SPACE SYMPOSIUM AGENDA

Track: By Invitation Only

Monday, April 13, 2026

Monday, April 13, 2026

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Track: ,

Location: Cheyenne Mountain Resort

New Generation Space Leaders: Networking Reception

This reception is open to New Generation Space Leaders Registrants and Mentors participating in the Leadership Exchange.

By Invitation Only

Monday, April 13, 2026

4:45 pm - 6:00 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Pre-Ceremony Space Foundation Speaker Reception

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Monday, April 13, 2026

4:45 pm - 6:00 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Government Affairs Social

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

The Artemis Group logo

Monday, April 13, 2026

7:45 pm - 9:30 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Heads of Agency Reception

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Intuitive_Machines_Blue_Logo

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Breakfast: International Astronautical Federation

Connecting Nations: the IAF’s Role in Global Space Cooperation

  • Speakers
    • Gabriella Arrigo, President, International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
    • Christian Feichtinger, Executive Director, International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
    • Yusuf Kirac, Chairman of The Board and President, Turkish Space Agency (TUA)
    • Heather Pringle, Chief Executive Officer, Space Foundation

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

International Astronautical Federation

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Breakfast: Amazon Web Services

How AI is Powering Space Superiority

  • Welcome Remarks
    • Yvette Cesario, Director, AWS National Security
  • Moderator: Dave Wooddell, Principal Account Executive, AWS National Security
    • Guy de Carufel, CEO & Founder, Cognitive Space
    • Scott Josselyn, Senior Technical Director, Anduril Industries
    • Danny Moore, President and Owner, DeNovo Solutions

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Amazon Web Services

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Breakfast: Oklahoma Department of Commerce

From Strategy to Implementation: How Oklahoma Transformed a Space Vision into the Next Space Industry Renaissance

  • Speakers:
    • Rep. Nick Archer, Congressman, Oklahoma House of Representatives
    • Grayson Ardies, Chief Executive Officer, Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority
    • Hon. Jim Bridenstine, Managing Partner, The Artemis Group
    • Mike Moradi, Co-Founder & General Partner, Cortado Ventures
    • Chris Pearson, Chief Executive Officer, AGILE Space Industries

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Oklahoma

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track: ,

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Breakfast: World Economic Forum

Balancing National Resilience with Commercial Reality

Full-stack sovereign space capabilities are financially and operationally out of reach for most, and partnership strategies risk creating the appearance of independence while deepening reliance on a narrow set of providers. 

This session will focus on what this evolving dynamic means for commercial collaboration. We will move beyond rhetoric to confront the strategic and financial trade-offs: If total self-sufficiency is financially out of reach, what are the minimum viable points of control required for resilience? Furthermore, how do industry leaders balance the scale of investment required for next-generation space infrastructure against fragmenting market signals? 

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Breakfast: Vast

Going direct to the dream End State vs Iterative Stepping Stones: Considerations for Building Space Infrastructure

As space activity transitions from government-led exploration to a broader commercial and industrial ecosystem, the program strategy used to develop infrastructure in orbit is becoming increasingly important. From Apollo’s ambitious end-state goal of landing humans on the Moon, to the incremental assembly and long-term operations of the International Space Station, different approaches to program architecture have shaped how capabilities are built, funded, and sustained.

Speakers

  • Will Bruey, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Varda Space Industries
  • Jaret Matthews, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Astrolab
  • Bridgit Mendler, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Northwood Space
  • Kris Young, Chief Operating Officer, Vast

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Vast

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Senior Executives’ Forum & Luncheon

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

L3Harris

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Luncheon: SAIC

Integrating the Space Ecosystem: How the data layer secures, connects, and accelerates missions

Interoperability is the connective tissue that drives everything from logistics to C2 to modernizing systems. All space stakeholders are faced with supply chain challenges, interconnecting legacy investments with emerging innovation, and reconciling data of all formats and pedigree. As space architectures proliferate and threats compress decision timelines, the ability to move, trust and optimize available assets may determine mission success more than any single platform.

Listen as experts from civilian and defense space explore pressing challenges, such as:

  • Data integration: How do common data layers overcome overlapping authorities, ownership and accountability?  
  • Supply chain: As proliferated constellations continue to deploy, what are the surge demands and industrial base limits to develop, build, launch, maintain and manage them?
  • Commercial integration: How are legacy systems modernizing into a current infrastructure that must move at the pace of threats…not acquisition?

 

  • Moderator: Mathew Hungerford, Chief Technology Officer, SAIC Space and Intell Business Group
  • Speakers
    • Lt. Col. James Dossett, Senior Program Manager for Battlespace Awareness, Low/Medium Earth Orbit, U.S. Space Force 
    • Col. Amber Johnson, Commander, 2nd Sustainment Squadron, Mission Delta 2, U.S. Space Force 
    • Lt. Col. Devon Messecar, System Program Manager, U.S. Space Force

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

SAIC

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Luncheon: BAE Systems

Unlocking Dynamic Space Operations: Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Space Superiority

As the space domain becomes increasingly contested, the need for Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) has never been more pressing. DSO envisions a future where satellites maneuver with agility and missions adapt in real time, making it more difficult for adversaries to track, target or disable our critical space assets. But despite the vision, significant challenges must be overcome to unlock DSO at scale. Join us for a panel discussion that brings together seasoned operators and acquisition professionals to explore the critical obstacles hindering DSO and to shape the future of space superiority.

  • Moderator: Gary Testut, Vice President, Space Systems, BAE Systems, Inc.
  • Speakers
    • Dr. Kelly Hammett, Director & Program Executive Officer, Space Rapid Capabilities Office
    • Col. Bryon McClain,  Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Space Combat Power, Space Systems Command (SSC)
    • Col. Ramsey Horn, Commander, Space Delta 9, U.S. Space Force

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

BAE-systems-logo

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Luncheon: Northrop Grumman

Delivering Homeland Defense at Speed

In an era of rapidly evolving threats, there is no greater mission than defending the homeland. The increasing sophistication and volume of missile threats challenge our security and demand rapid and effective solutions. Next generation homeland defense depends on seamlessly integrated, multi-layered solutions from missile warning and tracking through intercept and missile defeat. Join this panel of industry, government, and military experts for a discussion on the innovative capabilities and ready-now solutions required to rapidly defend the homeland.  

 Moderator: Dr. Rob Fleming, Corporate Vice President and President, Northrop Grumman Space Systems

Panelists:

  • Gen. Maurice Barnett, Director of Plans & Policy, U.S. Space Command
  • Maj Gen Jason Cothern, Deputy Director, MDA 
  • Gen. Anthony Mastalir, Director, Global Space Operations, U.S. Space Command

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

5:00 pm - 6:15 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

International Military Leaders Reception

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

RTX

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

5:15 pm - 7:15 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Corporate Member Appreciation Reception

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Breakfast: Astra

America’s next space infrastructure isn’t on a roadmap. It’s already being built.

Join Astra for a Salon Breakfast and an off-the-floor conversation with Founder, Chairman, and CEO Chris Kemp on what it actually takes to manufacture launch and propulsion systems at scale, and what the next 12 months look like for one of the industry’s most capital-efficient builders.

Chris will give his unfiltered take on tactically responsive launch, satellite engines for the modern space economy, and a first look at Astra’s 2026 launch schedule — the kind of conversation that doesn’t happen on a main stage.

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Speaker

Co-Sponsor

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Breakfast: RTX

Strengthening Missile Defense with “Left of Launch” Solutions

Securing a strategic advantage in missile defense begins “Left of Launch”—the domain where early warning, preparation, and proactive measures create opportunities for deterrence and decisive response. This panel will examine the pivotal role of pre-launch capabilities within offensive and defensive Long-Range Kill Chains (LRKCs), emphasizing the importance of rigorous system testing to expose and resolve vulnerabilities, as well as the integration of information flows across intelligence and military domains. Panelists will underscore how robust “Left of Launch” solutions strengthen resilience by enabling early threat identification and mitigation, enhancing operational readiness, and fostering cross-domain collaboration. Through these efforts, stakeholders can ensure that forces remain prepared to act with speed, precision, and effectiveness against evolving missile threats.

  • Moderator: Dr. Erich Hernandez-Baquero, Vice President, Space ISR, Raytheon
  • Panelists:
    • Dan Chang, Area Executive, National Security, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory 
    • Matt Jenkins, Chief Space Systems Officer, Vantor
    • Dr. Gurpartap Sandhoo, Director, Space Development Agency

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

RTX

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Breakfast: Voyager Technologies

The Future of Commercial Operations – Scaling the Orbital Economy

As civil, commercial and national security priorities converge in low-Earth orbit, the next chapter of space activity will be defined by sustained operations, scalable infrastructure and economic durability.

The keynote and panel bring together Matt Kuta, president of Voyager Technologies, Matt Magaña, President of Space, Defense & National Security at Voyager Technologies; Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab; and representatives from the U.S. Space Force and NASA to explore how government and industry are building a resilient, commercially driven orbital economy.

Discussion will focus on government-led programs and commercially enabled platforms, the role of next-generation space stations in ensuring continuity beyond ISS, and how integrated capabilities — from mission management to advanced manufacturing and national security systems — are accelerating operational scale in orbit.

Panelists will explore how continued collaboration across government and industry can help ensure seamless capability transitions while expanding economic opportunity in orbit, and what it may take to move from demonstration to durable presence.

  • Keynote: Matthew Kuta, President, Voyager
  • Panelists:
    • Joel Graham, Associate Administrator, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, NASA
    • Lt. Gen. David Miller Jr., Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Strategy, Plans, Programs & Requirements, U.S. Space Force
    • Matt Magaña, President, Defense & National Security, Voyager Technologies
    • Marshall Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Starlab
    • Eric Stallmer, Executive Vice President, Global Government Affairs, Starlab and
      Voyager Technologies

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Voyager Technologies

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Breakfast: HawkEye 360

AI That Fits The Mission: What Delivers Results in Space-Based Sensing

Artificial intelligence is everywhere in space and defense conversations, yet too often the discussion stops at promises, risks, or model performance. AI creates value only when it aligns with the mission. As space-based remote sensing systems scale and operating environments grow more contested, the question is no longer whether to use AI, but how to design it to work within real constraints—bandwidth, latency, trust, and existing workflows. This discussion focuses on what works: mission-fit AI that supports analysts and operators, brings decision support closer to the sensor, and delivers actionable insights where and when it matters most.

  • Why AI creates real value for defense and government users only when it is designed around how missions are executed – timelines, workflows, trust boundaries, and operational constraints
  • How mission-fit AI augments analysts and operators through onboard processing, prioritization, and decision-ready outputs rather than generic analytics

 

  • Moderator: Nick Sinai, Senior Advisor, Insight Partners
  • Panelists: 
    • Dr. May Casterline, Director, Solution Architecture, NVIDIA
    • Barbara Golf, Executive Agent for Space Domain Awareness, U.S. Space Force 
    • Shayn Hawthorne, Principal Lead for Space, AWS National Security
    • Arpan Sura, Chief AI Officer, Federal Communications Commission

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

HawkEye 360

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

7:30 am - 8:45 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Astronaut Reunion Breakfast

By Invitation Only

Corporate Host

Co-Sponsor

Vast

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

7:30 am - 9:00 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Exhibitor Breakfast

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Luxembourg Space Agency Logo

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Luncheon: Aerospace Industries Association

The Aerospace Industries Association’s Space Policy Networking Luncheon offers an opportunity to connect and engage with space policy leaders, industry executives, and government stakeholders.

 

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

AIA Logo

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Luncheon: California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

California is a leader in the space industry, with unparalleled strategic assets and an unrivaled talent pool to launch the future of the sector.

  • Speakers:
    • Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to the Governor and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, California Governor’s Council
    • Col. James Horne, Commander, Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30) & Western Launch and Test Range, U.S. Space Force
    • Karan Kunjur, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, K2 Space
    • Caryn Schenewerk, Chief Policy Officer, Vast
    • Dr. Tahllee Baynard, Vice President, Ignite, Lockheed Martin

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

California Business and Economic Development

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Luncheon: Bank of America

Keeping the Stars Aligned in 2026 and Beyond: Investment Strategies for a Changing Space Landscape

Shifting defense priorities are accelerating both the militarization and commercialization of space, creating significant opportunities for companies aligned with national security objectives—while introducing new regulatory, geopolitical, and funding challenges. An expert panel, featuring leaders from established and emerging space companies, banking, and venture capital, will examine how these dynamics are reshaping investment strategies and the future of the space industry globally.

  • Moderator: Andrew Chassin, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Bank of America
  • Speakers
    • Ronald J. Epstein, Managing Director, Americas Equity Research, Bank of America
    • Dr. Shahin Farshchi, PhD, Partner, Lux Capital
    • Matthew Kuta, President and Co-Founder, Voyager Technologies
    • Eric Romo, President and Chief Operating Officer, Impulse Space
    • Max Vozoff, Chief Technology Officer, X-Bow Systems Inc. 

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Luncheon: JobsOhio

Commercial Space Disruptors and Their Contributions to Defense and Civil Space

  • Moderator: Gen. Lester Lyles, USAF (Ret.), Chairman, NASA Advisory Council
  • Speakers
    • Dr. Nicola Fox, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA 
    • Jason Kim, Chief Executive Officer, Firefly
    • Maj. Gen. Stephen G. Purdy, Jr., USSF

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

JobsOhio

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Thursday, April 16, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Breakfast: Leonardo DRS

Enabling Space-Based Kill Chains for Homeland Defense

  • Speakers:
    • David Bradley, Vice President, Space & Strategy, Leonardo DRS
    • Col. Alexander Rasmussen, Chief Capabilities Officer, Space Development Agency
    • Raymond Sharp, Vice President, Missile Defense Integration Business Unit, Northrop Grumman
    • Lt. Gen. Richard Zellmann, Deputy Commander, U.S. Space Command

If you are interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor

Leonardo DRS

Thursday, April 16, 2026

12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

Track:

Location: The Broadmoor Hotel

Salon Luncheon: Exploration Laboratories LLC

The State of Planetary Defense, protecting Earth and building repeatable deep-space mission capability

State of Planetary Defense, protecting Earth and building repeatable deep-space mission capability, is an annual strategic forum on humanity’s readiness to detect, characterize, and defend against asteroid threats, and the emerging public-private models that will scale planetary defense and asteroid science. Launching at the 2026 Space Symposium and continuing each year through 2029, the series culminates during asteroid Apophis’ historic close approach to Earth, a milestone that will elevate planetary defense from a niche discipline to a global priority.
The 2026 program is structured in two parts: Part I focuses on today’s planetary defense readiness, what’s working, what’s missing, and how industry will coordinate to close the gap. Part II shifts to the next era, new partnership and mission models that enable repeatable asteroid missions and sustained deep-space science programs.
  • Moderator: James Orsulak, Co-Founder, ExLabs, Chairman, Planetary Defense Trust
  • Speakers:
    • Dr. David Bearden, Manager, Office of Strategic Planning, NASA JPL(confirmed)
    • Dr. Edward Lu, Head, Asteroid Institute & Founder, B612 Foundation

If interested in being invited, contact [email protected], and we will forward your request to the sponsor.

By Invitation Only

Co-Sponsor