From Ground to Orbit: IonQ Outlines a Full-Stack Quantum Future at spaceNEXT 2026
Jordan Shapiro of IonQ outlined how the company — alongside Pioneer Sponsor Capella Space — is building a full-stack quantum platform spanning compute, networking, security, sensing, and space infrastructure. From optical clocks to quantum-secure satellite relays, IonQ’s vision connects ground networks to orbit in pursuit of commercial quantum advantage.
JivaJet Introduces Air-Breathing Plasma Propulsion to Unlock Ultra VLEO at spaceNEXT 2026
At spaceNEXT 2026, JivaJet CTO Dr. Anmol Taploo introduced a breakthrough air-breathing plasma thruster designed to unlock Ultra Very Low Earth Orbit (80–150 km). By using atmospheric air as propellant, JivaJet aims to reduce launch costs, eliminate debris risk, and enable adaptive VLEO platforms for ISR, IoT, and edge AI.
George Mason University Calls for Ecosystem-Driven Innovation at spaceNEXT 2026
At spaceNEXT 2026, George Mason University Dean Cody Edwards outlined why the next era of space commerce will be defined not by rockets alone, but by talent mobilization, integrated research, and ecosystem-driven collaboration. Positioned at the intersection of policy, technology, and mission execution, Mason is building the academic foundation for the new space economy.
Artemis II & spaceNEXT: From “We Will Go” to “We Will Build”
As Artemis II prepares to launch, the United States is answering Kennedy’s Moonshot again. This time, the question isn’t just where we’re going — it’s who will build the space economy that follows.
Greater Washington: Built to Lead the New Space Economy
Greater Washington is built to lead the new space economy. From policy and mission-grade engineering to life sciences, data, and cybersecurity, this region operates as one integrated platform for space innovation.
Accenture Joins inaugural spacenext as pioneer sponsor
Accenture joins spaceNEXT 2026 as a Pioneer Sponsor, bringing deep expertise in enterprise platforms, satellite data integration, and commercialization readiness as space becomes critical infrastructure for global industries.
George Mason University Joins spaceNEXT as Lead Academic Partner
George Mason University, one of the nation’s most innovative and fastest-growing public research universities, will serve as the Lead Academic Partner for spaceNEXT, the inaugural global convening focused on the commercialization of space and a flagship program of Connected DMV’s Potomac Center for the New Space Economy.
CAPELLA SPACE NAMED PIONEER SPONSOR FOR INAUGURAL SPACENEXT 2026
Capella Space, a global leader in high-resolution, all-weather synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, will serve as a leading Pioneer Sponsor of spaceNEXT 2026.
New Dates Announced for spaceNEXT: February 18–20, 2026
Connected DMV announced that the inaugural spaceNEXT convening will now take place February 18–20, 2026, at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia.
CONNECTED DMV LAUNCHES SPACE INNOVATION CENTER
Connected DMV today unveiled the Potomac Center for New Space Economy (connecteddmv.org/space), a next-generation growth initiative built to strengthen the Greater Washington region’s position as a global leader in the rapidly expanding space commercialization sector.