The launchpad for the new space economy

The global space economy is shifting. As launch costs fall and commercial access to orbit expands, a new era is emerging—one defined by next-generation in-space infrastructure, services, and new industries. The new space economy is no longer science fiction. It’s being built now.

SpaceNext is where that future comes into focus

spaceNEXT is operated by Connected DMV, a nonprofit that brings together Greater Washington’s collective assets and brightest minds to deliver initiatives that have the power to fundamentally reshape our physical, digital, economic, and social infrastructure. Closely aligned to its Commercialization of Space initiative, spaceNEXT brings together the people and institutions building this next-generation economy, from space, aerospace, and adjacent industry and technology leaders, including government, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, academia, and partners from like-minded countries.

The event supports Connected DMV’s work to position Greater Washington as a global hub for space-based enterprise and innovation. It reflects the region’s unique strength at the intersection of policy, technology, diplomacy, and infrastructure, and its ambition to lead in the industries of tomorrow.

This isn’t just a convening. It’s a launch point.

A stylized rocket launching into space with flames and smoke beneath it, stars, the moon, and a starry sky in the background.
This is spaceNEXT
Illustration of a woman astronaut in a space suit with a helmet, looking to the right, against a starry background with shooting stars.
November 11 and 12 2025
Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia
People in a control room watching a spaceship launch through a large window.
Where the future of the new space economy takes flight
Illustration of planets, stars, and a rocket in space. Multiple colorful planets with different sizes and textures, a rocket ship, and stars scattered across the dark space background.