What to expect at SpaceNext

spaceNEXT is the first-of-its-kind global conference, exposition, and networking series and attracts a cross-sector, multidisciplinary audience. It showcases major trends in solutions, research, education, workforce, thought leadership, policy, business, and investment.

SpaceNext is where the new space economy lifts off

spaceNEXT will feature mainstage conversations, strategy sessions, workshops, and cross-sector working groups focused on accelerating the growth of the new space economy. Expect bold ideas, practical insights, and real momentum.

PROGRAM OVERVIEw

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

SpaceNEXT kicks off with a full day dedicated to deep dive learning and strategic collaboration. Attendees will engage in a series of interactive workshops focused on critical topics in the commercialization of space, from investment to regulatory navigation. The day is anchored by the inaugural International Commercialization of Space Forum, featuring policy and industry leaders from around the globe.

  • 9AM-2PM | Workshops

  • 3-5PM | International Space Commercialization Forum

  • 6-9PM | VIP Dinner at the Embassy of Finland

  • 5-8PM | Networking & Drinks Event

Thursday, February 19, 2026

The second day opens with networking, the opening of the Exhibit Hall, and morning plenary sessions honoring breakthrough achievements with keynotes from global industry, academia, and government leaders.  The afternoon offers three specialized break-out tracks including In-Space Manufacturing and Research, Space Infrastructure and Support Services, and Enabling Technology & Governance.  The day concludes with our celebratory Opening Reception.   

  • 9AM | Opening: President’s Own’ United States Marine Band Brass Quintet

  • 9-11:30AM | Plenary Session

  • 12:30-5PM | Breakout Tracks   

    • Space Infrastructure & Support Services 

    • In-Space Manufacturing & Research

    • Enabling Technology & Governance

  • 5-7PM | Opening Reception: Sponsored by Capella Space

Friday, February 20, 2026

The final day begins with networking, the exhibit hall, and a morning plenary with talks and keynotes from industry, academia, and government. The afternoon offers two specialized break-out tracks including Space Infrastructure and Support Services and Enabling Technology & Governance, as well as the inaugural National Space Economy Updates, delivered by global leaders.  The day concludes with a celebratory Closing Reception. 

  • 9-11:30AM | Plenary Session

  • 12:30-3PM | Breakout Tracks: 

    • Space Infrastructure & Support Services

    • Enabling Technology & Governance 

  • 12:30-3PM | National Updates on Space Commercialization

  • 3-5PM | Closing Reception

SpaceNEXT ignites the conversations that push space commercialization forward — through mainstage moments, technical sessions, workshops, and collaborative working groups. Explore the featured panels and talks:

  • Cybersecurity and Resiliency for Critical Space Assets

  • The New Frontier of On-Orbit Servicing and Satellite Life Extension

  • In-Orbit Manufacturing, Assembly, and the Cislunar Supply Chain

  • The Rise of Autonomous Systems and AI in Space Operations

  • Charting the Next Decade of Public-Private Space Exploration

  • The Revolution in Responsive and Reusable Launch Systems

  • The Evolving Legal Framework for Space Traffic Management

  • Building the Infrastructure for a Sustainable Lunar Economy

  • Scaling In-Space Manufacturing from R&D to Industrial Production

  • The Astronaut of 2050: Skillsets for the New Space Workforce

  • The Hurdles of Pharmaceutical Research in Microgravity

  • The Tech and Policy Behind Space Debris Mitigation and Remediation

  • How Space Will Solve Our Biggest Problems on Earth

  • How the Space-as-a-Service Model is Fueling the Next Commercial Wave

  • Next-Generation Communications for Deep Space and Earth Orbit

  • Growing Flawless Semiconductor Crystals in Space

  • How Asteroid Mining and In-Situ Resources Will Redefine Wealth on Earth

  • The Future of Fiber Optics is Made in Orbit

  • Drones for In-Space Servicing, Logistics, and Assembly

  • Navigating Risk and Liability in Commercial Space Operation

  • Forging the Law of Space for a Crowded Cosmos

  • Advanced Propulsion and In-Space Energy Solutions

  • The Roadmap for Asteroid Resource Extraction and In-Situ Utilization

  • Why Space is Humanity's Ultimate Insurance Policy

  • The Future of Cooperative Autonomous Systems in Space

  • Merging Human and Artificial Intelligence for Deep Space Exploration

  • The Promise of On-Orbit Additive Manufacturing and Repair

  • Ground Stations-as-a-Service and the Future of Space Data

  • Enabling the Space Nuclear System Industry for American Space Superiority

  • De-Risking and Financing the First Generation of Space Factories

  • Building the Next Generation Aerospace Workforce Talent

  • Innovations in Orbital Debris Removal and Space

  • How Art, Culture, and Philosophy Will Evolve in an Off-World Society

  • Robotics and Automation for On-Orbit Construction

  • In-Space Forging of Next Generation Supermaterials

  • Space Based Solar Power

  • The Moral Imperative of a Self-Sustaining Mars Colony

  • Turning Orbital Debris into Manufacturing Feedstock

  • Protecting Critical Space Assets from Digital Threats

  • Transforming Space Missions with Next-Generation Algorithms for On-Orbit Computing

Opportunities to participate in panels and talks are still available. Contact our programming team to discuss involvement.

Featured Panels & Talks

Space isn’t just a frontier anymore. It’s driving a new economy—and it’s scaling fast.

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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.
Where the future of the new space economy takes flight
February 18-20, 2026
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Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia
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