportunities to drive greater integration for the benefit of all.
ISAM: A Commercial Linchpin for the New Space Economy @ Seminar Room on 2nd Floor
Large-scale commercial investments will dominate the next wave of space innovation, including commercial space stations in low Earth orbit (LEO) and technologies that will enable a permanent human presence on the moon. The United States has issued national policy for developing In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities that can operationally sustain the new space economy with efficiency and scale. This session encourages participants to roll up their sleeves, break past the 411 on ISAM and get practical on how to stimulate ISAM capability development.
Backing Big Bets in Uncertain Times
With VC spend cool in general, and particularly when it comes to space-related startups, what are the current priorities of investors who have backed space startups in the past? If we’re settling in for a relatively long economic downturn, what should startups expect from private space capital looking ahead to 2023?
Building Out Commercial Operations in Orbit
A new crop of companies are working on establishing permanent commercial operations in orbit and on the moon. But they likely won’t be able to do it without partnerships with government and defense. We’ll talk to leaders from Quantum Space, ispace and the United States Space Force about how these partnerships can foster a thriving orbital economy.
Networking Break
Space Workforce 2030: Inspiring, Preparing and Employing the Next Generation
The dawning space age offers enormous opportunities to explore new frontiers, grow the economy on orbit and strengthen our security. Making the most of this momentous time calls for an innovative workforce that can leverage diverse experiences and perspectives to solve the hard problems we’ll encounter. The Space Workforce 2030 pledge is a first-of-its-kind effort launched earlier this year that is bringing together more than 30 of the country’s leading space companies to work collaboratively to increase diversity across our industry to build a vibrant workforce for the future. Hear from space leaders about the work they’re doing to inspire, prepare and employ the next generation of scientists and engineers and how you can play a part in supporting this vital mission.
Gearing Up the Next Generation of Scientists, Explorers and Robots
As Chief Technologist of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Carolyn Mercer has her finger on the pulse across countless projects to explore and understand our planet and solar system. As priorities and methods shift in the Artemis era, Mercer can speak to how tech helps us move forward, and what NASA’s unique insights and well of talent can put it to use.
Going Fast in Space Acquisition
The commercial space sector has succeeded in driving down the cost of space-based technology while massively increasing its capabilities. The U.S. defense apparatus has traditionally favored legacy industry partners, but it’s shown a growing interest in turning to startups and new space companies to secure the space domain for the U.S. and its allies, and we’ll hear why and how from Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions and Integration Frank Calvelli .
How to Build Strong Space Startups in a Downturn
Space startups already face a belief that their time horizons are longer than your average VC investment standards, but that perception is made more challenging when economic headwinds are unfavorable. So how should startups think about building resilience in tough times?
TechCrunch Space Pitch off
The industry’s brightest entrepreneurs will take the stage in front of a live audience and a panel of industry experts, pitching revolutionary technologies.
Asking and Answering Humanity's Biggest Questions
After 6 years heading up NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Thomas Zurbuchen is a familiar face to anyone who has followed the agency’s many interplanetary and orbital missions. Now ready to move on to his next chapter, Zurbuchen will speak to how NASA, its mission, and the science it performs are changing — but more important than ever.
Growing the LEO Economy on Orbital Reef
As we look to commercial successors to ISS, we see new commercial market opportunities emerging on low Earth orbit (LEO) Destinations. Join us to learn more about how Orbital Reef, a commercial LEO destination ecosystem, is creating new opportunities in space and helping startups accelerate their businesses through Reef Starter, Orbital Reef’s newest initiative to lower barriers of entry to space for early stage companies. Hear about the first set of startups to win the Reef Starter Innovation Challenge and learn how to get involved in the future.
Exclusive Video from Space Industry for Ukraine
Join us for exclusive video and introduction by CEO of HawkEye 360, John Serafini for a behind the scenes look at the work of Space Industry for Ukraine (SIFU). SIFU was designed to harness the resources and innovation of industry partners to provide immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine
Hardware? What’s That? Why Software Is the Future of the Space Economy
Launch gets all the press, but satellites and the software behind them are the workhorses of space. Hear from two spirited founder/CEOs about how SaaS, open source and cloud-based platforms are revolutionizing the satellite industry and accelerating the space economy. They’ll also share what it’s like to be first-time founders, what it really takes to put good code into space and tips for fellow spacepreneurs.
Striking a Balance in Dual Use
As commercially developed space technology becomes increasingly common in government and defense operations, companies face the question of how closely to embrace that side of the industry. How can startups and growing companies better understand and navigate the complex world of dual use?